If the signal between laptop and modem is weak, the speed will drop. If the speed is 54 Mbps and you are still getting sluggish performance there might be two possibilities

a) the problem is between the modem and Qtel server. Connect your laptop to the router directly with a cable and check, if the speed will still be slow. If yes, bug Qtel.

b) if you have not installed security key on your wireless connection and it is open, you might have dozens of freeloaders using your wireless connection without your knowledge. This will drastically affect the performance.

Good luck!