Experiencing sluggish Internet can be incredibly frustrating, especially when your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is intentionally slowing it down. This practice, known as ISP throttling, can be a major headache—particularly when you’re eager to dive into the next episode of your favorite series or need to download a crucial work file quickly.
If you’re fed up with a connection that’s slower than it should be, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore what ISP throttling is, why it happens, and how you can take steps to stop it.
What Exactly Is ISP Bandwidth Throttling?
ISP throttling, also referred to as Internet throttling or data slowdowns, occurs when your Internet Service Provider intentionally reduces your connection's bandwidth. This deliberate action slows down the rate at which your devices can upload or download data.
For instance, let’s say you subscribe to a gigabit-speed plan with your ISP. However, if the ISP decides to throttle your connection, your bandwidth could be significantly reduced, leading to sluggish downloads, buffering during streams, and an overall subpar online experience.
Is Bandwidth Throttling Common Among Internet Providers?
While not every ISP engages in throttling, many do, and they might do so for various reasons:
- ISPs may throttle bandwidth during periods of high network usage to ensure that all users maintain a certain quality of service.
- They might also slow down the connection of customers who exceed their data usage thresholds. Many ISPs set data caps, and exceeding these limits could result in reduced speeds until the next billing period.
- Additionally, ISPs might throttle a connection if they suspect the user is engaging in illegal online activities.
In any case, throttling can be frustrating and seem unfair, leading many to seek out ISPs that guarantee they won’t engage in this practice.
How Does ISP Throttling Differ from Data Caps?
While ISP throttling and data caps are often mentioned together, they are distinct concepts. Both can occur when you exceed your data usage limits, but they operate differently.
Data caps are usage limits set by your ISP. If you exceed these limits, you might incur additional charges, but your Internet speed remains unaffected. With data caps, your connection stays as fast as before, but you might see an increase in your bill if you use more data than your plan allows.
The advantage of data caps? Your Internet speed won’t slow down, giving you the option to pay for extra data without losing connection quality.
How to Prevent Internet Throttling
If you’ve dealt with ISP throttling, you know how disruptive it can be when trying to stream, work, or simply browse the web. Fortunately, there are strategies you can employ to avoid it.
Change Your Internet Provider
The most effective way to avoid throttling is by choosing an ISP that doesn’t engage in this practice. Some providers offer consistent speeds without throttling, even during peak usage times. If your current ISP is throttling your connection too often, consider switching to a service that explicitly states they don’t throttle bandwidth.
By switching providers, you might also gain access to better customer service, faster speeds, and other benefits.
Monitor Your Data Usage
Since many ISPs throttle bandwidth when customers use large amounts of data, keeping an eye on your data usage can help reduce the chances of throttling. Avoid data-heavy activities like streaming without WiFi or binge-watching multiple episodes in one sitting.
You can track your data usage through the settings on your phone or computer. If you notice you’re nearing your data limit, try to cut back on your Internet usage until your next billing cycle.
Secure Your WiFi Network
Sometimes, your network might be used for high-traffic activities without your knowledge. If your WiFi network isn’t secure, others could be using your connection, potentially leading to throttling. If you suspect someone else is using your WiFi, change your network password to block unauthorized access.
Regularly updating your WiFi password is a good practice to keep your network secure and your personal data safe. Try to change your password monthly and keep it in a secure location.
Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can sometimes help you bypass ISP throttling. A VPN routes your Internet traffic through a private server, making it harder for your ISP to track your activity and throttle your connection.
While VPNs offer added privacy and may reduce throttling, they can sometimes slow down your connection due to the additional encryption. Also, using a VPN might not prevent throttling if your ISP slows down the entire network during peak times. Still, the added security benefits make VPNs worth considering.
Shentel: No Throttling, Just Speed
The best ISPs are those that don’t restrict your online activities. At Shentel, we never throttle your Internet speeds. We offer plans with data allowances that include multiple notifications before you reach your limit. If you do exceed your data allowance, we charge reasonable fees for extra data without ever slowing down your connection. And if you want to avoid data limits altogether, we have unlimited data plans available.
With Shentel, you get speed, security, and service you can rely on. Sign up today and experience the difference.
