topic Re: Using streaming services --> slow lane in Archived Posts

Using streaming services --> slow lane

SilenceIsGolden — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 09:07:13 GMT

This has been going on for a few months now, but never used to happen before. Whenever I use the All 4 on-demand player, the speed starts out fine and there's no buffering, but after a period of time (maybe 30 mins), the buffering starts and continues every 10-20 seconds, making the programme completely unwatchable. This mainly seems to happen in the evenings.

I've done speed tests, which show that the All 4 player is not the problem. The speed starts out at an acceptable level, but after the buffering has occurred, the speed drops off a cliff (i.e. download speeds of just a couple of mbps without the All 4 player loaded). By the morning it's back to normal again.

So it looks like EE are capping my rate, which they weren't doing before. There's no way I could risk signing up for a paid service like Netflix if this is going to happen. This is just not good enough considering it's the only way I can access broadband in my rural location and I'm paying a premium for it.

Re: Using streaming services --> slow lane

bristolian — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 10:53:12 GMT

Hi @SilenceIsGolden

You mention speed tests being conducted, but not what the results were?

Do you have problems with other streaming apps/services, or are these issues limited to All-4?

Re: Using streaming services --> slow lane

SilenceIsGolden — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 11:04:59 GMT

Unfortunately I didn't keep a record of the speed at the time it last happened, but I do recall that it dropped to around 2 mbps (download) after the problems with the buffering occurred. Prior to that it had been streaming fine, and it was OK the next day. This happens every time I use streaming services in the evenings. It appears to be more reliable during the day, but not always.

I've tried All 4 and iPlayer - both exhibit the same problem.

Re: Using streaming services --> slow lane

James_B — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 12:21:55 GMT

Hi @SilenceIsGolden,

Welcome to the EE Community. 🙂

We wouldn't place any speed limits on your service when you are using streaming services.

If it is only happening at peak times, your local mast could be experiencing some congestion issues.

Does the coverage checker show any network problems in your area?

James

Re: Using streaming services --> slow lane

SilenceIsGolden — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 13:31:52 GMT

The coverage checker says "we recently fixed a problem", but doesn't specify what that problem was. In any case, the problem is still ongoing.

If it's a congestion problem, what would I need to do to get this resolved? It seems odd that the problem always follows the same pattern, i.e. starts off fine for maybe 30 mins and then falls off a cliff.

Re: Using streaming services --> slow lane

James_B — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 13:50:55 GMT

Hi @SilenceIsGolden,

I'd recommend getting in touch with Customer Care so our Tech Gurus can take a detailed look at this with you.

They'll be happy to help. 🙂

James