The speed of loading data on a smartphone is a critical parameter for the comfortable use of modern applications. When you want to watch a high-definition video, download a large file, or just quickly open a heavy web page, the delays become immediately noticeable. The operator MTS is constantly upgrading its network, introducing technologies 5G and aggregating frequencies, but the actual speed depends on many factors: from building density to the settings of your Androidgadget.
Users often wonder why the indicators declared by the provider do not match what they see on the screen. The difference between the theoretical potential of a network and the actual result can be colossal. To understand the true state of affairs and identify bottlenecks, it is necessary to conduct a competent diagnosis of the communication channel. There are many methods, from built-in system tools to specialized benchmarks.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for checking the connection speed on devices running OS Android. We won't just run the test, but analyze how the type of SIM card, modem mode, and even energy saving affect the result. You will learn to distinguish a real coverage problem from software limitations and will be able to make an informed decision about changing your tariff or settings.
Using official and popular Speedtest services
The most obvious and accessible method is to use web versions or mobile applications of speed measurement services. The market leader remains Ookla Speedtest, which uses a global network of servers for the most accurate measurements. For users MTS it is important to choose a server located physically closest to your current location in order to minimize ping delay.
When you run the test through the Chrome browser or the built-in Android engine, you get quick results without installing unnecessary software. However, the mobile app provides more stable data because it can run at higher system priorities and is less dependent on background browser processes. It is important to close all background applications that consume traffic, such as torrents or streaming services, before starting the scan.
The result is usually presented in the form of three key indicators: download speed (Download), upload speed (Upload) and response time (Ping). For comfortable viewing of video in 4K a stable 25-30 Mbit/s is sufficient, while for online games low ping is critical, not high channel throughput.
- 📶 Download - data reception speed, affects loading sites, videos and files.
- 🚀 Upload - sending speed, important for video calls, streaming and uploading photos to cloud.
- ⏱️ Ping - signal latency, a key parameter for online games and instant network response.
⚠️ Attention: Free versions of testers often show inflated results due to the use of data compression or connection to overloaded servers. For a professional assessment, use paid functions or alternative tools.
Built-in tools and hidden engineering menus Android
Operating system Android provides users with access to deep network settings through special codes and engineering menus. This allows you to see not only the current speed, but also the connection type, signal level in dBm and the frequency band used. To access the phone information menu, the combination ##4636##is often used, which works on most devices.
In the menu that opens, you must select the “Phone Information” item. Here you will find detailed statistics on data packets that have been sent and received since the device was last turned on or the statistics were reset. Although there is no “Run Test” button, monitoring real-time counters when downloading a file gives you an understanding of the real channel throughput without intermediaries.
Some smartphones from manufacturers like Xiaomi, Samsung or OnePlus have their own add-ons over the standard one. Android. They may have proprietary network optimization utilities built into them, which automatically check the speed and switch the device to a faster server or frequency range. Check the settings in the “Connections” or “Mobile network” section.
⚠️ Attention: In the engineering menu, do not change the network type settings (for example, from
NR/LTEtoGSM only) unless absolutely necessary. This may lead to a complete loss of connection and will require resetting the network settings to restore.
You should also pay attention to the status bar. The icon 4G+ or 5G indicates support for carrier aggregation or a new communication standard, which should theoretically provide high speed. However, if there is an icon next to H+ or 3G, high speed is physically impossible, regardless of the tariff MTS.
If the network icon constantly jumps between 4G and 3G, try manually selecting the “4G/LTE Only” network mode in the engineering menu to force hold connection in the fast range.
Official My MTS application and proprietary tests
The company MTS has developed its own application "My MTS", which is a service management center for subscribers. Within the application, communication quality checking functions are often implemented, adapted specifically for the operator’s infrastructure. This allows you to obtain data that takes into account the internal routing of traffic within the provider's network.
A diagnostic function may be present in the help or settings section of the application. It checks not only the speed, but also the availability of partner services, the operation of voice communication and the ability to send MMS. This comprehensive approach helps identify problems that are not visible during a regular speed test, for example, problems with the operator's DNS servers.
Using a native application ensures that you are testing the connection exactly as the operator sees it. This is especially useful when filing a complaint with technical support: a screenshot from the official application is a more powerful argument than the result of a third-party service that a foreign server could use.
| Verification method | Data accuracy | Convenience | Additional. functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speedtest (Ookla) | High | Very convenient | Test history, coverage map |
| MTS application | Medium/High | Convenient | Service diagnostics, balance |
| Engineering menu | Technical | Complex | Signal level, network type |
| Browser test | Average | Fast | No software installation |
The official operator application provides the most relevant data for resolving disputes with technical support, as it uses the internal infrastructure of MTS.
The influence of smartphone settings and mode modem speed
Often low Internet speeds are not caused by tower problems, but by the settings of the smartphone itself. In the “Access point and modem” section (Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & tethering), you can configure the parameters of the mobile access point. If you distribute the Internet to other devices, the speed on the phone itself may drop due to processor limitations or overheating.
There is an important nuance related to the frequency range. Most modern smartphones support a range for Wi-Fi distribution, which is much faster and more stable than the old one. Make sure that standard 5 GHz for distributing Wi-Fi, which is much faster and more stable than the old one 2.4 GHz. Make sure that the standard is selected in the access point settings IEEE 802.11 ac or later is selected in the access point settings. Also check if the power saving mode is enabled, which often artificially limits background data transfer and radio module operation.
Another factor is the type of SIM card installed. Old cards cut from Mini-SIM or Micro-SIM format Nano-SIMmay have poor contact or may not support new authentication protocols. This leads to a drop in speed and an unstable connection. Replacing the SIM card in a communication store often solves the problem instantly. MTS. This leads to a drop in speed and an unstable connection. Replacing the SIM card at a phone store often solves the problem instantly.
- 🔋 Energy saving - can disable aggressive network search to save battery.
- 📡 Wi-Fi range - when distributing the Internet, choose 5 GHz for maximum speed.
- 💾 Application cache —a full browser cache can slow down page loading.
⚠️ Attention: The access point settings interface may differ on different firmware (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). Look for sections with the words “Tethering”, “Hotspot” or “Modem” in the general network settings.
☑️ Diagnostics of network settings
Coverage analysis and frequency range selection
The speed of mobile data directly depends on the frequency at which it operates your smartphone at the moment. The operator MTS uses different bands: low (800 MHz) for coverage outside the city, medium (1800, 2600 MHz) for the city and high (4.9 GHz) for areas of ultra-high traffic density. Low frequencies penetrate walls better, but have less bandwidth.
Using applications like Network Cell Info or G-NetTrack allows you to see which base station you are connected to and at what frequency (EARFCN) you are working. If you are in an overlap area of several towers, the phone may cling to a distant, but less busy station, or vice versa - to a nearby, but overloaded station.
To force the selection of the best range, you can use the engineering menu described above. Experimentally, you can find the frequency that provides the best balance between signal level (RSRP) and quality (SINR). Often, reconnecting to a neighboring tower gives a 2-3 times increase in speed without changing the location.
What is carrier aggregation?
Carrier Aggregation is a technology that allows you to combine several frequency channels into one virtual pipeline. This multiplies the download speed, but requires support from both the tower and the smartphone modem.
It is worth considering that in the evening the load on the network increases, and the speed may drop even with an excellent signal level. This is because the base station's capacity is divided among all active users in the cell. In such cases, changing the range may not help, and you will have to wait for the load to decrease.
Comparison of results and interpretation of data
After conducting a series of tests, it is important to correctly interpret the obtained numbers. You should not rely on a single measurement, since the speed in mobile networks is unstable. Carry out at least 3-5 tests at different times of the day and at different points in the room (near the window, in the center of the room) to get an objective picture.
Compare the data obtained with those stated in your tariff. If you have a tariff with unlimited Internet, the operator can use technology Shaping (traffic shaping) after a certain threshold of high-speed traffic has been exhausted, even if it is declared as unlimited. In this case, the speed is reduced to 64 or 128 kbit/s, which is immediately visible in the test.
Pay attention to jitter (ping fluctuation). A high average speed with a fluctuating ping will make it impossible to use video calls or online games, despite the fact that files will be downloaded quickly. The stability of a channel is often more important than its peak throughput.
If test results are consistently low at all points and at all times of the day, the problem is most likely not with your device, but with the infrastructure MTS in the area. In this case, it makes sense to contact support with the provided logs and screenshots.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does MTS Internet speed drop in the evening?
In the evening there is a peak load on the network, so how most subscribers return home and begin to actively use the Internet. The base station's bandwidth is limited and is divided among all users, which leads to a decrease in the individual speed of each.
Does a smartphone case affect 5G speed?
Yes, some cases, especially metal ones or containing magnetic inserts, can shield the signal. For high-frequency 5G bands, this is critical, since the wavelength is shorter and the signal bends around obstacles less well. Try removing the cover and performing the test again.
How can I find out if MTS is cutting speed on my tariff?
Check the terms of your tariff in the “My MTS” application. Many unlimited plans have a hidden traffic limit (for example, 30 GB per month), after which the speed is reduced to 64-128 kbps. If, after exhausting the limit, the speed dropped to these values, then the limitation has worked.
Is it possible to speed up the Internet by changing the APN?
In most cases, changing access points (APN) does not increase speed, since routing occurs on the operator’s side. However, if you have incorrect settings or old gateways, resetting the access point to factory settings can restore correct operation of the network.
Why does the test show high speed, but YouTube is slow?
This may be due to problems with DNS servers, overloading of specific video hosting servers, or protocol restrictions on the part of the operator (traffic shaping). Also, the reason may be the lack of RAM of the smartphone itself for video buffering.