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T-Mobile Home Internet Network Speeds

Your T-Mobile Internet network speeds can vary based on several factors. Learn more about what impacts your network speeds and how you can improve your signal.

Tips for how to make your T-Mobile Internet faster

If your T-Mobile Internet network speeds are slower than you expected, here are a few things you can try to speed up your T-Mobile Internet:

  • Turn off equipment from your previous provider

    Before you turn on your gateway and set up your T-Mobile Internet network, turn off any equipment you have from a previous provider to avoid interference.

  • Test in multiple locations

    See which location gives the best signal to all your devices. You can use the interactive gateway placement assistant in the T Life app to help find the best location.

  • Move the gateway away from other devices

    Some devices may cause interference, like Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, transformers, heavy-duty motors, fluorescent lights, microwave ovens, refrigerators, industrial equipment, baby monitors, or routers.

What else can impact my Wi-Fi signal?

Distance from the gateway

Wi-Fi signal range varies depending on interference and obstructions. Devices further from the gateway will have a weaker Wi-Fi connection.

Tips for improving network experience

  • If the signal on the gateway is strong, try moving it to a more central location to increase Wi-Fi coverage within the home.
  • If the gateway needs to be in a specific spot to receive a strong connection, adding a mesh network or Wi-Fi extender may help.

Example:

1. 15 feet from the gateway: Speeds are great! Gaming, HD/4K streaming, etc. are possible.

2. 20-25 feet from the gateway: Speeds may be reduced. Services that require high data speeds (gaming, video conferencing, etc.) may lag. 

3. 35 feet from the gateway: Speeds may be significantly reduced. Services that require high data speeds will likely be impacted. Services that require moderate speeds such as HD streaming may lag/buffer. 

Example showing people in a home and their distance from the gateway. Number 1 shows the phone is being used within 15 feet of the gateway and speeds are great. Number 2 shows a person in an upstairs room within 20 to 25 feet. Speeds may be reduced. Number 3 shows a TV on the opposite side of the house 35 feet away from the gateway. Speeds may be significantly reduced.

Number of devices and services connected

If multiple devices are using the service at the same time, it will require more data and you will be more likely to notice fluctuations in network speeds.

Tips for improving network experience

  • Move your gateway to a location with stronger signal. 
  • Check that you have a strong Wi-Fi connection.
  • Limit usage on unnecessary devices. 

Interferences

Physical barriers (walls, floors, etc.) and devices that broadcast different wireless frequencies can cause Wi-Fi signal interference. Building material such as brick, thick metal, etc. will cause more interference than thinner materials like drywall.

Tips for improving network experience

  • If Wi-Fi signal is being blocked to all devices, move the gateway to a different location.
  • If the signal is being blocked to specific devices, try moving the gateway to a different place or add a mesh network/Wi-Fi extender.

Example:

1. Speeds are great! Phone is close to the gateway with a clear line of site to the gateway. Gaming, HD/4K streaming, etc. are possible.

2. Reduced speeds possible. TV is on the other side of the house with the refrigerator and multiple walls interfering with the Wi-Fi signal. Services that require high data speeds will likely be impacted. Services that require moderate speeds such as HD streaming may lag/buffer.

Examples of barriers that can influence the gateway. Number 1 shows the phone is close to the gateway with a clear line of site to the gateway. Speeds are great. Number 2 shows the TV on the other side of the house with the refrigerator and multiple walls interfering with the Wi-Fi signal. Services that require high data speeds will likely be impacted.

Connection type

  • LAN/Ethernet connection typically provides the fastest speeds
  • 2.4 GHz is used by older wireless standards and technologies (802.11 b/g/n) and has the furthest reach, but at the lowest speeds.
  • 5 GHz is available to devices using the latest wireless standards such as 802.11ac, and some older standards (802.11 a/n). The 5 GHz frequency band provides wireless signals with a shorter reach than 2.4GHz, but at the highest speeds.

Tips for improving network experience

  • Connect using ethernet when possible.
  • The default Wi-Fi setting (band steering) detects and automatically steers devices to either 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency.
  • If a device is experiencing issues connecting or staying connected, use the T Life app to create two separate Wi-Fi networks for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, then test the device on each network.

Need help?

Our Troubleshooting guides can help fix the most common T-Mobile Internet issues, right from the comfort of your home!

Troubleshooting guides

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