Internet Throttling: What is it and How to Get Rid of it?

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Internet users are happy as long as the internet speed is optimal. As soon as the speed reduces or starts to throttle, the users become furious beasts. It is unbearable for any internet user to experience slow speed. Whether it is being used for downloading, gaming, streaming, or socializing, things might turn off as soon as the internet starts to throttle. In most cases, internet throttling begins when unlimited bandwidth activities going on especially when streaming, gaming, or sharing files.

Today, we are going to discuss what is internet throttling, what the signs of throttling are, and how to get rid of it. Let’s look at each of them so that you don’t have to face speed throttling in the future.

What is Internet Throttling?

Throttling is slowing down of internet purposefullyby the service provider. At times, you may experience slow internet that isn’t related to any equipment fault or disconnections. When internet throttling takes place, you won’t get any notification. However, there are ways to check it out which will be discussed later on.

Normally people experience throttling of entire connection but generally perceived by users as throttling specific type of content.

Why Internet Service Providers Throttle Internet?

There are several reasons why ISP throttle the internet. Some of them are:

Exceeding Data Limit

The majority of service providers offer limited data on plans. But due to heavy usage, the data may exceed the allocated amount and the speed slows down. It is better to look for ISPs offering unlimited data cap on their plans. This will prevent you from experiencing a throttling issue. Depending on your area, you can simply look for Spectrum bundles offering high-speed internet as much as 940Mbps, and an unlimited data cap on all of their plans.

Traffic is too High

Bandwidth is not always the reason behind internet throttling. Sometimes internet users of the same providers might put loads of traffic, which might force ISPs to throttle some connection to provide sufficient speed to the rest of the subscribers.

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Throttling Specific Activity

When you are online and doing heavy tasks such as downloading files or streaming Netflix on 4K resolution, your ISP may throttle the internet. You can avoid such a situation by limiting your online activities and reducing the quality of the video. For instance, you can disconnect other devices that are connected to the same network.

How to Detect Internet Throttling?

As mentioned earlier that you won’t get any notification about speed throttling. Here are some ways to detect internet throttling.

Check Your Speed

In most cases, internet service providers offer you tools on their website to test speed. However, if your ISP doesn’t haveany tool, don’t worry you can simply type fast.com or speedtest.net to test your internet speed. Once the test is over, you will come to know upload and download speed. Just note it down on a piece of paper.

Install VPN and Run Speed Test Again

The next step is to install a free VPN on your computer and run a speed test. Some of the most reliable and trustworthy VPNs include Browsec, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and StrongVPN. I personally love Browsec as it can be installed on your ChromeBrowser. Once the VPN is installed, turn it on and run the speed test again.

Compare Both Results

Now it is time to take the paper out and compare the results of both. If they are the same, it’s a sign that your service provider is not throttling the internet. However, if the internet speed is much faster with VPN than without then it means your service provider is throttling the speed. It is now time to pick up the phone and ask your service provider to resolve the issue.

Compare it with Advertised Speed

If the speed with and without VPN isthe same, now it is time to check whether you are getting the speed that you are paying for. For instance, if you have subscribed to a 50Mbps plan, but the result is around 35Mbps – it means there is some kind of issue. It is a fact that most of the service providers don’t deliver as much speed as they advertise.

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How to Get Rid of Throttling

Internet throttling is a nightmare for internet users, especially those who like to binge-watch shows on the weekend and play online with friends. However, internet throttling can be avoided through simple tips. Let’s find out.

Switch to another Service Provider

Internet speed issues are for real and sometimes you can fix it and sometimes not. But what if the problem persists for a longer period and your service provider isn’t taking the issue seriously. It is the best time to cancel the subscription and switch to another provider. Make sure to check the availability in your area, compare it with other providers, and choose what suits your requirements.

Analyze Your Monthly Usage

If internet throttling occurs frequently, you need to analyze your monthly internet usage. If you have subscribed to an internet plan with a limited data cap, you can simply switch to another plan with a higher data cap. But trying for an unlimited data cap would be better if you are a heavy internet user.

Look for Reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN)

One of the most recommended and trustworthy methods to avoid internet throttling is to install a virtual private network (VPN). Especially if you are using streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, or Amazon Prime, VPN might prevent you from internet throttling. The reason is that VPN hides your IP address and keeps your identity secret – which isn’t easily detectable by the service provider.

Summing Up

Internet throttling is common nowadays and most people complain about it on regular basis. Sometimes your service provider might throttle the internet, but not all the time. If the problem persists for a longer period, make sure to test your speed at different times of the day. If the issue persists all the time, make sure to check your equipment. Sometimes replacing your modem/router might fix the issue. Otherwise, try resetting the device or contact customer support directly.