Step 1: confirm it's WiFi, not the internet connection
Connect a device by network cable directly to the router or main switch and run a speed test (fast.com or speedtest.net). If the wired speed matches what you're paying for but WiFi is much slower, the problem is in the wireless network, not your provider.
Step 2: measure signal where it's actually used
WiFi speed drops with distance and obstacles. Measure signal strength (RSSI) standing where you actually work, not next to the router. Below -70 dBm usually means insufficient coverage.
Step 3: check for channel congestion
In areas with many neighboring networks (offices, buildings), 2.4GHz channels get saturated. A WiFi analyzer app (WiFi Analyzer on Android, or the access point's own panel) shows which channel each nearby network uses. Switching to a less crowded channel, or moving devices to 5GHz, often improves speed immediately.
Step 4: count how many devices are connected
A consumer router hits its real capacity well before the number on the box. If more than 15-20 active devices (cameras, TVs, phones, IoT) share one unmanaged device without traffic management, perceived slowness increases even if the contracted bandwidth is enough.
Step 5: check the age of the equipment
Access points and routers older than 5-6 years don't support current WiFi standards well and struggle managing networks with many simultaneous devices. If the problem persists after the steps above, the equipment has likely reached the end of its useful life.
If the problem persists after these 5 steps
Open a support ticket with the results of these steps (wired vs WiFi speed, measured dBm, channel used, device count). That information speeds up remote diagnosis significantly — see how to open a ticket and what to include.