The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Considering the existence of many internet service providers (ISPs) in the Philippines, you would think that sluggish internet speeds are a thing of the past. What many don’t realize, however, is that there are several factors affecting internet speed, a number of which are out of your ISP’s control.
To understand what these factors are, you may need to brush up on your knowledge on what they are and how you can address them.
Check your hardware
Sometimes, internet speeds are affected by the hardware that you are using. This includes your modem or router, computer set, and the cable connecting your computer to the modem. Checking their condition is essential to know if they are still performing properly.
Start by tweaking your modem. Sometimes, resetting it to its factory setting may help speed up your internet connection. Simply press the button at its back. After releasing the button, you need to wait for the lights on the modem to flicker for about 10 to 15 seconds. Then, wait for about three to five minutes until the red light turns green. Last, try connecting to the internet. An icon usually appears, asking for account-related information to complete the process. If you are still experiencing problems with its performance, your modem may need to be upgraded.
After fixing your modem, check the performance of your computer. If some of its parts are already outdated, it may not keep up with the speeds offered by your provider.
Furthermore, the cable that connects your computer to the modem also plays a big role in your internet connection. This is because electrical disruptions and other interferences hinder your modem from sending data to your computer. An Ethernet cable, which exhibits lesser interference, is better than the usual USB cable.
Upgrade your browser
As you surf the net, loading speeds of web pages vary, depending on the web browser you are using. A browser is a software application that locates and displays web pages.
Keep in mind that outdated versions load slower than updated ones, because most of web contents, like photos, videos and texts, rapidly change formats and sizes. For example, Internet Explorer (IE), the standard browser in Windows-run personal computers, has already been upgraded seven times.
Even though IE is a good browser, there are also other browsers to choose from. Mozilla Firefox, for instance, is suitable if you are using a desktop computer. On the other hand, simpler browsers, like Google Chrome and Opera, are best used if you are after the browsing speed.
Prevent unauthorized access
If you are using a wireless internet connection, it is practical to secure a password or passcode to prevent unauthorized users from using it. You do not want your whole neighborhood to consume all the available bandwidth in your plan. Remember that if many users share your bandwidth, the capacity to send the data you need for your browsing is reduced.
Quit background applications
Background applications like Windows Update, Windows Live Messenger, Skype, Adobe Reader, and other similar software consume your bandwidth without you knowing it. They automatically update and launch as soon as your computer starts up and connects to the internet. While it is ideal to update regularly, these apps also consume a great portion of your bandwidth.
You may be able to control these apps to run discreetly by configuring their settings using the task manager. For Apple users, simply manage them through the dock or the activity monitor, a task manager that reveals all active and inactive applications.
Avoid malicious software
You also need to watch out for malware and viruses. A malicious software interferes with your browsing and sends information to its developers or other computer servers. To some extent, it can also stop all your systems. A strong and regularly updated anti-virus software is recommended to counter their negative effects.
Talk to your service provider
If none of these remedies work, call your ISP to help fix the problem. It may also give you some options, like upgrading your data plan, either for free or for an added small amount. If it is not within your convenience anymore, then you probably need to start looking for a new provider.
However, before changing to another data plan, you should note that ISPs differ, depending on the lines they use. Domestic subscriber lines (DSL), for instance, use conventional telephone lines to transmit their broadband signals. Some providers, on the other hand, utilize fiber optic cables.
Converge ICT uses the latest microtrenching technology to deploy the pure fiber cables beneath the ground to deliver faster broadband connectivity.
Unlike conventional DSLs that use copper cables, pure fiber technology is more reliable in providing internet connection, since it sends data by light. This allows for similar upload and download rates. Thus, downloading and uploading is a lot faster, even for bulk data.
Converge ICT, a provider of world-class ICT products and services in the country, now offers an array of pure fiber-powered internet packages suited to your needs for a more reliable and high-speed internet experience.
Among its products and services is FiberX, a suite of broadband data plans that allow subscribers to enjoy a new superior level of internet connectivity. It comes in three packages: FiberX1500 with a speed up to 20 Mbps; FiberX2500 for up to 50 Mbps speed; and FiberX3500 with 100 Mbps.
They also offer iBiz for small- and medium-scale businesses. This set of packages can help business processes run seamlessly with up to 16 Mbps, 14 Mbps, and 12 Mbps internet. These packages include one public IP address, 100 MB of web mail, 100 MB of web space and 10 GB Cloud storage.
With its more than two decades of cable and telecommunications expertise in North Luzon, including Pampanga, Bulacan and Tarlac provinces, Converge ICT is now taking on new markets in Metro Manila to meet the increasing internet demands of the communities in the region. Its target cities are Las Piñas, Manila, Quezon City, Cainta, Marikina, Makati, Pasig, Taguig, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Pasay, and Muntinlupa, as well as Olongapo in Zambales province.
For more details, visit www.convergeict.com/about.php.