Limited offer: 1GIG internet from $59.99/mo for 3 months — Ontario & Quebec City. Check availability →
When the internet slows down, your whole team feels it. Calls freeze, files take forever to upload and customers wait. The good news is that most slowdowns have a simple cause you can check in minutes. Here are the seven we see most often at TechMinds, and what to do about each one.
Walls, floors, mirrors and kitchen equipment weaken Wi-Fi. A router in a closet or at the back of the office reaches fewer rooms. Place the router in a central, open spot, away from other electronics. For larger spaces, add access points instead of one more repeater.
Computers, phones, printers, cameras and guest devices all share the same connection. If many people use video calls at the same time, everything slows down. Disconnect devices you no longer use and give guests a separate network.
A router that is five or more years old may not handle today’s speeds or the number of devices in your office. Check if it supports current Wi-Fi standards. If it does not, replacing it is often the cheapest fix.
Cloud backups, software updates and large file syncs can use most of your connection without anyone noticing. Schedule them for after hours and check which apps are using the most data.
A loose, bent or old network cable can cut your speed. Check the cables between the modem, router and computers, and replace any that look worn. Use a cable, not Wi-Fi, for desktop computers, phone systems and anything that must stay stable.
A plan that worked for five people may not work for fifteen. If your speed is good when the office is quiet and drops at busy times, you probably need more bandwidth. Ask your provider what speed your team really needs. Not sure how much speed your team needs? Read how much internet speed a small business really needs. To see what to expect to pay, read how much business internet costs in Canada.
Sometimes the line itself has a fault, or there is an outage or congestion in your area. If a cable test is slow, the equipment is fine and the problem returns every day, contact your provider and give them your test results. If your provider keeps missing the mark, compare your options in our guide to business internet plans in Canada.
| What you see | Likely cause | First thing to try |
| Fast by the router, slow in other rooms | Wi-Fi signal | Move the router or add an access point |
| Slow at busy times only | Too many devices or too little bandwidth | Limit background use, then review your plan |
| Slow everywhere, even on a cable | Equipment, line or provider | Restart, replace old equipment, then call your provider |
| Slow only on one device | That device | Update it and check for malware |
How fast should my business internet be? It depends on how many people use it and what they do. Video calls, cloud software and large uploads need more than email and browsing. Count your users and their busiest tasks, then ask your provider to match a plan.
Does restarting the router really help? Yes. It clears temporary problems and often restores normal speed. It is the first step for a reason.
Can bad weather slow my internet? It can, depending on your type of connection. If the slowdown follows the weather, tell your provider.
Is Wi-Fi or a cable better? A cable is more stable and faster. Use it for computers and phone systems. Use Wi-Fi for phones, laptops and mobile devices.
When should I call my provider? When the problem returns after you have restarted your equipment, tested with a cable and checked the points above.
Talk to a TechMinds expert and we will help you find the cause. Call 1 (877) 770-7779 or check our business internet plans.
Availability and speeds vary by location. We’ll check your address to ensure we can provide the best internet options for you
