Why Rostelecom’s Internet speed dropped: ways to solve the problem

If a user’s Rostelecom Internet speed has dropped, he should think about how well and correctly the equipment he uses works. Usually it is incorrect settings or the influence of active programs that are to blame for the fact that the actual connection speed differs from what the provider promised.

Additionally, you need to take into account that the indicators stated in the contract are the maximum parameters under ideal conditions. And in ordinary situations, communication can be influenced by many third-party factors that cannot always be taken into account.

The main reasons for the decline in Internet speed Rostelecom

Among the main reasons why a subscriber’s Rostelecom Internet speed has dropped sharply in 2021 are:

• lack of money in the personal account or insufficient funds to pay the subscription fee;
• restrictions imposed on the client by the provider (usually found when distributing traffic or using a torrent);
• incorrect equipment settings;
• running background programs, applications, installing updates;
• viruses and malicious files getting onto your PC;
• connecting strangers to the network;
• various failures and malfunctions in the operation of equipment.

Equipment check

If your speed has dropped sharply, pages load much slower and files take a long time to download, you should first check your computer and modem/router. You should start with the computer.

Many Internet users

A situation with too many active programs consuming the Internet. It happens that the user simply does not see who is connected in the background and how much he is clogging the channel.

Solution: reboot the computer (reboot), see which programs are automatically loaded, disable all that we are not currently using. You need to look through the task manager. After disabling the programs, we check the speed.

Viruses

The situation with viruses and other malware is quite common. There are programs that steal nothing from you except the Internet; these are all kinds of proxy bots. They turn your computer into one of the pass-through servers through which a lot of data passes. Of course, the Internet will sags.

Solution: update the anti-virus software, completely scan the computer, cure if necessary, or reinstall the operating system if the virus cannot be removed.

If you use torrents, then keep in mind that these programs are given priority by the system, and they occupy the entire channel if the speed of transferring files to you allows.

Solution: either set limits on the number of peers and download speed, or wait until the files are downloaded. It’s better to give up torrents altogether during busy times of the day.

Outdated router software

The solution may be a complete replacement of the router (it happens that very ancient models from ten years ago are used) or a software update (router firmware). To update the firmware the user needs:

• go to the admin control panel of the router (indicated in the router documentation or on the sticker of the device itself);
• in the settings, go to the “Software updates” section;
• check if there are any updates available;
• click on the “Update” (“Get”) button;
• Once the update is complete, the router will automatically reboot. After this, you should check the settings and reconnect.

In most cases, software updates actually help increase the speed and stability of the Internet by supporting new instructions and standards.

The router is located in an interference area

You should check that the location of the router complies with the instructions of the provider. It must be positioned in such a way that no other devices interfere with data transmission. Interference can be caused by various devices with radio modules.

Cables

In situations where problems with cables prevent you from achieving the stated speeds, there is only one solution - calling a Rostelecom technician to your home. He will check the serviceability of all cables and eliminate existing problems, if any (up to and including replacement).

VPN

Yes, more and more users are starting to use VPN services in our country, as many resources are becoming unavailable. It also helps improve security and privacy. One thing to remember here: a VPN is an additional node through which you access the Internet, and it will reduce the speed. If you use the free option, then a sharp decrease in Internet speed is inevitable. Try switching to another region, or connect to a paid VPN.

If after all the manipulations described above, the pages do not load faster, then the equipment is in order, and you should look for other reasons.

Third party gadgets

Since the Internet has a certain channel width, it is clear that it is not infinite, and the more devices are connected to this channel, the less each of them will receive. In a house where five or more devices are connected to the Internet (family members on a laptop, smart TV, game console, and so on), the Internet speed, logically, will be quite low.

This may also be affected by the age/level of the router. Older and budget models have limited bandwidth and are difficult to connect to multiple devices. In this case, you should change the router to a new model closer to the middle price category. The new router will not reduce the speed, and you will be able to connect a larger number of different devices.

Parasites on board

It often happens that not only you, but also outsiders, for example neighbors, are connected to your access point. So many parasites on board really slow down the Internet speed. What to do in this case?

All routers have settings in their software to limit the number of devices that can connect, as well as “only for their own” settings. To set up restrictions, you need to go to the router control panel:

• the documentation contains the address of the admin panel, just type it in the browser (the router must be connected to the computer with the appropriate cable);
• enter the login and password (by default it is admin: admin);
• in the interface we look for the “Access” or “Clients” sections, there we look at what is connected;
• if you find an unfamiliar device or even several in the list, then go to the Wi-Fi tab and start setting up;
• First, we turn on the blocking of all extraneous gadgets, but it is better to create a white list of your devices.

Important! Be sure to check the availability of the printer; after blocking, it may also be excluded from the trusted ones. Be sure to add it to your whitelist.

After the settings, check that all your devices are working correctly, if they have Internet access, edit the list if necessary.

Wi-Fi channel

Connection speed may drop due to channel congestion. As a rule, this happens in the evenings, when people come home from work and turn on their TVs with IP-TV service and other devices en masse. Friday is the busiest evening, gamers are added here and completely clog the entire channel.

In this case, calls to technical support are useless; Rostelecom does not control the situation. But you can influence this by changing your Wi-Fi channel. Typically, channels are distributed automatically, and often several devices can connect to one channel at once. The standard frequency involves 13 channels (this is for one subscriber). Often only one is used. If you change the channel, it may relieve the congestion.

Channel congestion can be checked using a special utility InSSIDer. The program scans your networks, displays a visual graph that shows which channel is less busy at a given time, as well as what speed it will have. Let's go to this channel and enjoy fast internet.

• To change the channel, you need to go to the control panel of the router.
• Go to the Wi-Fi tab.
• By default, the channel setting is set to “optimal”, that is, when connecting, the router selects the freer one, but it remains there even when the channel is already clogged.
• We install a static channel, which the utility shows as free.
• Usually routers automatically take channel 1, 3 and 9; it’s better to take others.
• Select and click “Apply”.

In this case, the modem will reboot and start using the free line. If the speed has not changed or, on the contrary, has become slower, then you should go through the remaining channels. Using the random method you can find the freest and fastest one.

Problems on the operator's side

Of all the listed reasons, the most difficult situation is with problems with failures in the work of the provider.

In this case, subscribers will face two difficulties:

1. firstly, you can only find out about such malfunctions from third-party sources, for example, news portals or a contact center (however, in the event of large-scale failures, it will be extremely difficult to reach consultants);
2. secondly, users will definitely not be able to influence the current situation on their own; they will have to wait until the telecommunications company copes with the difficulties and restores communication, and this usually takes some time.

The problem is gadgets

The Internet has a certain channel width. The more subscribers are tied to one channel, the less Internet will be available to everyone. If in your apartment five devices access the Internet through one router, the connection speed will be low. The router model may also affect this. Outdated routers have limited bandwidth.

Try to buy a new router that will distribute the Internet evenly at normal speed. When purchasing, consider the maximum number of clients that the router can serve.

Settings and equipment breakdown

Minor equipment breakdowns also cannot always be identified immediately. Sometimes they turn out to be minor and affect only certain elements or software. An example of such a problem is the lack of a network card driver, without which Rostelecom subscribers lose their Internet. In addition, you need to take a closer look at the current equipment settings; perhaps your smartphone or router has a limit on the amount of traffic used. You can correct the listed shortcomings in the settings menu of the device used to access the network.

VPN

Many people use VPN services in Russia. This is explained by the fact that many resources are inaccessible to Russians. A VPN makes it easy to bypass various restrictions. It can be used to increase security and ensure confidentiality. VPN can slow down your connection speed. Since it is an intermediate link through which the subscriber enters the network. Using a free service will inevitably reduce your connection speed. You can solve the problem by connecting to a paid service.

If, after all the recommendations listed above, you cannot load pages at normal speed, it means your equipment is working properly. It is necessary to look for other reasons.

Late payment for services

Cases of inattention by telecommunications company clients deserve special attention. Sometimes the provider has to restrict access to the network due to lack of payment for the Internet connection. You can restore the connection by simply topping up your balance. To do this, you need to know your personal account number. If it is known, you can deposit money without even leaving your home, using Internet banking or the user’s personal account. There are other ways to replenish the balance, so subscribers will not have any difficulties with depositing money into their accounts.

Cable

To bring Internet to a subscriber’s home, company employees have to run a special cable. If it is bent, broken or otherwise damaged, the Internet may disappear altogether. In such a situation, the subscriber will not be able to resolve the issue on his own. You'll have to call a technician to your home. Call the hotline, give your home address and wait for a Rostelecom technician to arrive.

The technician will check the cable and, if necessary, repair or replace it.

Malware

It is impossible to ignore cases of malicious files getting onto a PC or smartphone. Restoring normal operation of equipment in such situations seems obvious:

1. the user needs to download an antivirus (a trial version is allowed);
2. scan equipment for malicious objects, viruses and threats;
3. remove dangerous files.

If no viruses are detected, it means that the subscriber’s Rostelecom Internet speed has decreased for other reasons not related to infection.

Virus attack

Sometimes viruses and various spyware penetrate our computer unnoticed, but then significantly affect the speed of the Internet. To eliminate this possibility, you need to install a good anti-virus program and conduct a full scan of your computer for viruses. After this, you need to delete all found files and configure the antivirus so that it protects the computer in active mode. As a rule, this measure solves the problem of low speed.

Paradoxically, sometimes it is the antivirus program and firewalls that slow down the speed of the Internet connection. The reason is that the antivirus scans all files and sites, and this scan takes time, which affects the loading speed of web pages. You can check if this is the case by temporarily disabling the antivirus and checking the connection speed again. If the reason is in this program, then you should consider changing it to another one.

Weather

Weather conditions are the most unobvious and ambiguous reason for poor modem performance. It is not as common as the other sources of trouble described above, but bad weather cannot be completely discounted.

You can guess that the difficulties are associated precisely with bad weather through observation. Especially if the subscriber’s connection quality always drops during rain, thunderstorms or blizzards. There are no obvious signs indicating that the connection quality has dropped due to bad weather. But it must be emphasized that most often the mobile network or wi-fi is subject to such influence.

Useful tips

• take care of your computer and check it for viruses on time;
• install a good, fast browser (for example, Chrome) and ad blocking software;
• take care of high-quality anti-virus protection for your computer;
• Unplug your router or modem once or twice a week. This way you will extend its service life by 2-3 years;
• If you cannot independently install and solve a problem with Internet speed, be sure to contact Rostelecom technical support in order to receive qualified assistance in a timely manner.

A drop in Internet speed is a serious problem, but most often it occurs not through the fault of the company, but due to internal or external factors affecting the speed. If you have slow Internet, do not rush to think that your provider is deceiving you. First, try the above tips, and if all else fails, contact the company. You can always check your connection speed online on the Rostelecom website or by request in your browser.

Line congestion

The impact of increased load on the network is also not diagnosable and has no obvious signs. But, if a subscriber regularly has difficulties connecting in the evenings or there is no Rostelecom Internet speed during the holidays, there is a high probability that the problem is precisely in the large number of users who simultaneously decided to use the company’s services and devices registered in the network. The provider is unable to cope with such a load, which negatively affects the quality of traffic. It is almost impossible to influence such problems; the only solution is to call the contact center, but even in this case the likelihood of success is low.

Internet problems beyond the control of the service user

The data cable may be damaged due to bad weather. What to do with slow Internet from Rostelecom if this happens? In this situation, all that remains is to wait until specialists find the location of the damage and fix it. You can get more accurate information about the situation by calling the company.

The speed is also affected by the type of connection; there are three of them - cable, dial-up, DSL. The first option provides the fastest transmission. And another important factor is the quality of telephone lines. As for external ones, these include network congestion, which is typical for the evening. Alternatively, you can contact your supplier and ask them to boost your signal.

Not everyone knows, but Internet speed can be tested; there is a great way to do this. Enter the appropriate phrase into the search bar, namely: “Test Internet speed.” Follow the first link, in most cases it turns out to be suitable for obtaining reliable information. The number that will be shown on the dial is a reflection of the data transfer speed.

Viruses or damaged cable from Rostelecom

If you begin to notice regular Internet slowdowns, the first thing you need to do is check your computer for viruses. You probably already have some kind of antivirus installed, but you shouldn’t rely on its work 100%. Try downloading another antivirus and using it to scan your computer. We recommend using one of the following, in descending order:

• Dr Web. Go to the program website https://download.drweb.ru/ and download the demo version, which will allow you to check your computer for viruses for free.
• Nod32. Open the official antivirus website https://www.esetnod32.ru/download/ and download the non-commercial version for home, which includes a demo installation without a license key.
• Mcafee. Another reliable antivirus solution is Mcafee antivirus. Go to https://www.mcafee.com/consumer/ru-ru/store/m0/ and download the free trial version.

Please note that several antiviruses cannot run simultaneously on your computer. Before installing another antivirus, you should remove the previous one from your computer and restart it.

If, after checking your computer, the antivirus did not find anything suspicious, then you should carefully inspect the Rostelecom cable inside the apartment. Just take a flashlight and walk with it from the front door to your computer or router.

If everything is fine with the cable, then turn off the power to the router for 30 seconds and turn it on again. The router's operating system will reboot and reconnect to the Internet.

If Internet slowdown is noticed for the first time, then go to your personal account and check the status of your personal account.

Another reason for Internet slowdown may be the browser itself in which you open sites. The fastest one at the moment is Chrome. In addition to it, you can use the Firefox browser. You should not use solutions from Microsoft, namely Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge.

If you have tried all of the above options, and the Internet continues to slow down, then you need to call the technical support service toll-free at 8-800-100-08-00 and follow the recommendations of a specialist.

Almost all users face the problem of poor Internet, but the reasons for low speed or complete lack of connection are different. This topic is especially relevant for people who need access to the network for work. Low speed and slow page loading can lead to unproductive work and, consequently, decreased income. Trying to understand why Rostelecom has such a slow Internet, you need to understand the reason in order to be able to eliminate it. Poor performance means:

• slow page loading;
• a long waiting time for downloading, after which a message appears stating that there is no network connection;
• periodic lack of access.

Rostelecom speed dropped due to software problems

Another reason why the Internet fell is software:

• Programs and torrents running in the background. They can put a lot of strain on the channel, making internet surfing slow. In addition, Rostelecom blocks the torrent and significantly limits the flow. Temporarily disabling the download can correct the situation.
• Not the fastest browser (for example, Opera is faster than Explorer), as well as the use of VPN and/or other extensions that slow down page loading. You can temporarily disable all extensions or even change your main browser to a faster one.
• Operating system of dubious origin. Pirated builds and outdated versions are why surfing the Internet may slow down.

Tariff plan problem

The most common reason for slow speeds is a data plan limitation. For example, you chose a package that provides a data transfer speed of 50 Mbit/s. In this case, counting on 150 Mbit/s is pointless. Even a free channel will not provide such value. To speed up the Internet at your dacha, you will have to change your tariff plan.

Rostelecom continuously updates its range of tariff plans. Therefore, you can always choose the option that suits you. The provider also offers a lot of useful options. To change the tariff, go to your personal account on the company’s website. In the corresponding subsection of the menu, select the appropriate service package.

Click on “Connect”. You can immediately pay for the service through your personal account. You can also call customer technical support. The third option is to contact the company office in person. If you are planning to connect to a new tariff, for example, 250 Mbit/s, check whether your router supports this speed.

Own meter from Rostelecom

The Rostelecom team has created its own network speed testing service.

Start test

But, usually, users try to resort to more reputable tools, as many complain that the company deliberately inflates small measurement results in order to “reassure” customers. However, we are providing a link to this tool so you can compare for yourself.

Please note that in some browsers you may see a blank page because they consider the scripts loaded on the page to be dangerous. To see the tool, you will need to disable your ad blocker and allow unsafe scripts to run on the page.

Internet does not work on computer

If rebooting the router/modem did not help, and the problem of lack of Internet connection is not on the provider’s side, you should check if there are any errors in your personal computer.

Presence of virus programs

Any antivirus has a function to automatically scan your computer for malicious software. Scan your computer for viruses.

If you find dangerous files, delete them completely (without sending them to the trash). Next, you should restart your computer.

Outdated software

We are talking about network adapters. If they are outdated, then the connection between the computer and the router may be disrupted. It's easy to check:

1. Open Task Manager (usually this can be done through the main Windows menu).
2. In the list of software that opens, you need to find the “Network adapters” item.

3. To update programs, you should right-click. In the additional menu that opens, click on the corresponding button.
4. Reboot the PC.

Sometimes a simple failure may occur in the software or computer drivers. To solve this problem, just restart your computer. It won't hurt to reboot the router right away.

Wi-Fi

If you use WiFi technology, it may have a negative impact on how the Internet works. If there are various obstacles (walls, large household appliances, sources of radio interference, etc.), then they all contribute to the weakening of the Wi-Fi signal. There is a direct relationship between the strength of the wireless network signal and the speed at which the Internet operates on the device. It is recommended to choose the optimal location for the router or purchase additional equipment to strengthen the signal.

Wireless network channel

If the channel is loaded, the user will not be able to surf the Internet at normal speed. Usually the channels are very busy in the evenings. At this time, people watch TV series, listen to music online, communicate on social networks. In such cases, there is no point in calling technical support. Providers have no control over such situations.

You can only change the channel of your wireless network. As a rule, channel distribution is carried out automatically. And quite often several gadgets are connected to one channel. If you change the channel, the speed will increase. The degree of channel congestion is checked using the InSSIDer utility.

The utility is capable of scanning your home networks. As a result, you will receive a graph that will clearly demonstrate which channel is less busy at what time. We select this channel and use the Internet at normal speed. You can change the channel in the router's web interface.

Go to the control panel, then select the category dedicated to wireless network settings. By default, the router independently selects more free channels. Now you need to independently select the channel that the InSSIDer utility “suggested” to you. After this, the router will reboot and will work on the new line.

What affects download quality?

Internet tariffs from
If the test results are unsatisfactory, and the speed does not correspond to the declared tariff from Rostelecom, you need to look for the reasons. They can be either external or on the subscriber side, namely:

• load on the provider's servers;
• line damage;
• engineering works;
• virus activity on the subscriber's PC;
• running torrent client without speed limit;
• low signal from Wi-Fi router;
• incorrect modem settings.

Third parties

If your wireless network does not have a passkey, it is possible that your WiFi is being used by neighbors and strangers. Such a number of users is guaranteed to reduce the connection speed.

Let's look at how to deal with this situation below:

• We go on the computer to any browser.
• In the address bar we write the address of the router.
• In the authorization window, enter your username and password.
• In the menu we find the “Access” category. Let's check which devices are connected to your device.

If you find something unfamiliar in the list of connected devices, go to the wireless network settings category. Here you can activate blocking of all unknown devices. It is also possible to create a white list of your own home gadgets. After the changes are made, it checks the correct functioning of the gadgets. If there is no Internet access, go back to the settings again.

How to ask for help?

The service department consists of specialized departments:

• technical support for Internet and television;
• repair bureau ;
• Cellular subscriber support service

If you have problems with the Internet, you must call the industry number. In turn, Internet technical support consists of three groups of operators. The call goes like this:

• The subscriber first gets to the first line technicians, who will provide competent information about accidents , disabling access for non-payment , provide settings data and dictate a step-by-step mechanism for setting up the equipment.
• The specialist will issue a request for second-line technicians if the problem is not resolved. In a short time, technicians will contact the subscriber by phone and will be able to directly connect to the subscriber’s port and make the settings.
• The transfer of the application to a team of masters will occur if it is necessary to solve the problem on the spot.

The algorithm for contacting technical support is exactly this; you cannot immediately call the second or third line technicians, only in a certain order.

In order not to be left without support in the absence of the Internet, you need to make sure that Rostelecom hotline number 8 800 1000 800 is recorded in the contact book of your mobile phone. Then you can ask for help, consultation and advice at any time, since the service is 24/7 and free.

After the subscriber presses the call, he will be taken to the voice menu system , following the instructions of which he needs to press certain numbers on the keyboard and ultimately contact a specialist who can solve a specific problem.

Contacts of Rostelecom services

• Consultation on services - 8 800 707 18 11 .
• Claims regarding the company's work and balance request - 8 .
• Unified information regarding the tariff plan - 111 .
• Technical support for Internet and TV - 8 .
• Technical support for those who are roaming - + 7 .

How to check the Internet

Checking the Internet is not difficult; there are many resources and programs that will quickly provide information about the current speed and quality of the Internet over a certain period of time.

Speed ​​measurement

To objectively assess the capabilities of your home Internet, you need to test your network access speed. You can carry out the procedure using various specialized online resources, such as Yandex Internetometer or Speddtest. By logging into the services, the subscriber will get acquainted with the technical data of his own PC and by pressing the “Measure” function button, start the test. The system will check two connection parameters: incoming and outgoing.

other methods

You can monitor the stability of the Internet without using third-party programs:

• Open a command prompt and enter the numeric command ping –t 8.8.8.8.
• Press Enter .

The team will send requests to the Googl DNS server and provide second-by-second analytical data about the Internet. The command can be extended for any period of time. You can stop the process by pressing Ctrl+C . The result of the monitoring will be a final report displayed on the screen about the channel quality, speed and percentage of losses.

You can monitor your traffic using special programs, of which there are many on the Internet. For example, NetWorx provides speed information for any period of time and current speed.

Viruses and antiviruses as the reason for low speed

Both factors can eat up traffic:

• viruses load the main channel for malicious purposes;
• The antivirus may not have time to scan traffic, which will cause the performance of the entire system to drop.

To fix the problem, you should conduct a thorough scan of the system for viruses, and then try to weaken the level of protection in the antivirus program.

Now you know why the Internet can drop and how to fix them by increasing your connection speed!