Is Your Carrier Slowing Down Your Internet Connection?

Lately, your Internet connection has been so slow that you’re not able to access a web page or load an app. What gives? Before blaming your mobile carrier, try boosting your Internet with the Accelerate Internet feature. Accelerate Internet will speed up your Internet connection by closing apps that are running in the background of your phone. This will allow your phone to concentrate on the current task you want to perform, as opposed to a bunch of other tasks that slow down things, such as refreshing your apps. Click here to quickly speed up your connection:

Read More: What Will AT&T’s Upcoming 5G Network Look Like?

You’re Guaranteed Only So Much Full-Speed Data Per Month

Many of the major carriers (such as AT&T and Verizon) offer “unlimited” monthly data — to an extent. For example, Verizon and AT&T offer full-speed data for the first 22GB that you use. After that, they will slow down your connection until the next billing cycle. If your Internet connection has slowed dramatically all of a sudden, then this could be why. Check your monthly data usage to see if your carrier is responsible for your slow Internet.

You’re Using an Alternative Mobile Carrier

Alternative mobile carriers are often cheaper than the mobile carriers that dominate the market. A plan from an alternative mobile carrier may be cheaper, but you’ll likely sacrifice some of the benefits of using one of the big carriers. Alternative mobile carriers typically buy access to one of the three main carriers’ networks, and then resell that network space at a discounted rate to customers. Because of that, service for an AT&T customer, for example, will be a priority over service for a Cricket Wireless customer.

In exchange for a cheaper plan, you may experience poor quality service, especially during peak usage times or an emergency situation. These alternative carriers are also not responsible for the quality of your service — it’s right there in your contract when you sign up. If you’ve been experiencing poor service regularly with your carrier, then it may be time to switch it up. There are plenty of more affordable mobile carriers with better service (like Project Fi or Sprint) — you just need to find one that works best in your area and for your needs.