Does Walmart block internet?

If you have ever visited Walmart you might have struggled with browsing any websites. Have you ever thought that they might be doing this on purpose so you can't compare prices? It is quite normal to suspect because you usually don't find any problem making calls.

The poor internet connectivity when using mobile data has to do with the frequency used by your provider and structure of the building.

Why calls work but data fails?

Phone calls and mobile data use different frequencies. Your phone handles basic voice calls using much lower, older frequency bands. These low frequencies have long wavelengths that can easily bend around obstacles.

Things got worse with 5G. While 5G networks provide incredibly fast data speeds, they rely on much higher radio frequencies than older 4G LTE networks. High frequencies carry more data but have much shorter wavelengths, meaning they have a notoriously difficult time penetrating solid materials. A 5G signal that is perfect out on the pavement can become completely unusable just ten meters inside a building.

Walmart buildings are essentially giant metal and cinderblock warehouses with flat, reinforced roofing that acts as a shield against these high frequencies reflecting high-speed 5G signals back outside. Because your phone sees a tiny sliver of 5G trying to squeeze through the metal structure, it stubbornly holds onto that weak 5G connection instead of dropping to a stronger data band, stalling your internet.