Broadband Teething Issues

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Broadband internet provides users with a stable connection that transfers large amounts of data with speed and efficiency. This has improved the lives of many in various fields who use the internet daily.

Everything from education, entertainment, gaming, shopping, video conferencing, and remote work was directly improved by broadband internet.

However, even with the best broadband providers, some challenges can emerge. And in this case, it's broadband teething issues that hinders the benefits of reliable broadband internet.

So we'll discuss everything about broadband teething, including its potential causes and possible solutions.

What's Broadband Teething?

Broadband teething is when your internet connection is unstable. This could be caused by poor broadband coverage in your area, a technical issue such as poorly installed equipment, outdated devices, or else.

Most times, the solution is using high-quality equipment or investing in better broadband infrastructure for better coverage and a more reliable connection.

What Causes Broadband Teething?

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Broadband teething problems arise in relatively secluded areas that mostly depend on rural providers. They also occur in areas where broadband infrastructure was recently installed; for example, Tonga's high-speed internet project.

The term broadband teething, similar to a teething baby, refers to the challenges of the initial stages of installing new broadband internet. This can include the combined issues of an inconsistent connection, unreliable speed, a service coverage problem, or a technical issue.

Common Broadband Teething Problems

Not only is broadband teething frustrating and inconvenient, but it could also pose a threat to your business or company since an unstable internet connection can impact productivity and disrupt revenue. It also provides a generally unpleasant internet experience for the individual.

Several common but expected issues appear with new broadband infrastructure, such as:

Issues With Coverage

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Inadequate internet coverage at your house can happen for multiple reasons, the most obvious being located in a rural or secluded area.

However, more often than not, coverage issues are correlated with geography. For example, if your place of work has natural barriers like mountains or trees, that could cause interference and reduce the quality of wireless services.

And population density can also impact the quality of your coverage; for instance, densely populated areas tend to have better internet coverage, so the further you are from urban centres, the higher your chances of worse coverage.

Technical Issues

More often than not, technical teething issues pop up during the initial stages of introducing new broadband technology. And since a fair bit of technical expertise is required for installing new hardware or software such as a router, modem, and settings configuration, some people run into installation problems.

So if this sounds like you, your best bet is to contact your internet provider's customer service. Or, if you're a technically handy person, you can follow our router and modem consumer guide.

Fluctuating Connection Speed

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Teething issues also include receiving slow or inconsistent internet speed and connection. And most likely, if you have teething problems, poor infrastructure is to blame.

If the equipment that provides internet to your home is outdated or improperly maintained, this could lead to increased latency and slow data transfer rates. It's also possible that the network isn't able to handle the load of the data traffic going through it. This leads to being well-connected when the load is manageable and getting a mediocre connection when during peak hours.

On the other hand, if your connection speed doesn't match the broadband speed claims, and you're confident in your provider's infrastructure, your teething issues may be caused by interference from electronic devices such as a microwave or a cordless phone.

Device Compatibility Issues

Compatibility issues are related to technical issues. And in most cases, the problem takes place on the user's end.

A compatibility issue arises when the new broadband technology isn't compatible with outdated devices or software systems, which keeps your connection disrupted

And although this is uncommon among teething problems, it has a simple fix, upgrading your old devices or operating software.

Addressing Broadband Teething Problems

Since most teething issues originate from the broadband provider, it is within your broadband consumer rights to request a solution to your problems.

Luckily, most teething problems don't have complicated solutions, most of them being the provider's responsibility to address.

Using High-Quality Equipment

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As a consumer, investing in a high-quality router and modem improves your chances of enjoying a fast and stable network. This is because a better router and modem are designed to handle more data and provide a stable connection with little to no network disruptions or downtime. They'll also provide you with better wireless coverage around the house or workplace.

Investing in a Solid Infrastructure

A solid broadband infrastructure is especially crucial for organisations or businesses that rely on a fast and stable connection.

Having a fibre optic infrastructure installed, the gold standard of broadband internet, will eliminate any teething issues while simultaneously providing you with the best download speeds out there.

Improving Coverage for Areas in Need

While internet providers know which areas have good broadband coverage and which ones don't, they won't always take the initiative to install reliable infrastructure in your area.

In this case, it's a good idea to collaborate with your local community to raise awareness about your area's need for broadband technology and the benefits that come with it. Chances are, enough support will lead to new broadband technology getting installed where you live.

Creating Reliable Support for Customers

Reliable customer service will work towards decreasing broadband teething for users since trained professionals will help you identify your specific issue and provide solid advice on how to fix it.

Performing Regular Maintenance

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Maintaining the broadband infrastructure is crucial for the technology to continue operating efficiently and effectively, which reduces the likelihood of broadband teething.

For starters, periodic maintenance will identify and address potential problems before they arise, which will minimise any downtime or connection disruptions. It'll also extend the lifespan of the infrastructure.

Conclusion

Broadband teething problems can be frustrating for businesses and individuals. After all, nobody likes slow internet speeds or disrupted connections since they affect productivity.

Luckily, by using high-quality routers, modems, and devices, as well as investing in broadband infrastructure maintenance, the chances of experiencing broadband teething are slim to none.