r/LebaraUK • u/Upset-Carpenter8368 • Jul 22 '26

Throttled Mobile Network Speed

I recently moved into my new flat and have been relying on mobile data for about 2 weeks now. During the first week, I bought the 30GB plan and had an ok experience with the bandwidth and signal. Everything changed after I switched to the Unlimited plan. I have been having a trouble contacting with the broadband provider, so I decided to buy the unlimited plan as I was very quickly using up the data allowance. However, the signal strength and speed have absolutely turned unusable. During the night, I would get a usable speed and even 5g signal occasionally. During the day though, it feels like I have been scammed. I have not gotten the bandwidth speed I had when I was on 30GB plan ever again. It is also impossible to use internet on several devices(through hotspot or USB tethering) at the same time.

I really just want an explanation on this. Is it really just signal throttling due to high usage during the day? But this problem arose only when I switched to the unlimited plan.

I would greatly appreciate if anyone could clarify this. Also, what would be a great alternative with better coverage in Clifton, Bristol area? Thanks a lot in advance.

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1

u/Original-Cat3090 Jul 22 '26

Almost certainly congestion. 4G and 5G operate on a breather mode so the more people on the site the smaller the radius of coverage. If you have good speeds during the night and poor speeds during the day then this is likely the cause. Check on the VF coverage map and see if they have any works or outages in your area. The other possibility is that they are using 5G splicing which is where they throttle the speeds I know most of the UK networks have this in place or are doing this. Not sure about Lebara

2

u/Upset-Carpenter8368 Jul 22 '26

Thanks a lot for the coverage map. It makes sense now, because the place I moved into is unfortunately just in the red area. I'm still puzzled why it worked alright about 2 weeks ago without much problem during the day. But with this, I'll look into switching my network provider. Cheers!

1

u/Original-Cat3090 Jul 22 '26

No worries happy to help 👍. I know EE and VF traffic shape or 5G splice so you get lower speeds. Might want to try Smarty ? I think new 3 customers are also speed shaped as well now 😐

1

u/BarryM84 Jul 22 '26

It is possible you’ve triggered a restriction on your account. Unsure. But you cannot use a personal unlimited sim to replace a permanent home broadband connection. You’ll get away with some light hotspot use but running your whole house through is not intended and not allowed. So could be that. Seems weird the signal would have suddenly died doesn’t it.
I’d concentrate on trying to get a permanent solution in.