Slow Download Speeds on Cell Phones

TOPICS:

Does your cell phone have slow upload and download speeds? As an online electronic products retailer, we’re quick to recommend you get a cell phone signal booster system. These devices take the faintest of cell phone signals and amplify them. This enhances the calls and texts you send and receive simultaneously. The result: far fewer dropped calls, missed texts, and interrupted data. As useful as cell phone boosters are, these devices can’t fix every case of slow cell phone speeds.

If I’ve learned anything from working here at Solid Signal, it’s that there are few easy answers. Stuart Sweet’s taught me that. For example, ask him how much range a certain TV antenna has. He won’t just say, “It’s about 60 miles.” Instead, he’ll tell you the antenna’s UHF range compared to its VHF range, and why that is. (The devil is in the details, as the old saying goes.) This is why I wasn’t surprised to learn that there are some reasons for slow cell phone speeds that a booster can’t fix. Like I said, it’s those small details you have to watch out for.

Here are five things that can cause slow speeds that a cell phone booster can’t fix:

1. Older Cell Phones

Is your device older than one or two model generations. That’s practically ancient history as far as cell phones are concerned. If you have an older device, it won’t matter how strong your cellular signal is. The cell phone won’t have enough memory or processor speeds to transfer data at speeds that keep up with newer cell phones. Our advice: get a new cell iPad or Samsung cell phone to enjoy the best features and benefits, including faster speeds.

2. Outdated OS or Firmware

Speaking of things that are out of date, when is the last time you checked for an OS or firmare update? (Hint: these are typically offered by your cell phone’s manufacturer.) If you don’t have the latest versions of these programs, you can expect slow speeds when trying to upload or download data. Perhaps it’s time you updated your phone? That’s what we recommend.

3. App or Site Issues

Have you updated the apps on your cell phone? If not, you shouldn’t be surprised if you’re facing slow data speeds. (It’s similar to not updating your desktop or laptop.) Also, if you’re trying to download from an old website, you’ll deal with slow data even if your cell signal is strong. Make sure everything on your phone is updated, and be choosy about the websites you visit.

4. Traffic During Peak Times

It’s fairly common for busy apps and sites to run slowly during peak usage times. Make note of the peak usage times in your area and try your best to work around them if you can.

5. Viruses and/or Malware

Phones get infected in much the same way that computers do. If you’re phone is affected by a virus or malware, it could practically grind your processing power and data speeds to a halt. Other signs that your phone is under attack include increased data usage, excessive app crashing, and adware pop-ups. If your phone bill is higher than normal and/or your phone has unfamiliar apps, you might have been hacked. Even excessive overheating can alert you to the presence of a virus or malware.

If you’re phone has any of the above symptoms, you might need to remove a virus from your Android or iPhone. If you’re a regular cell phone user, you probably know how to do this. If not, you can find plenty of step-by-stop tutorials online. Just search for “removing viruses and malware from Android (or iPhone).” You’ll find what you need. One last tip: malware isn’t as much of a threat as long as you stay on the Google, Amazon, or Apple approved stores.

If None of These Are the Case…

… then you have a connection issue and you need a cell phone booster. There’s no two ways about it. Chance are good that your home is too far from the nearest cell phone tower, or you drive in and out of bad cellular zones. Yes, there are certain types of cell phones that are mounted to cars, trucks, and SUVs. You can even mount these devices on boats to help reduce or eliminate dropped calls and missed texts.

Do you struggle with slow upload and download speeds? Cell phone boosters improve these speeds at home, on the road, and even on the water. If getting and sending data is important to you – it’s important to just about anyone living in today’s modern world – then you need a cell phone booster in your home or vehicle. It’s the best way to stay connected at home or on the go, especially at a time when cell phone communication is so vital to most Americans.

We’re Your Cell Phone Booster Experts

Whether you need a cell phone booster or want to know more about them before you make your decision, our Signal Connect division can help. These folks are cell booster experts who’ve supplied hundreds of these devices to homes, vehicles, and boats across the country. We recommend you give them a call. Our team will answer your questions to help you better understand these devices. Signal Connect carries a full line of weBoost and Wilson cell phone boosters. If you need a product recommendation, our team will match you with the best cell phone booster.

We can’t talk about cell phone boosters without talking about cell phones and wireless plans. That’s because Signal Connect is an AT&T Authorized Dealer. We also provide AT&T wireless plans as well as iPad and Samsung cell phone devices. Signal Connect offers a variety of discounts and promotions on these phones and wireless services, including a discount for qualified first responders and military personnel. To find out if you qualify for these promotions, call Signal Connect at 888-233-7563 or fill out the form below then click “submit.” A member of our team will contact you in one business day or less.

About the Author

Jake Buckler
Jake Buckler is a cord-cutter, consumer electronics geek, and Celtic folk music fan. Those qualities, and his writing experience, helped him land a copywriting gig at Signal Group, LLC. He also contributes to The Solid Signal Blog.