Hotspot streaming - My connection seemed to cut me off and slow down to snail pace

[Kristopher]

I was camping and I wanted to watch a movie on Netflix using my Bell cell hotspot.  My connection seemed to cut me off and slow down to snail pace.  Am I doing something wrong?  Do I require a special plan?

[WelshTerrier · Accepted solution]

Good Day.

No, you do not need a special plan. Can you please tell us a bit more? Which mobile device are you using? What are you using to view this movie on? Are both of your devices full charged and up to date? Do you have a good signal?

You can make several adjustments to your phone’s settings to boost hotspot speeds. I have included just a few ideas below:

1. Your phone’s Low Power Mode can negatively impact your mobile hotspot performance, since it takes priority away from certain activities to keep your phone’s core functions working. It’s best to turn the setting off while using your hotspot.
2. Hotspots use two different frequency (or radio) bands to broadcast Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz and 5GHz. The 2.4 GHz frequency band is best for longer distances, but the 5 GHz frequency band delivers faster speeds over shorter distances, making it perfect for a hotspot only a few feet from your devices. Please have a look at your Personal Hotspot or Hotspot and Tethering settings and adjust accordingly.
3. Adjust your Background App Refresh. Turn off apps that you deem not necessary 
4. Do your best to avoid using your hotspot during peak times! E.g. 5:00 - 6:00 pm, etc.
5. Are you able to download the movie to your device before leaving home?
6. Try to use your hotspot only in areas where you have at least three bars of cell reception

Take care.

[dks · Accepted solution]

Video streaming on a cell phone while camping has some down sides. First, cell towers are not as close as they are in urban areas, which in turn reduces signal strength. Second, in vacation communities the cell states become overloaded and you will experience slow downloads, pixilation and stopping. Third, trees and leaves are a great block for a cell signal. In other words, watching Netflix on a cell hot spot while camping won’t be the most pleasant of experiences.