Belong has a simple suite of plans that you can choose from. While all of their plans are unlimited, there is still the possibility for you to experience certain issues such as no internet, or slow internet speed. In the event that you do encounter these issues, some of the basic troubleshooting tips below can help.

No Internet

If you are frequently experiencing internet outages, or even intermittent internet connection, visiting an outage checker, restarting your modem or router, as well as getting in touch with tech support may be able to help you resolve your problem.

Troubleshooting Tips

Visit an outage checker

One of the primary things that you can do to figure out why you don't have an internet connection is to visit an outage checker or the network status page of your telco. This will immediately make it apparent whether you are the only one experiencing the problem or there is a widespread outage in your area. There is also the option for you to check your telco's social media accounts to garner further information. In case your home internet is down, then you can use your mobile data to check for this information.

Restart your modem or router

Another thing that you can do when you don't have an internet connection is to restart your modem or router. This is in case there are no outages in your area. Sometimes, a simple restart can already do the trick. This is because your modem needs to synchronise with your internet service provider (ISP) and restarting it somehow forces your modem to re-establish a connection. However, make sure that you keep it off for at least about 30 seconds before you power it on. 

Conversely, you can also power off your modem for at least 15 minutes because this will allow it to re-establish its connection with the network. Alongside this, you can also restart the device that you are using to connect to the internet just to be sure. There may even be a need for you to restart your modem in its factory setting using a pin to press the reset pinhole at the rear portion of the device. Just remember that this will bring your modem to its default state and all the previous settings that you have configured in it will be lost.

Check the device you are using

There are instances wherein the problem lies in the device that you are using and not in your modem or router. In this case, you can try connecting to the internet using another device just to rule out this possibility. If other devices can connect just fine, then it is likely that there is something wrong with your device. There could be a problem with its network card or its drivers. If you are using a laptop, then you can try to connect it directly to your modem or router using an Ethernet cable just to check if this will work.

Get in touch with a tech support

After exhausting all means to identify whether there is an outage in your area or restarting your modem, and you still have no internet connection, then you better get in touch with tech support. All that you need is to search for the contact numbers that you can use to reach Belong's tech support. Otherwise, you can also connect to your data to access online channels that can help you escalate your problem to Belong's tech team.

Slow Internet Speed

There are instances wherein you may experience buffering or lagging from time to time. During these instances, there are several things that you can do to help resolve your problem. 

Troubleshooting Tips

Switch browsers

If you are having a slow internet connection, then one of the first things that you can try is to switch browsers. This is because there might be a chance that the current browser you are using encountered an error that caused your internet speed to slow down.

Update your browser

Another thing that you can do is to make sure that your browser is up to date. This is because there might be a chance that you are using an outdated browser which can cause your internet speed to slow down. To update your browser, simply go to the official website of the browser you are using and download the latest version. Once you have updated your browser, try to connect to the internet again and see if your problem has been resolved.

Do a speed test

Another thing that you can do is to check your internet speed. You can do this by going to a website like Speedtest.net and running a speed test. This will help you determine if your current internet speed is the issue or not. Usually, if your internet speed is slow, then you will see a lower number on the speed test. In this case, what you can do is contact your internet service provider and ask them to help you increase your internet speed.

Restart your modem or router

If you are still having a slow internet connection after doing the things above, then one of the things that you can try is to restart your modem or router. Sometimes, this can help resolve any issue that you may be having with your internet connection. To do this, simply unplug your modem or router from the power outlet and wait for a few minutes before plugging it back in. After that, try to connect to the internet again and see if your problem has been resolved.

Check for dense objects

Sometimes, a slow internet connection is caused by a dense object that is located between your modem and the device that you are using to connect to the internet. Some of these dense objects include your fridge, a filing cabinet, your television, as well as brick or marble walls, and copper plumbing. These dense objects can severely weaken your Wi-Fi signal. Thus, make sure that your modem is situated away from these objects and see whether your internet speed significantly improves.

Verify bodies of water

Bodies of water, such as a fish tank or a hot water system, can also have a negative effect on the speed of your internet connection. This is because the radio signals from wireless or cordless devices don't have the capability to penetrate through the water. Even if the radio signals are transmitted, it is most likely that they will be distorted, affecting the speed of your connection. 

Determine the potential causes of wireless interference

Electrical devices can also cause wireless interference that can negatively affect the speed of your internet connection. Hence, keep your modem away from microwaves, base stations of cordless phones, as well as baby monitors, and other Bluetooth devices to name a few. As soon as you put your modem away from these devices, assess whether the speed of your connection has already improved.

Identify the number of internet users

The number of people connected to your internet can also affect the speed of your connection. Generally, the more people simultaneously using the internet in your home, the slower the speed of your internet tends to be. The activities that the web users are doing during the time that they are connected can also affect the speed of your connection. For instance, if all users connected are streaming, then it is most likely that your internet speed will be slower compared to if all connected users are merely browsing or surfing.

Weak WiFi Signal

A weak WiFi signal is often the result of several factors. More often than not, people who experience a weak WiFi signal find straightforward means to fix the problem. Below are some troubleshooting tips that can help you if you find yourself in this situation.

Troubleshooting Tips

Relocate your router

The placement of your modem can affect the strength and quality of your WiFi signal. Make sure that your modem is placed in an open area where there are no obstructions that can weaken the signal. If possible, place it on a high shelf or mount it on the wall to ensure that there are no obstacles that can weaken the signal.

Check for unrecognised devices connected

Sometimes, the problem lies in the devices that are connected to your network. If you have unrecognised devices that are using up your bandwidth, then it will result in a weak WiFi signal. To check for this, simply log into your router’s settings and check the list of devices that are connected to your network. If you see any unrecognised devices, then you can simply disconnect them from your network.

To prevent this from happening in the future, you can enable the guest mode on your router so that only devices that you recognise can connect to your network. You can also use a strong password to further secure your network. This means using a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters in your password. From there, try to connect to the internet again and see if your problem has been resolved.

Change the WiFi channel

Another factor that can affect the strength of your WiFi signal is the WiFi channel. If you are using a router that is already configured to automatically select the best channel, then there is no need to change anything. However, if you are using an older router, then you might need to change the WiFi channel manually.

Update your router’s firmware

If you are still using an old router, then it might be a good idea to update its firmware. This is because newer versions of firmware often come with bug fixes and improvements that can help improve the quality and strength of your WiFi signal. More often than not, you can update the firmware of your router by logging into its web-based interface and checking for updates.

Invest in a repeater

There is also the option for you to invest in a repeater or an extender. This is a device that can amplify the signal of your router and extend its range. By doing so, you will be able to enjoy a stronger and more reliable WiFi connection even in the farthest corners of your home.

The Bottom Line

Belong is one of the best providers of NBN plans, but just like with any other provider, you may encounter internet issues from time to time, particularly the loss of your connection, or those that affect your internet speed. In these instances, it will help if you have a good idea of some basic troubleshooting tips to restore your internet connection or improve its speed. Otherwise, there is always the tech support group of Belong who are ready to help you whenever you need assistance.

And, not to mention, you have Compare Broadband. Call us at 1300 106 571 and we will be more than happy to answer your questions about NBN plans.