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Slow upload and download speeds are all too common of a problem and can hamper both business and personal operations. This can be a frustration that keeps us from doing everything from sending a loan application to a lender, to getting that important document that our boss sent to us.

Today, people expect to be able to send and receive whatever they’d like, not only from their desktop computer, but from their smartphones and mobile devices too. In fact, with 77 percent of Americans owning a smartphone, more and more downloads and uploads are happening via cellular connections.

There can be many reasons for slow download and upload speeds on both desktop and mobile devices, so let’s identify some of the most common culprits.

Slow Internet speed

There are many causes of slow Internet speeds. Some of the most common include:

1. The age of your computer. Many older devices lack the memory to achieve the best download and upload speeds, even when the Internet connection and service is strong and robust..
2. Connection to the website/browser you’re using. The speeds you can achieve when downloading or uploading documents, files, or photos is affected by the distance from your computer to a website, as well as the path, speed and capacity of the website’s connection to your own network.
3. Website traffic. Popular websites may be the most difficult when it comes to achieving higher speeds. And, often times, the problem isn’t with your connection. Instead, it could be the result of an overloaded website. A classic example of this is when you’re trying to upload photos to a site that allows you to create albums or order prints online.
4. Viruses. If there are viruses or unnecessary software running in the background on your device, it can reduce processing power as well as the speed available for sending and receiving data across the Internet.
5. Software. When is the last time you updated your computer or phone’s operating system and other software? If you’re running an iOS on your iPhone or MacBook that’s three years old, for instance, you’re not going to achieve the highest speeds when downloading or uploading things.

Signal obstruction

For both desktop and mobile connectivity alike, it makes a difference where cellular signal is coming from. If you’re in your home on your desktop or laptop computer, where is your router or Wi-Fi gateway located? If you’re using your cellular phone anywhere, where is the nearest signal originating?

It’s important to understand that most common building materials are notorious signal cellular blockers. When a signal is obstructed, it can certainly impact upload/download speeds on your mobile devices. Concrete, brick, and LEED-certified windows can all cause obstructions to the strong signal that enables fast connectivity and speed.

What you can do

If your business or residential space is plagued by slow upload/download speeds, a cell signal booster can provide significant improvement. Cell signal boosters use a passive distributed antenna system — or passive DAS — to bring strong, unimpeded outdoor cell signal indoors where you need it. Using a passive DAS booster, the strong signal is amplified and broadcast throughout your indoor space.

The number of antennas and amplifiers needed to increase upload and download speeds will depend on the size of the interior space and the materials obstructing the signal. A professional installer can set up the booster system for optimal results.

Contact WilsonPro if you’d like to learn more about how a cell signal booster can improve the upload/download issues that are slowing you down.