How to Fix Slow Frontier Fiber Speeds

If your Frontier Fiber speeds are slower than expected, start by restarting your ONT and router, then test with a wired Ethernet connection to isolate whether the issue is your Wi-Fi or the fiber connection itself. Most speed issues resolve with these basic steps in under 10 minutes.

Frontier Fiber delivers speeds up to 5 Gbps in select markets, but real-world performance can sometimes fall short. Whether you're seeing buffering during streaming, slow downloads, or laggy video calls, this step-by-step troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose and fix the problem. Call Frontier support at 1-855-981-6281 if you need additional help after trying these steps.

Step 1: Run a Speed Test to Establish a Baseline

Before making changes, document your current speeds so you can measure improvement. Use a reputable speed test service like Speedtest.net or Fast.com. For accurate results:

Close all other applications and browser tabs
Disconnect other devices from your network if possible
Run the test at least 3 times and average the results
Note both download and upload speeds

Compare your results to your plan's advertised speeds. Frontier Fiber plans typically deliver 100% of advertised download speeds, so a significant gap indicates an issue worth troubleshooting.

Step 2: Restart Your ONT and Router

The Optical Network Terminal (ONT) is the box where Frontier's fiber line enters your home. Restarting both the ONT and your router clears cached data and re-establishes the connection. Follow this sequence:

Unplug the power cable from your router — wait 30 seconds
Unplug the power cable from the ONT — wait 60 seconds (the ONT needs more time to fully reset)
Plug the ONT back in first — wait for all status lights to turn solid green (about 2-3 minutes)
Plug the router back in — wait for Wi-Fi to broadcast (about 1-2 minutes)
Run another speed test to see if performance improved

This power cycle resolves roughly 60-70% of speed issues. If your speeds return to normal, the problem was likely a temporary connection hiccup.

Step 3: Test With a Wired Ethernet Connection

Wi-Fi adds overhead and introduces variables like interference and distance. Connect your computer directly to the router using an Ethernet cable and run a speed test. This tells you whether the issue is with your fiber connection or your wireless network.

If wired speeds are normal: The issue is your Wi-Fi setup — skip to Step 5
If wired speeds are still slow: The issue is with the connection itself — continue to Step 4

Use a Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable for accurate results. Older Cat5 cables can bottleneck gigabit connections.

Step 4: Check for Network Outages

Sometimes slow speeds indicate a wider network issue in your area. Check for outages through these channels:

Visit the Frontier outage troubleshooting page for step-by-step guidance
Log into your Frontier account at frontier.com and check the outage map
Use the My Frontier app to view service status
Call Frontier's automated system at 1-855-981-6281 for real-time outage information

If there's a known outage, Frontier is already working on it. Outages typically resolve within a few hours, though major infrastructure issues may take longer.

Step 5: Optimize Your Wi-Fi Setup

If your wired speeds are fine but Wi-Fi is slow, these optimizations can help significantly:

Router Placement

Place the router in a central location, elevated off the floor
Keep it away from microwaves, baby monitors, and Bluetooth devices
Avoid placing it inside cabinets or behind furniture

Channel and Band Selection

Use the 5 GHz band for devices within 30 feet of the router (faster speeds, shorter range)
Use the 2.4 GHz band for devices farther away (slower but better range)
If your router supports Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, ensure your devices are compatible to take advantage of higher speeds

For larger homes, consider adding a mesh Wi-Fi system. Frontier's eero mesh system is designed to work with their fiber service. Learn more about resolving Wi-Fi dropping issues with our dedicated guide.

Step 6: Check for Device-Level Issues

Sometimes the problem is with a specific device rather than your network. Check these common culprits:

Background updates: Windows, macOS, and gaming consoles may download large updates
Cloud syncing: Services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or iCloud can consume bandwidth
Malware or adware: Run a security scan on devices with unexplained slow speeds
Outdated network drivers: Update your device's Wi-Fi adapter drivers
Too many connected devices: Each device shares your total bandwidth

Step 7: Contact Frontier Support

If you've tried all the steps above and speeds are still below your plan's advertised rates, contact Frontier for advanced troubleshooting. They can:

Run diagnostics on your ONT and line remotely
Check for signal degradation on the fiber line
Schedule a technician visit if needed (at no charge for line issues)
Verify your account is provisioned for the correct speed tier

Call Frontier Fiber support at 1-855-981-6281 or chat online through the My Frontier app.

Check Frontier Fiber Availability

When to Consider Upgrading Your Plan

If your speeds are technically meeting your plan's specifications but still feel slow, you may need a higher tier. As of early 2026, Frontier Fiber offers plans ranging from 500 Mbps to 5 Gbps. Consider upgrading if:

You have 10+ devices connected simultaneously
Multiple family members stream 4K content at the same time
You work from home with large file transfers or video conferencing
You game online while others use bandwidth-heavy applications

View Frontier Fiber Plans

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frontier Fiber so slow all of a sudden?

Sudden speed drops are usually caused by a temporary network issue, ONT firmware update, or local outage. Restart your ONT and router first, then check for outages in your area. If the problem persists, contact Frontier support.

What speeds should I expect on Frontier Fiber?

Frontier Fiber typically delivers 100% of advertised download speeds over a wired connection. Over Wi-Fi, expect 50-80% of your plan speed depending on distance from the router, interference, and your device's Wi-Fi capabilities.

Does Frontier throttle internet speeds?

Frontier Fiber plans have no data caps and no throttling. If you're experiencing consistently slow speeds, the issue is more likely related to your home network setup, equipment, or a line issue that Frontier can diagnose.

How often should I restart my Frontier router?

A monthly restart is a good practice to clear cached data and refresh connections. If you're experiencing speed issues, restart both the ONT and router as described in Step 2 above.

Can my old router cause slow Frontier Fiber speeds?

Yes. Older routers may not support Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6, which limits wireless speeds regardless of your fiber plan. If your router is more than 3-4 years old, consider upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 or 6E model for best results.

Is Frontier Fiber faster than cable internet?

Fiber internet is generally more consistent than cable because it doesn't suffer from congestion during peak hours. Frontier Fiber also offers symmetrical upload and download speeds, which cable providers typically cannot match.

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you sign up through them at no additional cost to you. Our recommendations are based on independent research and testing. We are committed to providing honest, unbiased information to help you make informed decisions about your internet service. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

Pablo Mendoza — Senior Telecom Analyst at InternetProviders.ai. Pablo has spent over a decade analyzing broadband markets and helping consumers find the best internet service for their needs. He tests provider performance regularly and stays current with the latest fiber technology developments.