The rapid advances in the technology of this era spell an ever-increasing dependence on the internet for people across the world. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, this has only multiplied. With people having to do everything online, it has become vital to have a strong and reliable internet connection.
While students of all ages need the internet for online classes, professionals need it for remote work. Even enjoying a fulfilling entertainment experience now requires more than a simple Spectrum cable connection. This is why so many people choose to subscribe to bundles that let them enjoy tv, phone, and internet plans together.
As one of the leading internet service providers in the country, Spectrum is a popular choice for most families. But even the best internet connections can sometimes falter. For example, people often face trouble during online video calls. One major factor behind this is the slow upload speed.
Is Your Upload Speed Too Slow on Spectrum?
Before you start to find solutions for a problem, you need to identify it. So, if you fear you may have a sluggish upload speed, you can easily confirm it. For this, you simply need to visit a reliable internet speed-testing site, such as SpeedTest.net or Fast.com.
By running a quick speed test, you’ll be able to see your network’s download and upload speeds. The results will tell you if your judgment of the problem was correct.
Why Upload Speed Matters
Usually, you will see all sorts of internet service providers advertising their fast download speeds. This is because your download speed is very important for all basic functions. For instance, you can view videos, images, and even websites easily thanks to your internet’s download capacity. But does this mean that your download speed is all that matters? Absolutely not!
In fact, your internet’s upload speed is just as important as your download speed. And right now, it’s more important than it’s ever been before. This is because the rise in remote work, conferences, and events mean more and more people are uploading data online.
Let’s simplify this. For example, you have a meeting with someone over a video call. Here, the way you see the other person’s video on your screen depends on your download speed. And the way they see you depends on your upload speed! So, if you’re the only one in a Zoom meeting whose audio and video keep scrambling, it’s probably due to slow upload speed.
Moreover, a high upload speed is important for sharing big files online, playing online games, and uploading high volumes of data.
How to Get a Faster Upload Speed
As evident, a fast upload speed is essential for a smooth online experience. Thankfully, there are ways you can speed up your uploads on Spectrum. Here are some of the easiest ones.
Use an Ethernet Connection
Now that Wi-Fi has become a big part of our daily lives, we sometimes forget that it is not a replacement for a wired connection. Instead, it is simply a way of easily connecting to the internet through multiple devices. In fact, the upload and download speeds you experience on your Wi-Fi connection are probably half of the speeds you’ll get with a direct connection.
This is why it is a good idea to check your Ethernet connection. If it is connected to your Wi-Fi router, unplug it. Then, directly plug it into the Ethernet cable port on your computer or laptop. This will give an instant boost to your internet speed, even for uploads!
Reduce Your Wi-Fi Traffic
In case you can’t plug your Ethernet cable directly into your device, you can still improve your upload speed on Wi-Fi. For this, you simply need to make sure there is not too much traffic on your Wi-Fi connection. How many devices are connected to your Wi-Fi? How many people are using your Wi-Fi? Did you leave your Wi-Fi without a password for your neighbors to use?
Once you cut off all unnecessary sources that are draining your Wi-Fi, you can easily speed up your uploads.
Turn Off Your VPN
A VPN is very useful for boosting your online privacy and letting you access geo-blocked websites. However, it can greatly reduce your internet download and upload speeds. This is because a VPN works by routing all your internet traffic through its servers. Hence, it acts as a barrier to smooth uploading and downloading. So, if you’re experiencing glitchy video calls and difficulty uploading large files online, consider switching your VPN off.
Ask Spectrum for Help
If you have tried all possible methods and are still experiencing sluggish upload speeds, simply contact your internet service provider! Spectrum’s customer service will help you figure out the problems you are facing and offer you the best solutions.
