Why is Indian Internet Speed So Slow and How to Improve It
India's internet speed has long been a subject of scrutiny, with millions of users experiencing lag and slowness even in areas with strong network bars. This article explores the reasons behind the slow internet speed in India and provides practical solutions to improve it.
Reasons for Slow Internet Speed in India
India's internet speed lags behind other countries due to a combination of factors, including infrastructure limitations, network congestion, and spectrum allocation issues.
Coverage Issues
The primary reason for slow internet speed in India is poor network coverage. The speed of internet is directly proportional to signal coverage. Despite the rapid growth of 4G networks, the infrastructure in India is relatively underdeveloped, affecting user experience significantly. Telecom operators like Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Jio face challenges in providing consistent coverage, especially in rural and remote areas.
No Users in Specific Locations
The number of users in a particular location also impacts internet speed. If there are no users within a network range, the bandwidth allocation will be less efficient, leading to slower speeds. Additionally, the spectrum bands to which mobile phones are latched to towers can also affect internet performance. Networks based on optical fiber tend to have better network capacity compared to copper cables or wireless connections.
Why 4G in India is Still Slow
Even though 4G networks have seen significant growth in India, particularly after the launch of Jio 4G and Airtel 4G, the average speed of internet in India is still far from competitive. India's 4G speeds are consistently lower than those in other countries like South Korea, Singapore, and even Pakistan. The average 4G speed in India is 5.1 Mbps, which is significantly lower compared to other regions.
Steps to Improve Internet Speed
While the infrastructure and spectrum allocation are crucial, there are several steps that Indians and telecom operators can take to improve internet speeds.
Router Optimization
Resetting the router can help improve internet speed. Simply unplug the router from the power source for a few seconds and plug it back in. Additionally, the physical distance between the router and the device can affect the signal strength. Moving the router closer to the device can improve internet speed.
Wired Connection
A wired connection is often faster and more stable than a wireless one. Using an ethernet cable to connect your device directly to the router can significantly enhance internet speed.
Data Cost vs. Speed Improvement
In the past, imposing data costs to improve speed was a strategy used by some telecom companies. However, the growing number of mobile users and infrastructure challenges in India make this an unsustainable approach. Other solutions, like VoWiFi and resource sharing, offer more sustainable alternatives.
VoWiFi and Resource Sharing
To combat the issues of coverage and network congestion, the use of VoWiFi (a WiFi network deployed by ISPs) can help in places with low signal penetration and congestion. Additionally, if all telecom operators sharing resources where infrastructure building is not feasible or too costly, it would improve the efficiency of the network. Only Tata Teleservices has successfully implemented this policy in India.
Server Cloning
Tips and Tricks for Improving 4G Speed
While the telecom operators’ infrastructure plays a significant role, user behavior and device settings can also impact internet speed.
Optimize Phone Settings
For users with older smartphones, changes in phone settings can help. Go to Phone Settings - Mobile Networks and select Preferred Network Type as "4G" (if supported). Resetting the Access Point Names (APN) can also optimize network performance by ensuring the correct settings are applied.
Choose a Smartphone with Good Antennas
Newer smartphones often come equipped with better antennas, which can help in areas with poor signal coverage. Models like the MI Mix 2 and One Plus 6T are noted for their extensive network band support, making them ideal for internet usage.
Manage Applications and Internet Usage
Resource-intensive applications like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can slow down internet speeds. Disabling autoplay options and using data saver modes can reduce bandwidth usage and prevent unnecessary data consumption.
As India continues to develop its 4G infrastructure, the average internet speed is expected to increase significantly. This will likely result in speeds reaching 10 Mbps in the near future. With these improvements, India is poised to become a leader in internet speed and connectivity.