I recently moved into a basement apartment and opted for T-Mobile's 5G internet because of their affordable pricing and flexible return options. However, I'm experiencing slow download speeds on my new gaming PC. At first, I connected via a LAN cable, but that seemed to make it worse. I then switched to WiFi and placed the router by the window, which helped a little, but I'm still facing issues. Right now, a 32 GB game shows a 2 to 3 hour download time, and my speed test results are 50 Mbps download, 2 Mbps upload, and 29 ms latency, which the test labels as "very fast." The router usually shows 2 to 3 bars, and despite decent 5G coverage in my Upstate New York suburb, the speed isn't cutting it. I'm within the 14-day return window and thinking about switching to a more traditional wired provider, though it would be pricier. Could living in a basement impact my internet speed?
2 Answers
5G has weaker penetration than older technologies because it relies on higher frequency (5GHz) signals, which struggle more with walls and obstacles. If you switch providers but stay on the same network type, you probably won't see much improvement. Consider optical or wired options, which don't rely as much on signal strength.
Wireless internet, especially cellular like 5G, is very dependent on line of sight. For a better experience, ideally, the router should be on an upper floor or at least in a location where it can get a clear signal. You might have better luck with something that has a more direct path to the cell tower nearby or even an external antenna if you're keen on keeping 5G.
Sounds like my decision is getting clearer. I've noticed my downloads cutting in and out constantly. I think I'm going to switch to Spectrum on Monday. It's more expensive and comes with contracts, but I really need a faster connection.
I’m looking into going with Spectrum and just using a LAN cable straight to the router from the internet connection instead. Definitely ditching 5G—sorry if I didn't explain that well!