Why is My Upload Speed So Slow?!!

If it seems like your computer downloads music and photos in a snap, but tends to lag when it comes to uploading Instagram videos, sending large files or even making a Google search, there could be a very simple explanation.

Put simply: your internet service provider could be jerking you around. Many internet service providers (ISP) offer much faster download speeds than upload speeds. This means that you likely receive data to your devices way faster than you can send it--sometimes the difference is as great as 40:1.

ISPs actually choose to dramatically slow down your upload speeds in favor of providing faster download speeds. If you’re a cable subscriber, it could be due to old television system set-ups and how they split upstream and downstream traffic. We’re brand new, we’re not tied to outdated systems, and our users have average speeds of 258mbps down and 288 mbps up. You can learn more about that here.

What else causes slow upload speeds?

Aside from your ISP’s infrastructure, the hardware you’re using could be creating a bit of an upload lag.  You might have an older modem or router that could use an upgrade. Your ISP should be able to help you figure that out. Additionally, if your WiFi isn’t password protected (a.k.a. if your neighbors are helping themselves to your internet) or you have a bunch of devices using it, that could slow upload speeds as well.

Is there a fix for slow upload time?

Your ultimate fix is likely going to involve calling your internet service provider, because they hold the keys to speeding up your upload times. However, if you want to cover your bases before jumping to a phone call, there are a number of things you can try to help make uploading go faster. Don’t worry, if you’re a Starry subscriber, we’ve got you covered--just give us a call and we can double-check everything.

We know that pinpointing the reason your upload speed is slow can be difficult and frustrating. Luckily, our team performs intelligent troubleshooting anytime there is an issue for a quick resolution--and no, we don’t just shrug and tell you to restart your computer for no reason.