MCTV Speed Test Tips

Things you should consider before running your speed test:

  • Internet speed changes throughout the day. Test your speed multiple times a day for clear results.
  • Run the speed test in the same room as your router, and keep the router in full view for the most accurate result.
  • Complete downloads on all connected devices prior to running the test.
Results

Ideal for 2-3 devices

Your Internet connection is slow.

Your Internet should support the following:

  • Suitable for 1 person
  • Light Internet browsing
  • Music and photo download

This connection is not fast enough to support high-quality streaming.

Find Better Internet
SmartMove connects you to the best Internet, mobile and TV providers in your area. Enter your address to explore your options. Plus, learn how you can save by bundling your Internet and mobile services.

Explore More Options
Results

Ideal for up to 2-3 devices

Your Internet connection is slow.

Your Internet should support the following:

  • Suitable for 1-2 people
  • Moderate Internet browsing
  • Stream HD videos

This connection is not fast enough to support high-quality streaming.

Find Better Internet
SmartMove connects you to the best Internet, mobile and TV providers in your area. Enter your address to explore your options. Plus, learn how you can save by bundling your Internet and mobile services.

Explore More Options
Results

Ideal for up to 5 devices

You're up to speed! Your Internet connection is ideal for streaming.

Your Internet should support the following:

  • Suitable for 3-5 people
  • Manage large files
  • Moderate Internet browsing
  • Stream HD videos

Save money by bundling your Internet and mobile services.


Interested in a New Provider?

Even if you’re happy with your plan, SmartMove can help ensure you are getting the best Internet, mobile and TV service in your area. Enter your address to compare your options.

Explore More Options
Results

Ideal for 4-7 devices

You're up to speed! Your Internet connection is ideal for streaming.

Your Internet should support the following:

  • Ideal for 4-7 devices
  • Moderate Internet usage
  • Stream HD videos
  • Online gaming

Save money by bundling your Internet and mobile services.


Interested in a New Provider?

Even if you’re happy with your plan, SmartMove can help ensure you are getting the best Internet, mobile and TV service in your area. Enter your address to compare your options.

Explore More Options
Two young women work together on an iPad and laptop

What You Need To Know About Your Internet Speed

From the growing gig economy to virtual learning to streaming our favorite shows, Internet has become an essential part of our daily lives. Reliable connection speeds can make or break your online experience, and they’re important to consider when choosing anInternet service provider (ISP). MCTV offers speeds up to 100 Mbps to ensure you have the performance needed for your digital life. Start your MCTV speed test to see how your current internet connection is performing!

How Does an Internet Speed Test Work?

Running an Internet speed test sends a small amount of data from your device to the server and back again to your device to indicate how much time it took for that data piece to be uploaded and downloaded again. This gives you a clear snapshot of your signal strength.

An Internet speed test performs several operations to give you a better idea of the performance of your connection. Get the most accurate reading of your Internet speed test results by doing the following before you start:
  • Understand that by choosing a server located closer to you will result in faster speeds.
  • Restart your modem, router and computer or device to receive an accurate baseline.
  • Do not use your Internet while testing to avoid any interruptions or inaccurate results. Clear the cache from your web browser.
Speeds tend to fluctuate throughout the day, so it’s important to test at different times of the day. Check speed from different rooms in your home, as your router placement can play a role with your Internet connection speed.

A mom and daughter play on an iPad under a blanket fort with string lights
A woman explores MCTV Internet plans on her iPad

Download vs. Upload Speed

When choosing your Internet speed, there are two factors to consider: download speed and upload speed. When it comes to your online connection, you hear about download speeds often. A strong download speed helps you stream videos and music, download files and images, and more. Your download speed is related to how quickly data is downloaded from the server to your device. Upload speed refers to how fast an image, video or file is sent from your computer or device to the server. The upload speed is usually much lower than the download speed because many households spend more time receiving data from the Internet rather than sending it.

Understanding Your Internet Connection Speed

You often hear the word bandwidth in a discussion about Internet connection speed. Bandwidth is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and is the amount of data that can be transferred over an Internet connection. Therefore, a faster Internet connection results in a larger amount of data that can be transferred over a given period of time. If you notice slower connection speeds or latency within your home network because your family is streaming multiple videos, making virtual calls and playing games all at the same time, it may be time to upgrade your Internet speed and improve your device capabilities.

Determine your ideal Internet speed for your needs and answer the common question, "How much internet speed do I need?" with our helpful guide.

An older man sits at a desk on the phone while looking at his laptop
Ready to get connected?

Enter your address to get started

Want Smarter, More Secure Internet? Learn About MCTV Internet and Services.

Learn More
A businessman sits at his laptop while looking at a piece of paper

Determining What Your Download Speed Means

Up to
25
Mbps

Ideal for 2-3 devices

  • Suitable for 1 person
  • Light Internet browsing
  • Music and photo download
Up to
50
Mbps

Ideal for up to 2-3 devices

  • Suitable for 1-2 people
  • Moderate Internet browsing
  • Stream HD videos
Up to
100
Mbps

Ideal for up to 5 devices

  • Suitable for 3-5 people
  • Manage large files
  • Moderate Internet browsing
  • Stream HD videos
Up to
200
Mbps

Ideal for 4-7 devices

  • Ideal for 4-7 devices
  • Moderate Internet usage
  • Stream HD videos
  • Online gaming

The Connection Speed on Your Router

Since many of today's devices have wireless capabilities, a router allows you to easily connect multiple devices to the Internet without the hassle of hard wiring them. The connection speed of your router controls the speed transmitted to your connected devices. Most home routers have approximately a minimum speed of 50 Mbps and maximum speed of 100 Mbps. While routers are available for processing much higher speeds, it is not necessary for many households and is most used by businesses.

Factors that can affect your router connection speed:
  • The number of devices connected to your network.
  • How many active users are using your WiFi.
  • Your device's distance from the router.
  • Overall geographical location.

Tips for Improving WiFi Speed

Although fast Internet speeds are ideal, your device speed is a major component for ensuring you receive your maximum bandwidth. Your device can only process a set amount of data at once using a wireless connection. Many of today's computers have expected WiFi speeds of 150-500 Mbps. If your WiFi is running slower than excepted, try these tips to help improve it:
  • Move closer to your router: Since this is the device sending the WiFi signal, your devices' locations to the router typically affect the speed.
  • Remove old or unused connections: Your router stores a list of connected devices, so removing those that are no longer necessary can increase your WiFi speed.
  • Ensure your router has the latest firmware: Updating your router's firmware can enhance the signal and provide a more effective connection.
  • Use a network extender: If there are spaces in your home with low or connectivity where it is needed, consider using a WiFi booster to extend the reach of your network.
  • Upgrade your equipment: If you are using equipment that is several years old, it may be time to upgrade. Modern equipment is equipped for faster speeds to work better with your devices.
  • Upgrade your Internet: Whether there has been a change to your network's usage, or you find that your package is not adequate for your needs, it could be time to upgrade.

Common connectivity issues

Issues with your Internet connection can be frustrating, but thankfully, they are typically easy to resolve. When troubleshooting, ask yourself these questions about common connectivity issues:
  • Do any of your devices have viruses? Computer viruses can cause poor network performance.
  • Are all the devices on the network experiencing connectivity issues? If it is only one device, it may not be a slow connection.
  • Does the issue remain after restarting the router? A simple reboot cleans memory banks and restarts tasks.
  • Are there slow-running applications on your device? Slow applications not only reduce your productivity but also can affect your download speed.

MCTV Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is MCTV internet speed?
MCTV’s High-Speed Internet offers download speeds starting at up to 25 Mbps, with packages available for up to 100 Mbps. You can test your MCTV Internet speed with the MCTV SpeedTest here.
Does MCTV Internet have data caps?
No; MCTV does not have a monthly data cap. This means you won’t have to monitor total data usage, or worry about overage fees.
 
How can I test my WiFi speed?
You can test server performance using a WiFi speed test tool online, which can assess your work or home wifi connection. This speed test measures whether you have fast or slow internet connectivity and helps you understand your usage capabilities for streaming, downloading, video calls, gaming, and more.
How can I improve my MCTV internet speed?
Many users find they receive the fastest, most reliable speeds with a wired connection. For a guaranteed improvement in speed, connect directly to the internet through an Ethernet cable. For an improved WiFi connection, we recommend rebooting your modem and router, and placing your router in an open location in your home where the signal can travel more freely. You may also find internet speed improvement by minimizing the number of devices utilizing the WiFi at any given time. Turn off devices that aren’t currently in use to help free up additional bandwidth for active tasks.
What is the fastest Internet speed for MCTV?
The fastest download speed available from MCTV is up to 100 Mbps, with upload speeds up to 10 Mbps.
 
Where is MCTV High-Speed Internet available?
MCTV is a popular Internet provider in Ohio. To see if MCTV Internet is available where you live, enter your address at SmartMove.us or MCTVOhio.com.
 
Is WiFi included in MCTV Internet plans?
Yes. Your MCTV Internet plan subscription includes MCTV WiFi access in more than 150 locations across Stark and Wayne Counties.

Learn About MCTV Internet

MCTV Internet provides a variety of features that you can tailor to your needs. Learn more about your options on the MCTV's page.

In the process of moving?

Fill out the form below to find your new provider

Want more information? Check out the other tips and resources on our blog.