TDS Speed Test
This page helps TDS customers understand their internet speed test results and see whether their connection is performing normally for a TDS fiber line. By comparing your results with what TDS typically delivers, you can quickly see if there's a real problem or just normal fiber variation.
TDS (Telephone and Data Systems) provides internet in parts of the Midwest and South. Actual speeds at your home depend on your plan and building wiring conditions.
How to interpret your TDS speed test result
A TDS speed test focuses on three main values:
Download speed – how fast your devices receive data from the internet
Upload speed – how fast your devices can send data to the internet
Latency (ping) – how quickly a signal can go to a server and return
Compare these values with your TDS plan speed and always note whether you tested over Wi‑Fi or Ethernet. Fiber plans are designed to give strong upload as well as download performance.
TDS Fiber: expected performance
Connection characteristics
Fiber‑to‑the‑home (FTTH) over dedicated fiber
More consistent performance than copper‑based internet
Good for multi‑device streaming, remote work, and gaming
Typical real‑world performance
Download speed: often 85–100% of plan speed on a wired test with a modern device
Upload speed: usually very close to download speed on TDS fiber plans
Latency: typically in the single‑digit to low‑teens ms range, good for gaming and video calls
If repeated wired tests stay far below these expectations, especially during quiet times of day, that's not normal for a healthy TDS fiber line.
Common causes of slow TDS speeds
Even with fiber, many day‑to‑day speed problems come from issues inside the home rather than TDS's backbone network.
Frequent causes
Testing only on Wi‑Fi instead of with an Ethernet cable
Using older routers, switches, or Ethernet cables that can't handle gigabit speeds
Multiple TVs, consoles and laptops streaming or downloading at the same time
Router or ONT placed in a corner, closet or basement with weak Wi‑Fi coverage
Background apps (cloud backup, large downloads, game updates) quietly using bandwidth
TDS router and network details
| Item | Value |
| Router model | TDS Fiber Router (varies by region) |
| Router login IP | Commonly 192.168.1.1 |
| Wi‑Fi standard | Wi‑Fi 5 / Wi‑Fi 6 (model dependent) |
| Customer support | 1-888-225-5837 |
| Support app | TDS App |
Before scheduling a technician visit, it's a good idea to restart both the ONT and router, check cable connections, and review basic settings in the router interface or TDS App.
Wired vs Wi‑Fi testing on TDS
TDS Fiber is capable of very high speeds, but Wi‑Fi adds its own limits. It's common to see Wi‑Fi tests come in 20–40% below what a wired test can show, especially on older phones and laptops or when you are far from the router.
Walls, floors, neighboring networks and the capabilities of your phone, laptop or smart TV all affect the final Wi‑Fi number. That's why TDS recommends running at least one test with a computer connected directly to the TDS router using a gigabit‑capable Ethernet cable.
If your wired result is strong but Wi‑Fi is weak in some rooms, you're dealing with a Wi‑Fi coverage problem, not a fiber‑line problem. Mesh Wi‑Fi, better router placement, or wired backhaul can help.
When to contact TDS support
You should consider contacting TDS if you see:
Wired tests regularly staying well below about 80% of your plan speed
Upload speeds much lower than your plan promises, even on Ethernet
Frequent disconnects, buffering or high ping even during off‑peak hours
Router or ONT lights showing a persistent error or "red" status
In these cases, call 1‑888‑225‑5837 or use the TDS App to run line tests and book a technician if needed.
TDS speed test FAQs
Is TDS Fiber good for online gaming and streaming? Yes. TDS Fiber provides low latency and high speeds that are well‑suited for online gaming, streaming, and video conferencing.
Why are my Wi‑Fi speeds lower than my TDS Fiber plan speed? Wi‑Fi performance depends on device age, distance from the router, interference and network congestion in your home. It's normal for Wi‑Fi results to be noticeably below what the fiber line itself can do on Ethernet.
Should I upgrade my TDS plan if speeds feel slow? Upgrade only makes sense if a clean wired test already comes close to your current plan's maximum and your household usage has grown. If wired tests are far below plan speed, fix the underlying issue with TDS support first before upgrading.