Why Is My Internet Slow? 7 Common Reasons and How to Fix Them

We get it — nothing is more frustrating than paying for fast internet and not getting the performance you expect. As your Internet Service Provider, we want you to enjoy every megabit you’re paying for. If your connection feels slower than it should, don’t worry — there are several common reasons (many fixable!) that could be causing it.

Here’s a breakdown of what might be going on, and how you can take back control of your speed:

1. Your Wi-Fi Setup Might Be the Bottleneck

Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s not always the most efficient way to access high-speed internet — especially if you’re far from your router, have thick walls, or are using an outdated router. Even if we’re delivering full speed to your modem, weak Wi-Fi can make it feel like your connection is crawling.

What You Can Do:

• Move closer to your router or place your router in a central location.
• Upgrade to a dual-band or tri-band router that has Wi-Fi 6 technology…hint hint, nudge nudge – Execulink’s Complete Wi-Fi solution.
• Use a mesh Wi-Fi system if you have a large home or areas with poor signal.

2. Too Many Devices Competing for Bandwidth

Smartphones, smart TVs, gaming consoles, security cameras, tablets — they all add up. If multiple devices are streaming, gaming, or downloading at the same time, your bandwidth is being shared across them.

What You Can Do:

• Check how many devices are connected to your network.
• Set bandwidth limits or priorities (Quality of Service settings) on your router if your router has this type of functionality.
• Set up a Guest Network on your router – a separate Wi-Fi network for friends and family to use when they visit.
• Consider upgrading your Internet plan if your household’s needs have grown.

3. Background Apps and Updates Are Using Data

Your computer or other devices might be running updates, syncing cloud files, or uploading backups — all of which can slow down your connection, especially during peak usage times.

What You Can Do:

• Check for background processes using bandwidth.
• Close all those apps on your phone that you aren’t using.
• Schedule updates for overnight.
• Turn off push-notifications.
• Reboot your devices, modem, and router.

4. Outdated Hardware Is Holding You Back

If your modem or router is several years old, it may not be capable of handling today’s higher speeds. Even Ethernet ports and cables can be speed-limited if they’re not rated for gigabit speeds.

What You Can Do:

• Ask us to check if your modem and router support the speeds of your current Internet plan.
• Use CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet cables for wired connections directly to the router instead of using Wi-Fi.

5. Network Congestion or External Factors

Occasionally, slow speeds come from outside your home — network congestion during peak hours, weather impacts (for fixed wireless users), or even temporary maintenance or outages in your area.

What You Can Do:

• Run speed tests at different times of day.
• Contact support to find out if there are any outages in your area.
• Use wired connections for critical tasks when possible.

6. Old Wiring in Your Home Could Be Slowing You Down

This one’s often overlooked. If your home has older telephone wiring (for DSL), coaxial cables (for Cable Internet) or outdated Ethernet cables, it could be silently sabotaging your connection.

What You Can Do:

• Have a tech inspect your phone lines or coaxial cables for corrosion or damage. Make sure the cables are high quality and in good shape.
• Consider professional rewiring if your home is decades old or was never optimized for modern internet usage.

7. Your Plan Isn’t Right for Your Usage

Sometimes, it’s not a technical issue — your needs have just changed. If your household now includes remote workers, gamers, or heavy streamers, your old plan might not cut it anymore.

What You Can Do:

• Review your current internet plan and compare it with your household’s current usage.
• Reach out to us (or check online)— we can check your options and recommend the best plan for your needs.
• Upgrade your plan if you know what you need.

Let’s Work Together

At the end of the day, we’re here to help. We want your experience to be smooth, fast, and frustration-free. Have you downloaded the Execulink Helps App? Execulink Helps will diagnose Wi-Fi coverage issues, speed issues, help with buffering and network drop offs, and much more. If you’ve run through these steps and are still having issues, reach out to our support team. We’ll help you diagnose the problem and get you back up to speed — literally.