Is your internet being throttled? How to test and fix your speeds

Updated 8:53 am ET Aug 20

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What is throttling?

“Throttling” is the term for when your internet speed is intentionally slowed down. Nearly every internet service provider (ISP) occasionally does this practice. Internet throttling frees up bandwidth for additional customers, but your internet provider will not tell you when data throttling is taking place.

However, you can assume your speed is throttled if you notice an abrupt drop in internet speed. ISP throttling is especially common when more people are online, such as evenings or weekends.

Can your ISP throttle your internet on purpose?

Yes, it is within your ISP’s rights to throttle your speed. This rule is typically outlined within the fine print of your provider’s acceptable use policies. Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) permits ISP throttling by allowing internet providers control over “reasonable network management.”

Find out if the following popular internet providers throttle bandwidth:

Does Xfinity throttle internet? Xfinity will throttle your internet if you exceed the 1.2 TB data limit on its home internet plans.
Does Optimum throttle internet? While Optimum internet offers unlimited data, the ISP still manages and prioritizes the network as necessary.
Does Verizon Fios throttle internet? In general, fiber internet like Verizon Fios doesn’t suffer as commonly from network congestion and therefore is less frequently throttled compared to cable internet. However, Verizon Fios still has the right to manage its network as necessary, which could include bandwidth throttling.
Does AT&T throttle internet? Similar to Verizon Fios, AT&T fiber services are less prone to throttling, although it could still occur from time to time.
Does Hughesnet throttle internet? Hughesnet and other satellite providers will significantly slow your connection speed if you exceed the data limit associated with your internet plan.

What causes internet throttling?

An ISP may perform bandwidth throttling for various reasons, from general system management to network support during busy times. Here are the top three reasons for internet throttling:

Accommodating priority customers

Like most businesses, internet providers are always trying to acquire more customers by offering internet deals and multi-gig speeds. Another perk that ISPs often offer is network prioritization, which means those customers retain fast speeds when the internet grid is busy, while others are temporarily slowed down.

Prioritization is typically offered to business customers, and satellite internet providers like Hughesnet, Starlink, and Viasat also offer options for customers to purchase priority data.

Keeping up with network congestion

Sometimes an area grows faster than the ISP can update their infrastructure. To compensate for outdated infrastructure that cannot support all subscribers, the ISP may need to throttle the internet during busy times of days to keep up with the demand. These peak times can include evenings, weekends, or during holidays or popular sporting events.

Data limits of your internet plan

ISP throttling may occur if you exceed the data cap of your internet plan. Bandwidth throttling happens more frequently on mobile devices than on home internet connections because mobile plans are more likely to have data caps. Mobile networks are also generally more susceptible to surges (especially during major events such as weather emergencies, holidays, etc.).

How to test for internet throttling

Not sure if you’re experiencing bandwidth throttling? Try these steps to find out if your home Wi-Fi service is affected by data throttling.

Run a speed test: Test for bandwidth throttling by running two speed tests and comparing the results. First, run a standard speed test on the site of your choosing.
Run a speed test with a VPN: Next, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to run a second speed test. A VPN provides more system security when browsing online. Numerous free VPNs are available.
Assess the results. If you get a faster internet speed when you run the speed test while connected to a VPN, your ISP might be throttling your speed.
Why does this work? Some ISPs can tell when you are running a speed test and may inflate your speed temporarily to give you a better result, but a VPN prevents this by obscuring what you are doing online.
Other tips: For the most accurate results, make sure you run both speed tests at (1) same time of day (2) on the same device (3) without any other devices connected to the internet.

Other signs of internet throttling

Even the best internet providers may use bandwidth throttling to control network congestion. If your provider has data caps or the right to slow your internet speed down, it must be declared in the details of your internet plan. For example, Spectrum throttling involves controlling congestion by managing users with “disproportionately high internet usage.”

Data throttling could be occurring if you notice:

Buffering or lag while gaming or streaming.
Slower internet speeds during evenings or weekends.
Slower internet speeds closer to the end of your billing cycle.

How to fix bandwidth throttling issues

End your internet throttling by following these simple fixes:

Use a VPN

The problem: Your internet provider can track what you are doing online. If you frequently use much more data than the average user by gaming, streaming or torrenting (sharing large files), your provider might even send you a warning letter about your high data usage. ISPs can also throttle high-use households to decrease their bandwidth consumption.

The solution: A VPN is the quickest way to get around your ISP surveillance. Highly-rated VPNs include Surfshark and NordVPN. Each option has various plans that cost around $3–$6/mo. and include a 30-day free trial.

Upgrade your internet plan

The problem: Your internet provider could be throttling your speed if you have a soft data limit. Many ISPs have cheap internet plans for light internet users that include data caps. When you exceed this limit, your speed is slowed down. For example, Xfinity throttling policy details a slower internet speed after 50 GB of data this process on several of its mobile plans.

The solution: Upgrade your internet to a plan with a higher data limit. Some providers, like Astound, Mediacom or Hughesnet, include more data with their faster plans. While you don’t necessarily need internet over 1 GB, updating your plan to one that fits your needs better should extend the lifespan of your monthly high-speed data.

Switch to a different internet provider

The problem: You’ve tried other solutions with your current ISP, but you continue to experience internet throttling slowdowns on your network.

The solution: Switching to another high-speed internet provider is sometimes the best option to avoid data throttling. Dedicated connections, like fiber internet, are less likely to throttle your service since you don’t have to share your bandwidth with neighbors. For example, Verizon throttling is rare, as is Google Fiber or AT&T Fiber. Plus, each of these providers offers no-contract internet plans.

What else could be affecting your Wi-Fi speeds?

Throttling isn’t the only culprit for slow Wi-Fi speeds. Investigate these issues in your home if you need to fix slow internet or Wi-Fi that’s not working.

Put your Wi-Fi router in a better location.
Upgrade your Wi-Fi router.
Reevaluate what a good internet speed is for your home.

Internet throttling FAQs

Are internet service providers allowed to throttle internet speeds?

ISPs can throttle internet speeds as long as they disclose this information to the customer. Most companies will have their policies outlined in the fine print of your internet agreement.

Is there a way to check if my bandwidth is throttled?

The fastest way to determine if bandwidth throttling is happening on your home network is to do a speed test with and without a VPN connection. A slower internet speed on a VPN connection may indicate your ISP is throttling your internet speed.

Which ISPs are known to throttle internet speeds?

ISPs that are more likely to throttle your speed include satellite providers, fixed wireless and 5G providers. The infrastructure of these connection types depends on how busy the network is, so throttling is often necessary to keep every customer connected during busy times. Cable internet providers will throttle your speeds if you have excessive data use or exceed a data limit. Even cable providers that advertise unlimited service may have fine print that explains if your speed will be slower if you go over a set data amount.

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Lisa IscrupeAllconnect.com

Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.

Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com

Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.