
Internet
Speed, Wi-Fi coverage, outages, and the troubleshooting that actually works.
Understanding Internet Speed, Wi-Fi Speed, and Device Limits
Your plan speed, Wi-Fi speed, and device speed are related. They are different measurements, and they don't always match in real use.
Before You Start
- Know which plan you are on before comparing results to expectations.
- Check whether you are testing on Wi-Fi or Ethernet because that changes what a normal result looks like.
Steps
Frequently asked questions
Why is my phone slower than my laptop on the same Wi-Fi?
Different devices have different Wi-Fi chips, antennas, and limits, so they don't always perform the same way.
Do I need gig internet for normal streaming and browsing?
Not always. The right plan depends on how many people, devices, and heavy-use activities happen at the same time in your home.
What if things still aren't behaving?
If things still aren't behaving, call or text 902-800-2660 and we'll help from there.
Related
How Wi-Fi Extenders Work with Purple Cow Internet
Wi-Fi extenders can help improve coverage in larger homes or rooms where the signal is weak. We can help you decide whether an extender, better router placement, or another Wi-Fi option is the right fit for your home.
Before You Start
- Test your Wi-Fi close to the router first so you know whether the issue is coverage or the internet connection itself.
- Extenders work best when they can still receive a strong signal from the main router or fibre equipment.
- Purple Cow Wi-Fi extender availability and pricing may depend on your service and equipment.
Extender Pricing and Availability
Wi-Fi extenders may be available through the customer portal or through support. Check the customer portal or call or text 902-800-2660 for current availability and pricing.
If support confirms the current extender option for your account, the expected monthly price is $10 per month plus tax.
Steps
Using the Wi-Fi App
The app you use depends on your service and equipment. Some Purple Cow Internet equipment uses the Purple WiFi App. Purple Fibre equipment may use the Purple Fibre app or Nokia WiFi app experience. The app can help with Wi-Fi names, passwords, connected devices, and in some cases extender or mesh setup.
Frequently asked questions
Will an extender fix every Wi-Fi problem?
Extenders help with coverage. They won't fix a service interruption, a modem or ONT problem, or a device that is too old to handle higher speeds.
Where should I put a Wi-Fi extender?
Put it where it can still get a good signal from the main router or fibre equipment. If it is too far away, it may repeat a weak signal.
Can Purple Cow help me choose between an extender and mesh?
Yes. We can help you decide whether an extender, app-guided setup, router placement change, or mesh-style setup makes the most sense for your home.
How much is a Wi-Fi extender?
Check your portal or reach out for current pricing. If the current extender option is available for your account, the expected price is $10 per month plus tax.
Related
How to Understand the Lights on Your Purple Fibre ONT
The ONT is the fibre modem for Purple Fibre service. Its lights can help show whether a problem looks like power, fibre signal, internet activation, or Wi-Fi.
Before You Start
- Look at the ONT before restarting it so you can note which lights are on, off, or unusual.
- Light labels can vary. The most helpful ones are usually Power, PON or Optical, Alarm, and Internet.
- Don't unplug the fibre line or open fibre equipment covers.
Steps
Frequently asked questions
Which ONT lights matter most?
Start with Power, PON or Optical, Alarm, and Internet. Those lights usually show whether the ONT is powered, seeing fibre signal, and online.
Can I fix a red or missing PON light myself?
A red or missing PON light often points to a signal or provisioning issue. Reach out and we'll help from there.
When should I reach out?
If things still aren't behaving, reach out and we'll help from there.
Related
How to Find Your Wi-Fi Name and Password
Your Wi-Fi name and password may be printed on the equipment label or saved in the app that manages your Wi-Fi.
Before You Start
- Check whether you are using Purple Cow's equipment or your own router, because the password may live in different places.
- If you changed the Wi-Fi name or password before, the original sticker may no longer match your live network.
Steps
Frequently asked questions
What if the sticker password doesn't work?
That usually means the Wi-Fi settings were changed after setup, so you should check the app or router settings for the current password.
Can Purple Cow tell me the password if I changed it myself?
We can help you find the right place to check or reset it. If you use your own router, that router's app or settings controls the saved password.
What if things still aren't behaving?
If things still aren't behaving, call or text 902-800-2660 and we'll help from there.
Related
How to Change Your Wi-Fi Name or Password
Changing your Wi-Fi name or password is a good way to secure your network or make it easier for your household to reconnect devices. If Purple Cow manages your Wi-Fi equipment, the change usually happens in the Purple WiFi App or Purple Fibre App.
Before You Start
- Write down the new Wi-Fi name and password before saving the change.
- Be ready to reconnect phones, TVs, speakers, and other smart devices after the update.
Steps
Frequently asked questions
Will changing my Wi-Fi password disconnect everything?
Yes. Any device using the old password will need to be reconnected with the new one.
Can I keep the same Wi-Fi name and only change the password?
Yes. You can change either one on its own if that works better for your home setup.
What if I use my own router?
Use your router's own app or admin page. Purple Cow apps manage Purple Cow-supported equipment only.
What if things still aren't behaving?
If things still aren't behaving, call or text 902-800-2660 and we'll help from there.
Related
How to Fix No Internet on Purple Cow Internet
Internet issues are often caused by power, wiring, activation, or Wi-Fi setup, so it helps to rule those out in a simple order.
Before You Start
- Check whether the problem affects every device or only one phone, laptop, or TV.
- If this is a brand-new self-install, keep your modem connected while you work through the checks.
- Stay safe and skip opening wall plates, outside boxes, or electrical panels. Reach out if wiring looks damaged or unsafe.
Steps
Frequently asked questions
What if my self-install modem never comes online?
If the modem stays offline after the basic checks and activation step, we may need to review the order or arrange more help.
Should I keep trying random resets over and over?
One clean restart is useful. After that, the next best step is checking activation, wiring, or line status.
When should I reach out?
If things still aren't behaving, reach out and we'll help from there.
Related
How to Check if Purple Cow Internet Is Available at Your Address
Purple Cow service options depend on your exact address, building, and unit. Checking availability first is the fastest way to confirm what is available for your home.
Before You Start
- Have the full service address ready, including unit number and postal code.
- Keep a phone number and email address handy in case we need to follow up.
Steps
Frequently asked questions
Why can my neighbour get a different Purple Cow service than I can?
Availability can change by building, unit wiring, and whether Purple Fibre is active at a specific address.
Can I check service before I move in?
Yes. We can usually check serviceability before your move date as long as you have the full address.
What if the address checker says service is not available?
Reach out with the full address and unit number. We can double-check whether service is not available at that address at this time, or whether the address needs a closer look.
Related
How Port Forwarding, Gaming, and Work VPNs Work with Purple Cow Internet
Most gaming, port forwarding, and work VPN questions come down to your router setup, your app settings, and whether the internet connection itself is stable.
Before You Start
- Know whether you are using Purple Cow equipment or your own router before changing any settings.
- Test your basic internet connection first so you don't mistake a general connection issue for a gaming or VPN issue.
Steps
Frequently asked questions
Does Purple Cow block gaming?
No. If gaming is not working well, the cause is usually a connection problem, a Wi-Fi issue, or a router or game setting that needs attention.
Can Purple Cow set up port forwarding for my custom app?
We can help confirm your internet connection is working. App-specific forwarding and firewall setup often depends on the router and software you use.
What if things still aren't behaving?
If things still aren't behaving, call or text 902-800-2660 and we'll help from there.
Related
How to Run a Speed Test for Purple Cow Internet
A good speed test helps separate slow Wi-Fi from an internet connection problem and gives us useful details if you need help.
Before You Start
- Close VPNs, streaming apps, cloud backups, and large downloads before you test.
- If you can, run one wired test first because wired results are the best baseline.
Steps
Frequently asked questions
Why are my Wi-Fi speed tests lower than my plan speed?
Wi-Fi speed depends on distance, walls, signal quality, and device limits, so it is often lower than a wired result.
What is the best speed test to use?
Use a trusted browser or app-based speed test and keep the test conditions the same when you compare results.
What if things still aren't behaving?
If things still aren't behaving, call or text 902-800-2660 and we'll help from there.
Related
How to Connect a New Device to Wi-Fi
Most Wi-Fi connection issues come down to picking the right network, entering the correct password, and testing close to the router first.
Before You Start
- Make sure you know the current Wi-Fi name and password before you start.
- If the device is brand new, complete its basic setup before trying to connect it to Wi-Fi.
Steps
Frequently asked questions
Why do some smart devices only connect on the first try when I am close to the router?
Some devices need a strong signal during setup, especially smaller smart-home devices that use simpler Wi-Fi hardware.
What if one device won't connect and everything else works?
That usually points to a device setting, saved password, or signal issue on that specific device instead of a full internet problem.
Why can't my smart device see the Wi-Fi network?
Some smart devices work best on a simple 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection during setup. Move the device close to the router and check the device maker's setup steps.
What if things still aren't behaving?
If things still aren't behaving, call or text 902-800-2660 and we'll help from there.
Related
How to Set Up Purple Cow Internet for the First Time
Your first setup steps depend on the service available at your address. Every order starts with confirming your address, contact details, and whether your setup is self-install or technician-installed.
Before You Start
- Have your order confirmation handy so you can check which Purple Cow service is being installed.
- Check whether your order includes self-install equipment shipping or a technician appointment window.
Steps
Frequently asked questions
When does billing start?
Billing begins when your service actually goes live, not just when you place the order.
Do I set up Purple Fibre myself?
Purple Fibre is installed by a technician. If your order qualifies for self-install, your setup email will say so.
What if I'm not sure which setup type I have?
Check your order confirmation or reach out. We'll confirm whether you should expect shipped equipment, a technician visit, or another next step.
Related
How to Restart Your Modem or ONT When the Internet Is Not Working
A simple restart is the safest first step when your internet suddenly stops working or your connection seems unstable.
Before You Start
- Save any active work or video calls before restarting the equipment.
- If you use Purple Cow Home Phone, remember that the phone line may stop working until the internet equipment comes back online.
- Use a normal restart first. Skip the pinhole reset or factory-reset button unless we ask you to use it.
Steps
Frequently asked questions
How long should a restart take?
Most restarts finish within a few minutes. Fibre and cable equipment can take a little longer to reconnect fully.
Will a restart erase my Wi-Fi name or password?
No. A normal restart doesn't erase your Wi-Fi settings. A factory reset is different.
When should I reach out?
If things still aren't behaving, reach out and we'll help from there.
Related
How to Improve Your Wi-Fi Speed and Coverage
Wi-Fi performance depends on placement, distance, walls, and the device you are using. A few simple checks can show whether the issue is Wi-Fi coverage or the internet connection itself.
Before You Start
- Test one device close to the router first so you know whether the issue is coverage or the full internet connection.
- Look for barriers such as thick walls, metal objects, or closed cabinets around the router or ONT.
Steps
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Wi-Fi slower in the bedroom than beside the router?
Distance and obstacles reduce Wi-Fi signal, so speeds often drop as you move farther from the equipment.
Will mesh help with dead zones?
It can. Some homes improve with better router placement, a Purple Cow router, an extender, or mesh hardware. We can help you choose the right next step for your layout.
How much is a Wi-Fi extender?
Check your portal or reach out for current pricing. If the current extender option is available for your account, the expected price is $10 per month plus tax.
What if things still aren't behaving?
If things still aren't behaving, call or text 902-800-2660 and we'll help from there.
Related
How to Use a Purple Cow Router or Your Own Router
A Purple Cow router is the simplest supported option for most homes. If you prefer to manage your own network, you can also use your own router for more control over Wi-Fi settings, device features, or network layout.
Before You Start
- Have the router's power cable, Ethernet cable, and setup app or admin details ready before you switch.
- If you want the most supportable setup, start with the Purple Cow router option before choosing a third-party router.
Steps
Frequently asked questions
Why should I use a Purple Cow router?
A Purple Cow router keeps setup simpler and gives support a clearer path to help with Wi-Fi questions.
Will Purple Cow fully configure my third-party router for me?
We can help with the Purple Cow internet connection. Advanced setup on a customer-owned router may still depend on the router maker's instructions.
Can I switch back if I don't like the new router?
Yes. You can go back to the earlier setup if the old equipment is still available and connected properly.
What if things still aren't behaving?
If things still aren't behaving, call or text 902-800-2660 and we'll help from there.
Related
Still stuck? Talk to a real person.
No phone tree, no ticket number. Our support cows are in Nova Scotia and they answer.
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Saturday–Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Saturday–Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
