Is your data feeling sluggish? Here is why that might be happening and how to fix it.
📶 Daily Data Limit & FUP Throttling
If you are on an "Unlimited" plan, please check the Fair Usage Policy (FUP) terms.
- How it works: Most unlimited travel plans give you high-speed 4G/5G data up to a daily limit (e.g., 1GB, 2GB, or 3GB per day).
- What happens next: Once you cross that limit, your speed is reduced (throttled) to 128kbps or 384kbps.
- The Reset: Speed restores to full 5G/4G at 00:00 midnight local time.
Why? This policy is required by local network operators to prevent network congestion. 128kbps is enough for messaging (WhatsApp/WeChat/iMessage) and maps, but not for video streaming.
📍 Weak Signal & Coverage Areas
Are you:
- In a basement or elevator?
- In a remote rural area (mountains, islands)?
- Inside a thick-walled stone building?
eSIMs rely on local cell towers. If the local signal is weak, your data will be slow. Try moving near a window or outdoors.
⚙️ Force 4G or LTE Connection
Sometimes phones get stuck on a slower network band.
iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Select eSIM > Voice & Data > Select LTE or 5G Auto.
Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode > Select LTE/3G/2G (auto connect).
📱 Background Data & App Updates
Your phone might be downloading a huge iOS update or iCloud backup in the background.
The Fix: Low Data Mode
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Select eSIM > Data Mode > Low Data Mode.
- Android: Settings > Connections > Data Usage > Data Saver.
This stops background apps from eating your bandwidth.
Need a Speed Check?
Run a speed test at fast.com. If you are getting under 1Mbps and you haven't used your daily data, please reach out to us via our Contact Page or email [email protected] with a screenshot.