Broadband has become an essential utility in today’s digital age, particularly as remote work becomes increasingly prevalent. The demand for reliable and fast rural broadband speed beyond personal use, as many individuals now rely on it for their professional needs, makes it crucial for home-based workers to stay connected and productive. And with thousands of remote working opportunities currently available in rural Ireland, there will be many more people reliant on rural broadband in the future.
For those living in more remote areas, however, it can often be challenging to achieve fast and reliable internet connectivity. In this article, we explore the reasons behind slower rural broadband speeds and share some valuable tips for improving your connection.
Why is rural broadband speed often slower?
The primary reason rural broadband tends to be slower is the lack of infrastructure in remote areas. As cities and towns have higher population densities, telecommunication companies prioritise investment in these regions. This leaves rural areas with limited infrastructure, resulting in weaker signals and slower internet speeds.
Moreover, long distances between homes and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can also contribute to reduced signal strength and slower connections. This issue is exacerbated when there are obstacles such as hills, trees and buildings that further weaken signals.
What can you do to improve slow rural broadband speed?
Know your rural broadband speed
Before trying to improve your broadband speed, it’s essential to know the speed of your current connection. You can use an online test to measure your download and upload speeds.
By understanding your baseline, you’ll be better equipped to assess the effectiveness of any changes you make to improve your connection.
Upgrade your router
If you’re using an old router, it may not be able to handle higher speeds. Check your router’s capabilities and consider upgrading to a newer model that can support higher speeds.
Reposition the router
The location of your Wi-Fi router can significantly impact your internet speed. Routers should be placed in a central location in your home, away from appliances or electronic devices that may cause interference. Ideally, the router should be elevated and not obstructed by furniture or other objects.
Repositioning your router can help improve your Wi-Fi signal strength and, in turn, your internet speed.
Minimise bandwidth use
There might be devices connected to your router that you’re not even aware of. Limiting the number of devices connected to your network at one time can improve your connection. To see what devices are connected, open a web browser and enter your router’s login URL or default IP address. You can usually find these on the back or bottom of your router or with the documents that came with it. Disconnect any devices that you don’t need and see if this improves your speed.
Invest in a signal booster
If your signal is weak, a booster might help. It amplifies the signal from your ISP, potentially leading to faster speeds.
Check for interference
Other electronics (like microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones) can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. Try to position these appliances away from your router or switch to a different Wi-Fi channel.
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Try using ethernet instead of Wi-Fi
Wired connections are typically faster and more stable than wireless ones. If you can’t improve your Wi-Fi speeds, try connecting your most important devices directly to your router using an Ethernet cable.
Switch broadband providers
If you’ve tried optimising your current setup and are still experiencing slow speeds, it may be time to consider switching broadband providers.
Look for a provider that specialises in rural broadband services and has a proven track record in delivering fast and reliable connections in remote areas.
Experience a faster rural broadband speed with Wireless Connect
At Wireless Connect, we understand the frustration of dealing with unreliable broadband daily. We saw the challenges that homes and businesses – particularly in rural communities – were facing, so we developed a purpose-built infrastructure to bring high-speed broadband to rural Ireland, specifically in Kildare, Laois, Offaly and Tipperary.
By focusing on providing better signals and coverage in these regions, we have created a reliable network that can deliver super-fast Wi-Fi speeds to every room in your home.
If you’re experiencing slow rural broadband and are looking for a reliable solution, consider Wireless Connect. We are committed to providing high-speed broadband to residential customers in rural Ireland, helping you stay connected in today’s digital age.
Contact us today to find out more.