Forum Discussion
Troubleshooting Slow Connection and Hotspot Issues on T-Mobile Internet
Hi T-Mobile Community,
I’ve been experiencing ongoing issues with my T-Mobile internet, especially concerning my home and business internet connection. My laptop frequently drops the connection or has very slow speeds, even though I have a full signal on my phone’s hotspot. I've had no issues before, but starting in November, this problem has become constant.
I’ve checked all the usual fixes resetting the router, rebooting my devices, and even resetting my hotspot settings but nothing seems to work. I rely heavily on the internet for work, especially on my 14 inch AMD laptop, and this problem is really starting to affect productivity. Whether I’m using the internet at home or through a hotspot, the connection is slow and unreliable.
Has anyone else faced similar issues, or does anyone have suggestions for getting my T-Mobile internet back to normal? Is there a specific setting I need to change, or could there be an issue on T-Mobile’s end that’s causing these slow speeds?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can share!
TMobile did change something fairly significant with the latest v1.00.13 firmware for the G4AR gateway. Since the update, I have been having slow speeds on my MacBook and iPhone even though I have full bars on the gateway. I run a speedtest and I barely get 1 Mbps when I notice it is slow. All I do is turn off my WiFi on either device, rerun the speedtest, and I am back to download speeds around 400+ Mbps. I also noticed that in the TLife app under Advanced Cellular Metrics, that LTE was showing no signal where as before, it showed either excellent or good. So I got to doing some research and found the firmware update that explains everything. It appears TMobile has turned off LTE and has transfered to the 5G Standalone enablement which basically means they operate on a 5G network that operates independently of the existing 4G LTE infrastructure.
5G SA Enablement
5G Standalone (SA) enablement refers to the process of deploying and utilizing a 5G network that operates independently of the existing 4G LTE infrastructure. This standalone architecture includes a 5G core network, radio access network (RAN), and enhanced transport capabilities, which together support network slicing and edge computing, enabling tailored services for specific use cases.45
Operators are increasingly focusing on standalone 5G networks due to their potential to deliver improved latency, network slicing, and IoT capabilities, which are crucial for enterprise services and creating new revenue streams.4 However, the transition to standalone 5G requires significant investment in OSS/BSS (Operations Support Systems and Business Support Systems) to ensure service performance visibility and adherence to service level agreements (SLAs).4
Service providers like Deutsche Telekom offer 5G SA Roaming Enablement services that provide secure interconnect between 5G networks, ensuring end-to-end confidentiality and integrity for roaming messages.2 These services are designed to support business needs by enhancing security while reducing cost and complexity.2
Despite the benefits, standalone 5G deployment faces challenges such as the need for extensive mid-band coverage and densification, which can be time-consuming and costly.5 Additionally, some users, particularly in Canada, have reported difficulties in accessing standalone 5G services from providers like Bell, highlighting the ongoing transition and implementation challenges.3
In summary, 5G standalone enablement is a critical step towards realizing the full potential of 5G technology, offering enhanced capabilities and services, but it requires substantial investment and careful planning to overcome deployment challenges.456+1
https://wholesale.telekom.com/global-connectivity/our-solutions/mobile-roaming/5g-sa-roaming-enablement
I too over the last 3 months have experienced the same issues. T-mobile has changed something !! Whether Hotspot or Home Internet. Even using a new quality laptop or my home system, there are times that a connection can not be made after multiple attempts. It generally requires a computer re-boot even if you just started your computer. Today on a home pc I was on a Zoom call and the quality of the call was pathetic. It was constantly disconnecting the zoom call and restarting. I basically had to join the zoom call via the phone directly. Now that Tmobile wants to raise the cost of my Simple Choice plan and cut the quality of the service, it is time to speak out.
Did others finally resolve their poor connections and quality?
You can only yank the chain of consumers for so long .........
My upload speeds in particular have been slow, and deteriorating lately. Last night, it got so bad it was impacting audio and video, e.g. Spotify started getting intermittent and scratchy. For work I have to upload large files, including video files, and use Zoom, and this isn't acceptable. You aren't alone. I don't know if it is a location-specific issue or not, but I have to go to a store today to discuss this, including possible termination of the service. "Fast and reliable" = NOT, unless this gets fixed soon.
It's crazy to me to see how many people started having issues in November and the lack of response from T-Mobile. They just keep replacing my modem, not admitting to any problem on their end. On my third modem now.
I wonder if it has something to do with problems they introduced when they "revamped" their home internet tiers...
