Forum Discussion
T-Mobile home internet sooooo slow!!!
I just signed up for T-Mobile home internet. The advertised download and upload speeds were more than sufficient for my usage. However, I received the Gateway and set it up this weekend, and the internet speed is TERRIBLE! It takes forever to load ANY website-- not anything fancy-- literally just a website. And I am unable to stream even just audio from the radio or a podcast. This is crazy. What can I do? I'm on the "Rely" level, but I don't think upgrading to a higher tier will help given that the Rely was supposed to be delivering speeds of 87-318 Mbps, and it's barely delivering 10! This is in spite of TMobile assuring me my address would have excellent coverage. Also, I would like to test out different locations for the Gateway in my house, but every time you move it, you have to unplug it and it has to shut down and reboot. Can anyone suggest a way to be able to keep it powered while I carry it around my house looking for the best signal? Can I get a power bank and just plug it into there? What kind of power bank would I need -- would it have to be rated to 15w 2.9A? I tried using the placement assistant in the TMobile app, but it told me to place it in an area where it's only getting 2 bars. Thanks for the help.
Yes, I used the T-Life app placement assistant, and placed it exactly where it suggested. And I've placed it right next to a window, and rotated it in every direction. It does not go above 2 bars on the Gateway display, and the speeds remain terrible (in spite of a strong wifi signal between the Gateway to my device). My demands have been ridiculously low -- often just a single device, just trying to load a basic webpage. I am going to cancel the service -- this is not something that can be fixed with an extra twist or tweak......
I too am frustrated with very slow speeds .5 MB - 7MB, almost always in the evening. I have a minimum 3 bars connectivity and the connection between equipment and router is solid. Even in the best case, internet speeds are never what was promised. That said, my needs aren't demanding - 4K TV, audio streaming, web surfing, and I only use one device at a time. Running speed tests, upload speeds are usually faster than download speeds. If I can't listen to digital music and watch HD TV, on my schedule, I'm afraid I'll have to consider alternatives.
Same in Hudson WI last 2 weeks very slow
You can look for technical documentation for your router to see the power requirement. A power brick may work...but routers can demand quite a bit.
I guess you are aware that the T-Life app has signal quality metrics you should be looking at as you move your router around, Be aware that there are internal antennas that are directional, so even rotating your router can make a difference. For best-case, you can try getting high up in your house by an open window on the side facing your cell tower.
There is also the option of adding a third-party external antenna.
