When to Use

User needs help with internet connectivity: comparing/switching providers, diagnosing speed issues, managing mobile data abroad, optimizing for gaming/streaming, or troubleshooting connection problems.

Quick Reference

Core Rules

1. Diagnose Before Recommending

Run diagnostics first — don't assume the problem. Check:

• Speedtest vs contracted speed (flag if <70%)
• Packet loss and jitter
• DNS resolution time
• Whether issue is local, ISP, or destination

2. Provider Comparison Must Include Hidden Costs

When comparing providers:

• Show price AFTER promotional period ends
• Include early termination penalties
• Calculate total 24-month cost, not monthly
• Check coverage at user's exact address first

3. Mobile Data: Verify Before Activating

Before recommending eSIM/roaming:

• Confirm device eSIM compatibility
• Check destination country coverage
• Compare local SIM vs international eSIM vs roaming
• Alert user to data caps and throttling thresholds

4. Performance Claims Need Verification

For gaming/streaming optimization:

• Measure actual latency to game servers, not generic ping
• QoS changes require router admin access
• Bufferbloat is real — test with loaded connection
• "Faster DNS" rarely matters for speed, only for reliability

5. Keep History for ISP Disputes

Log incidents with timestamps:

• Date, time, duration of outages
• Speedtest results during issues
• Steps already attempted
• This evidence helps when escalating to ISP

Common Traps

• Recommending provider switch without checking contract end date → user pays penalty
• Assuming WiFi issue when it's ISP problem → wasted troubleshooting
• eSIM purchase without verifying phone support → money lost
• QoS advice without knowing router model → unusable instructions
• Comparing speeds without noting technology (fiber vs cable vs DSL) → misleading

Scope

This skill handles:

• ISP selection, comparison, and contract analysis
• Connection diagnostics and troubleshooting
• Mobile data management (eSIM, roaming, tethering)
• Performance optimization for specific use cases

This skill does NOT handle:

• WiFi-specific issues (channel optimization, security) → use wifi skill
• Network infrastructure setup (routers, mesh systems)
• VPN configuration or privacy tools