7 Reasons Why Your 4G is Slow & How to Overcome It

Woman on phone
Woman on phone

Are you experiencing slow 4G speeds on your mobile device and looking for solutions? In this article, we’re going to explore the seven most common reasons why your 4G connection might be slow and take a look at some practical and easy to do tips to try and improve it. Additionally, we’re going to look at whether a mobile signal booster might be the solution you need to improve your 4G. By understanding the factors affecting your 4G speed and implementing the suggestions provided, you can achieve faster and more reliable mobile internet connectivity.

Signal Boosters can overcome slow speeds caused by low signal strength, low RSRQ signal quality and these are usually caused by distance from the base station or the insulated materials used on the outside of the building. The 4G signal boosters will broadcast across the 800Mhz, 1800Mhz and 2600Mhz bands to ensure fast reliable data transmission.

 You can call our support team at +44 1245 791964 or email us at [email protected] to get started. 

Top 7 Reasons Why Your 4G is slow & How to Overcome It

Reason 1 – Network Congestion

Network congestion, especially in densely populated areas, can significantly impact 4G speeds. During peak usage times, such as rush hours or busy events, the demand for network resources may exceed the available capacity, resulting in slower connections. To counteract this, you can try accessing 4G services during off-peak hours when network traffic is lower. Alternatively, consider moving to a less crowded area or using public Wi-Fi networks where available. These aren’t great alternatives, but it may help you to understand why your 4G speed dips at certain times of the day, or when you’re in a specific location. 

Reason 2 – Signal Strength and Coverage

Inadequate signal strength and coverage can hamper your 4G experience. Factors such as distance from cell towers, building materials, and geographical barriers can weaken your signal. To improve signal strength, ensure that your device is in an open area with minimal obstructions. You can also try moving closer to a window or higher floor for better coverage. Additionally, consider using a mobile signal booster to strengthen your 4G signal at home or in areas with poor reception. While you may be able to enhance or improve your signal by walking around, a mobile signal booster will be able to provide coverage throughout your property and improve the signal quality, allowing you to stay at your desk when you need to be connected. 

Reason 3 –  Device Limitations

Outdated or low-end devices might struggle to provide optimal 4G speeds. Older devices might not support the newer 4G technologies or they might have slower processors that limit their ability to process data quickly. If you are experiencing consistently slow speeds, consider upgrading to a newer device that supports the latest 4G standards, such as LTE Cat 6 or higher, you should see an improvement in your internet speed and overall browsing experience.

Reason 4 – Background Apps

Having too many apps running in the background and using up your device’s available resources can result in slower 4G speeds. Close unnecessary apps running in the background, disable automatic app updates, and limit data-intensive processes like cloud backups or large file downloads while using your 4G connection. By managing app usage you can free up network resources for your device and potentially improve your 4G speeds.

Reason 5 – Data Throttling

Some mobile service providers impose data throttling policies, where your 4G speeds are intentionally slowed after exceeding a certain data threshold. Check if your data plan includes any limitations like this that you might not be aware of, if they do include them consider upgrading to an unlimited or higher-tier plan to avoid speed restrictions. If you are on an unlimited plan, check with your provider that you are not subject to any hidden fair usage policy that might result in slower speeds.

Reason 6 – SIM Card Issues

Believe it or not, something as simple as a  faulty or outdated SIM card can affect your 4G speeds. Make sure that your SIM card is correctly inserted and it’s still in good condition and request a replacement if necessary. A new SIM card is a simple fix that can often resolve speed-related issues.

Reason 7 – Mobile Signal Boosters

If you have tried the above steps and you are still struggling with slow 4G speeds, consider using a commercial or home mobile signal booster. These devices work by capturing existing 4G signals from outside your building, amplifying them, and rebroadcasting the strong signal indoors. By improving signal strength and reducing interference, mobile signal boosters can help alleviate slow 4G speeds and improve your overall mobile connectivity experience. Before purchasing a signal booster, ensure it complies with UK regulations, specifically the UK Office of Communications (Ofcom) guidelines. At Mobile Signal Solutions we offer free remote estimates, site surveys and bespoke fittings for mobile boosting solutions, so get in touch with one of our team members today if you feel like this might be the solution for you.
Experiencing slow 4G speeds can be frustrating, but by understanding the common reasons behind it and addressing the issue with some of these solutions, you can improve your speeds and connectivity. Factors such as network congestion, signal strength and coverage, device limitations, background apps, data throttling, and SIM card issues all play a role in your 4G experience.

Additionally, consider using mobile signal boosters to improve your 4G connectivity, particularly in areas with weak signals and if you are unsure of which mobile signal booster system to use then get in touch with our team at Mobile Signal Solutions. By applying the tips and recommendations provided in this article, you can optimize your 4G speeds and enjoy faster and more reliable mobile internet in the UK.

Also Read: Top 10 Advantages of using Mobile Signal Boosters

Previous articleTop 10 Advantages of using Mobile Signal Boosters
Next article4G vs. LTE: Understanding the Difference
The Mobile Signal Solutions Team is a group of highly skilled and celfi certified professionals providing reliable communication solutions for businesses. With extensive experience in the field and a passion for staying at the forefront of technology, our team has established as an expert in the industry. In addition to our core services, we also share our expertise and industry knowledge through our blog writing. Our blog covers topics related to mobile signal solutions, technology, and best practices to help businesses stay informed and connected.