GVTC Speed Test

This diagnostic utility validates the throughput of your GVTC connection. To interpret your results, you must identify your physical infrastructure. GVTC is primarily known for its Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) network in the Smithson Valley/Boerne areas, which delivers symmetrical gigabit speeds. However, in rural pockets, legacy DSL or Copper infrastructure still exists, which is strictly distance-dependent.

Understanding Your Speed Metrics

When analyzing your connection integrity, focus on these three performance vectors:

Download Throughput: On GVTC Fiber (500 Mbps, 1 Gbps), wired speeds are exceptionally consistent. On a 1 Gbps plan, you should see ~940 Mbps (the limit of a Gigabit port). If you test at exactly 100 Mbps, check your Ethernet cable; you are likely using an older Cat5 cable instead of Cat5e/Cat6.

Upload Throughput: This is the main health indicator.
• Fiber: Symmetrical. If you have 500 Mbps down, you should have ~500 Mbps up.
• Cable/DSL: Asymmetrical. Uploads are often capped at 10-20 Mbps.
If you are on Fiber and your upload is less than 50% of your download, you likely have a "Dirty Optical Face" (dust on the fiber connector) or a bent patch cord.

Latency (Ping): GVTC fiber generally routes to San Antonio or Austin data centers. Expect <10ms latency. If ping spikes >50ms on fiber, it is usually due to Wi-Fi interference, not the line itself.

What Results Should You Expect?

The "Calix" Hardware Factor

Your hardware dictates your maximum potential. Benchmarks include:

Calix GigaSpire BLAST u6 (Wi-Fi 6): Capable of ~940 Mbps wired. Excellent Wi-Fi coverage.

Calix 844G (Legacy): Wi-Fi 5 only. Wireless speeds will cap around ~400-500 Mbps. Request an upgrade if you are on the 1 Gig plan.

App Restriction: If you cannot access the speed test within the router's local page, use the GVTC WiFi App (CommandIQ) to run a speed test from the router itself. This bypasses your phone's Wi-Fi limitations.

Why Is Your GVTC Connection Slow?

Before calling support, verify these common premise-level faults:

Double NAT: If you plugged your own router (e.g., Eero/Orbi) into the Calix router, you are creating a "Double NAT." This hurts gaming ping. You must ask GVTC to put the Calix unit into "Bridge Mode" or remove it entirely (if you have a separate ONT).

Fiber Kinks: The yellow/white fiber cable is made of glass. If you bent it at a sharp 90-degree angle behind a dresser, the light signal fractures ("Macrobend"), causing speed to drop to ~10-50 Mbps or fail entirely.

Managed Wi-Fi Interference: The GigaSpire automatically selects channels. Sometimes it chooses a congested channel. Rebooting the router forces it to re-scan and pick a cleaner frequency.

GVTC Technical Configuration Data

How to Get an Accurate Test

Wireless testing is unreliable for verifying symmetrical fiber speeds.

To confirm the actual speed delivered to your home, connect a Cat6 Ethernet cable directly from the LAN 1 port on the Calix router to a laptop. Turn off Wi-Fi on the laptop. If this wired test shows ~940 Mbps Up/Down, your line is perfect.

When to Call Support

Escalate the issue to GVTC support if you observe these specific failures:

Solid Red Light: The router cannot detect the optical signal. Usually implies a cut line outside.

Blinking Green (WPS): If the light is blinking green endlessly, the router is stuck in pairing mode.

Symmetry Mismatch: If your download is 500 Mbps but upload is stuck at 50 Mbps on a fiber plan.

You can manage your network and run internal diagnostics via the GVTC WiFi App or by calling 800-367-4882.