Throttling

When an ISP intentionally slows down internet speeds for certain activities like streaming.

What is Throttling?

Throttling refers to the intentional slowing down of your internet connection by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). It’s typically used to manage network congestion, enforce data limits, or prioritize certain types of traffic.

Why ISPs Throttle Bandwidth

  • To reduce strain on the network during peak usage hours
  • To enforce data caps on limited or mobile plans
  • To discourage high-bandwidth activity like 4K streaming or large downloads
  • To upsell users to more expensive, higher-tier plans
  • To prioritize other services if your ISP owns media or content platforms

Signs of Throttling

  • Speed tests are significantly slower at certain times of day
  • Specific apps or services (like Netflix or YouTube) lag while others work fine
  • Speed improves when using a VPN (indicating possible throttling)
  • Frequent buffering during high-quality streaming, even on a fast plan
  • Downloads or uploads crawl below advertised speeds

How to Avoid or Fix It

  • Use a VPN to mask your traffic (may bypass application-based throttling)
  • Monitor your data usage to stay under ISP limits
  • Run speed tests at different times to identify patterns
  • Upgrade your plan or switch to a provider with fewer restrictions
  • Contact your ISP and ask if throttling is in effect for your plan

FAQs

Compare speed tests on and off a VPN, or run tests during peak and off-peak hours. If performance drops on certain apps only, you’re likely being throttled.

Yes — in most regions, ISPs are allowed to throttle speeds as long as they disclose it in your contract or terms of service.

Sometimes. VPNs can bypass throttling that targets specific websites or services, but not general network congestion or data caps.

Some “unlimited” plans include soft data caps, after which your speeds may be reduced. Always read the fine print.

Not usually — unless they’ve misrepresented your service or violated terms. It's best to escalate with customer support or switch providers.

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