I'll have to read through it, but I sometimes shut my wireless mouse and put it in its cradle when downloading a large file over my WiFi-tethered mobile phone, place the phone in a 45-degree angle instead of flat on my desk. No scientific reason, just guessing it puts it more in direct line with the WiFi antenna in my notebook and the tower.
It is my sole internet connection here in SE Asia, and this seems to help, but maybe I am wish-biased!