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How I Check If My ISP Is Throttling My Internet
I'm paying for fast internet, so why does it feel like I'm stuck in the dial-up days? If your internet connection's crawling for no good reason, there's a good chance it's being throttled—and there are a few ways you can check.
Why Internet Throttling Happens
Internet throttling happens when your internet service provider (ISP) intentionally slows down your connection. ISPs often do this to manage network congestion, enforce data caps, or control access to certain websites and services—even if they advertise "unlimited data."
If you notice your internet slows down during specific activities like streaming, downloading, or gaming—especially at peak hours—throttling might be the reason. It's become such a common issue that Netflix even launched FAST.com to help people test their streaming speeds.
While your ISP can throttle your internet for a number of reasons, the two most common ones include a data cap overage and network congestion.
How to Check if Your Internet Is Being Throttled
Internet plans aren't all created equal—some plans have data restrictions to prevent you from exceeding your monthly bandwidth. Also, when a network becomes too congested because too many people are trying to connect simultaneously, your ISP may limit your internet connectivity.
If you're within your data cap and still experiencing sluggish internet speeds, here are a few techniques to test for ISP throttling.
Test the Internet Speed On Your Device
Testing your internet speed is the best way to check if you're getting the speeds you're paying for. You can use an internet speed testing tool like Google's Measurement Lab to test your current network speed or check for blocking and internet throttling. Note that MLab doesn't carry all of the normal Google branding you'd expect because it's a wider consortium of partners, but this is a useful and accurate internet speed test.
However, you're not limited to a single internet speed test. You should also try Ookla's Speedtest for a second opinion to make sure you're not suffering a bad connection to a specific website.
As internet speeds fluctuate throughout the day, you can run multiple tests and compare them with your data plan to calculate an average. If your internet speeds consistently dip during peak hours, it could show your internet connection is being throttled. Then, it's time to contact your ISP.
Compare Internet Speeds to Streaming Speeds
Sometimes, an ISP may throttle certain types of traffic during peak times. For example, your ISP may allow regular websites to load just fine but throttle bandwidth-heavy streaming services (which is very irritating!). There are a couple of ways you can check this.
First, run one of the aforementioned internet speed tests from MLab or Ookla and note your speed. Then, head over to Netflix's FAST and run this, then compare the speeds. If there is a major discrepancy, it could be that your ISP is targeting Netflix (and other streaming services) data.
Use a VPN to Fight Content-Based Throttling
If your internet throttling is aimed at particular sites and applications, you can use a VPN to bypass it. A VPN (virtual private network) lets you surf the web anonymously so that your ISP cannot track or limit your online activity. It also lets you access restricted websites that would have otherwise been inaccessible.
Using a VPN, you can also check your internet connection speed, giving you a much more accurate reading. While a slight drop in internet speed is normal when using a VPN, a big difference tells you that your internet speed is being stifled deliberately. Again, complete multiple tests throughout the day to record an average speed, noting major drops around peak hours.
Check It's Not Your Wi-Fi
Now, another consideration is that you're actually experiencing a Wi-Fi issue rather than targeted ISP throttling. Because both result in slower speeds, buffering, and dropped connections, it can feel your internet connection is under attack, when in reality, you may just need to reset your Wi-Fi router.
The easiest way to check is a quick Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet speed test. First, run a speed test over Wi-Fi, then do the same while connected to Ethernet. If the Ethernet speed is much faster, it's probably a Wi-Fi issue—interference, distance, or outdated gear. If speeds are slow on both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and especially worse during peak hours or on specific services, you may be facing ISP throttling.
Check You Haven't Hit Your Data Allowance
Finally, I hate to state the obvious, but have you checked your monthly data allowance? If you've reached your monthly data allowance, your ISP has likely throttled your internet connection until the next billing period.
How to Stop Your ISP From Throttling You
There's a common misconception that you can't do much about ISP internet throttling. It isn't easy, but there are some options to stop bandwidth throttling.
- If the problem is data overuse, reduce activities that use a lot of data. You can also install an app to help you track your data usage. If saving bandwidth isn't feasible, consider upgrading your internet plan to enjoy high-speed data.
- Switch to a premium VPN service that provides complete data privacy and freedom from all instances of throttling. Encrypting your traffic and routing it through the VPN service provider's servers will help stop content-based throttling aimed at particular sites and applications.
- If bandwidth throttling becomes persistent and continuous, you can also change your ISP and choose a service provider that serves you.
- You can ask your ISP directly if they throttle your data. It may not answer you the first time, but you could always switch to a better plan.
Throttling can turn your high-speed internet plan into a frustrating experience, but you're not powerless. Whether switching up your gear, using better tools, or contacting your ISP with evidence, there are real steps you can take to fight back. Keep testing, keep monitoring, and don't settle for less than the promise you'reds.