#Bandwidth throttling how to
#Bandwidth throttling download

If a lot of people are using internet service at the same time, your ISP might be forced to put a data cap on some or all of their customers’ internet. You’re using the internet at an “internet rush hour.” Bandwidth is a finite resource.Meaning, after you use up a certain amount of data, your internet is going to slow down significantly (until the beginning of the following month or billing cycle). Many internet service plans have some sort of a cap. The most common reasons for bandwidth throttling are: So, let’s get started! What Is Bandwidth Throttling?īandwidth throttling is the process of intentionally slowing down your internet service by your internet service provider (ISP).Īnd yes, this is more common than you think.

#Bandwidth throttling how to

How to see if your bandwidth is being throttled.Want to avoid bandwidth throttling and improve your internet speed? In this article, we’re going to teach you how to do that. In practical terms, this means that they’re deliberately slowing down your internet connection. Or maybe your internet slows down to a crawl at specific hours of the day?Ĭhances are, your ISP is throttling your bandwidth.

Is your favorite streaming service unbearably slow? Learn how bandwidth throttling works and how to avoid it. Learn more about other topics related to internet freedom.Is your internet slower than usual? There’s a chance your bandwidth is being throttled. Lack of competition among ISPs and broadband providers means that companies can even get away with overcharging customers for faster internet. Some ISPs have forced Netflix to pay a fee to escape throttling, allowing the ISP to avoid paying for much-needed upgrades. Some ISPs already have the capability to handle the extra data but choose to throttle content providers’ traffic because it competes with their own streaming content libraries. If your internet speed improves with the use of a VPN, there's a good chance your ISP is throttling your internet connection. A VPN, or virtual private network, encrypts your internet traffic, shielding your online activity from your service provider. The best way to know if your internet speed is being throttled is by running an internet speed test-with and without a VPN. How to tell if your internet is being throttled Finally, ISPs in countries with heavy censorship throttle on some sites to frustrate users, discouraging them from visiting that content without outright blocking it. And during periods of network congestion, ISPs might throttle connections to balance their network speeds, helping as many users as possible get decent service. Streaming sites use a lot of bandwidth, so ISPs tend to start throttling when they notice you streaming. If you’ve used a certain amount of data in a certain period of time, your ISP might start throttling your connection so you’ll use less data. There are several reasons for ISP throttling. ISPs claim this is to reduce congestion on their networks, but the truth is more complicated.

#Bandwidth throttling download

With the rise of streaming video services like Netflix, HBO Max, and even YouTube that demand high bandwidth, ISPs have begun inspecting your data and restricting your download speed if they detect packets from those services. Throttling is when an internet service provider (ISP) intentionally slows down your internet based on what you’re trying to do online.