I am not sure if you actually need firmware-atheros... but give me a moment and I will get it in a .deb format that you need only double click to install.
Edit:
From debian nonfree sources.
Reboot the computer and try again please.
I tried restarting, but to no avail same error. I moved file AthrBT_0x01020001 from ar3k to see if it make a difference but still the same error.
In that case, it appears you do not need the package as the files are already included in the Ubuntu "linux-firmware" package that you already have installed.
I'm going to turn in because it's getting late. If any other ideas please leave a post, I'll bash my head against it tomorrow. Thanks and really appreciate you guys help.
Had you tried disabling Power Saver?
Find your Wireless I.D. (wlp3s0 or wlp2s0 or wlan0...)
iwconfig
Replace (network) with what you found above:
sudo iwconfig (network) power off
Tried it now but looks like it doesn't support power management.
This does not surprise me... it was worth a shot. But that suggestion is iffy.
Let's try it manually:
sudo nano /etc/NetworkManager/conf.d/default-wifi-powersave-on.conf
Change the value of wifi.powersave = 3 from 3 to 2 to turn it off:
wifi.powersave = 2
Reboot needed for it to take affect. Or sleep. 
no change in internet speed.
The funny thing is that Zorin OS is dual boot, and the same machine hosts windows as well. If i switch to Windows the internet speed is past 200 megabits, so it's clearly the drivers.
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Have you modified your grub file at any time?
sudo nano /etc/default/grub
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash"
I haven’t made any modifications. Problems with internet connection have been from day 1. I’m not home now but will give that command a try and post later.
It's ok, I was just checking. There are some grub modifications that can, on your particular model, cause Atheros flaky internet. Since you have not modified grub, then that would not apply to your case.
Let me just give you guys an update:
The solution that seems to work for me is as follows 2 steps coupled together:
- Speed issue is solved by:
sudo su
echo "options ath9k nohwcrypt=1" >> /etc/modprobe.d/ath9k.conf
- the stability problem has been solved by:
sudo gedit /etc/default/crda
and setting the REGDOMAIN to your particular country code.
I did 3 speed tests at 20 minute intervals and all have a 73-75 megabits/s so stable. its only 1/3 of my internet speed but for the moment i'm happy with that because it is stable.
If i find any improvement or there is a change in this fix i'll post accordingly.
Speed Tests:
References for Fix 1 and 2:
fix 1
https://itectec.com/ubuntu/ubuntu-qualcomm-atheros-slow-not-connecting-on-ubuntu-but-works-in-win-10/
fix 2
Final note: This is clearly a driver issue, but with 2 tweaks can be solved to some degree.
I think Zorin OS is awesome!
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I also have a final note for you. If your machine has an ethernet port, and even if it doesn't, you can get a USB to ethernet adapter, and I can tell you right now, once your plugged to a cable, your gonna get your fullspeed. lol
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Thanks for the advice, but for the moment I’m happy with the speed and stability and is ok for my needs. Nonetheless I consider Zorin OS superior to Windows, so I’ll stick with Zorin and MacOS. I’ll get the pro version soon.
Just tested mine in linux, it's about the same compared to windows 10 speedtest. I have a 50Mbit/s connection, but i get a little bit extra 
Holy, you look like you got more upload then you have download, that aint right, should be the other way around lol. I got a 90MB down 5.8 UP connection, but this old dual core machine using its WIFI adapter, can only get this at best.
It is right, got the same thing in Windows :D, but if you look at the picture you see a huge spike at the beginning and drop down like a stone. I think they pick the average speed. I did a new test and got almost the same results
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