Why is AT&T so slow now?
AT&T stands as America’s largest wireless operator which was previously famed for its extensive coverage and speed. However, in the past few years, numerous AT&T users have raised concerns about having low data usage and high frequency of network jams, especially in large cities. But why has the performance of AT&T’s network seemingly deteriorated? That being said, there are several underlying elements in the process.
Increased Data Usage
With the advancement in smartphone technology and the increased use of streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube, the usage of data has rapidly grown. There are more customers today using more data than ever before over the AT&T network. All this additional data traffic has put a lot of pressure on their bandwidth capacity. While AT&T’s network was more than capable of managing data several years ago, it is currently unable to adequately cope with the current levels of traffic.
Network Technology Limitations
Currently, Verizon and T-Mobile have transitioned to the second generation of 5G networks, while AT&T continues to use 4G LTE networks. These 4G networks were not initially developed to support this volume of data that is currently on mobile networks. Thus, AT&T’s 4G network is more likely to experience congestion and throttling as the firm tries to support more connected users and devices.
Infrastructure Gaps
Telco competitors have been keen on upgrading the infrastructure such as cell towers and small cells to increase the bandwidth. However, some of the analyses have indicated that AT&T has been slow in the further deployment of extra cell sites. This is because the current network utilization is likely to increase and thus continue to affect the performance of AT&T if the infrastructure is not upgraded. Well, there is just not enough bandwidth out there to go around based on how much customers are demanding it.
Misplaced Priorities
Some critics have argued that while other major carriers have invested heavily in network upgrades, AT&T has been more preoccupied with non-connectivity businesses like its video streaming and media companies. All the mergers and new services may help their bottom line, but these efforts have cost them the need to reinvest back into their core wireless infrastructure. Some now think AT&T has lost sight of the consumer’s need for speed and a reliable connection.
5G Rollout Delays
AT&T was not shy about touting itself as a leader in 5G, going as far as rebranding some of its 4G networks as “5GE” in the meantime. However, Verizon quickly moved past them to provide true next-gen 5G service and coverage. The company has seemingly been challenged in deploying the diverse network technology that is needed in 5G than its competitors. While T-Mobile and Verizon are aggressively pushing the boundaries of 5G availability and usage, AT&T is still tethered to dated 4G networks that are struggling to cope with the demand. These have negatively impacted the public’s view that their network has slowed down while they have only delayed the true widespread of 5G implementation.
Phasing Out 3G
One of the reasons that AT&T has suffered a degradation in its network speeds is due to its decision to decommission 3G CDMA at the beginning of the year 2022. The aim was to clear the resources for 4G and 5G networks. However, this network overhaul led to a negative effect on many customers’ connections in the short run. Old 3G towers required retirement which forced the relocation of spectrum and equipment to upgrade other network layers. However, these major network changes led to temporary congestion and outages during the transition process. The long-term plan of switching their 3G network is beneficial, but it has had its drawbacks in terms of negative impacts on the network’s speed.
Strained Shared Networks
Another factor is that many rural regions depend on shared networks that AT&T obtains from other carriers. To provide services across the country, AT&T relies on roaming plans to use other, often local, networks where it has no direct ownership of infrastructure. When AT&T customers roam on these shared networks, it puts additional load and typically gets a slower speed than what AT&T-owned network towers can offer because of the congestion. Improving shared rural facilities proves to be cumbersome and costly to repair in case of damage.
summary
In customer demands data, old networks, lack of infrastructure, misdirected focus, delayed 5G, shutdown of 3G, and reliance on shared rural networks have all contributed to AT&T’s network being significantly slower than it was a few years ago. With customers who anticipate fast connectivity, such drawbacks in AT&T’s network have resulted in general dissatisfaction with lowered speeds and out-of-control data usage – particularly in today’s working-from-home, streaming, and applications environments. Hence, if AT&T is to extend network capacities and performances to new heights and maintain competitiveness in the future, it will have to spend significantly on infrastructure modernization and the evolution to next-gen 5G. A lot of work is going to be needed to expand the network, which will ensure that the need for wireless data is always met.
Upgrade to faster, more reliable AT&T Fiber Internet today! Call us at +1 844-905-5002 and get connected with speeds that keep you ahead.
