The internet has become a necessity in our lives! Whether you like using it or not, you cannot stay away from it. If you are using the internet nothing can be more frustrating than a sluggish browser. It not only hinders your productivity but also hinders your browsing experience.
If you are paying for high-speed internet and still facing speed issues, then there are chances that your internet service provider is throttling your connection. Sometimes throttling becomes necessary, so the internet connection remains stable for everyone. But some providers deliberately reduce costs and boost profits by throttling the connection.
Whatever the case is, you should have an idea whether your ISP is throttling your connection or not. Read on to know how to spot and stop ISP throttling.
Is Your ISP Throttling You?
ISP throttling is a common practice in which your provider slows down your connection to minimize the congestion on their network. It typically occurs during peak hours or when the subscriber exceeds their data limit. For example, the peak hours are usually from 7 am until 11 pm.
However, instead of putting your laptop away, the first thing is to make sure that the issue is not from your end. Close down the unnecessary tabs and clear the caches and cookies. If things still do not work out, check your internet speed. Simply search for “speed test in your browser and click “Go.” It will quickly tell you the upload and download speed of your connection. You should write this down.
The next step is to turn your VPN on, repeat the same method, and notice the speed. If your internet speed is slower without a VPN, then your ISP is throttling your connection.
We know throttling can be frustrating, but you should have a clear idea that your connection is not being throttled deliberately. Always talk to your provider about it and discuss the issue.
Reasons ISP Throttle the Internet
There are several reasons that your ISP might throttle your connection, and a few of them are listed below.
- Some providers limit the amount of data the users can access every month. If you are about to reach the data cap, then you might experience data throttling.
- If the network is crowded, then the ISP throttle the connection to regulate the traffic.
- Sometimes ISPs throttle specific websites to prevent the subscriber from using them.
How Do I Stop Throttling?
You can do the following things to stop throttling.
Change Your Internet Service Provider
If you know that your internet service provider is throttling your connection and you are tired of it, consider changing your internet service provider. Look for a reliable and trustworthy provider that can guarantee high-speed internet connection and can recommend a good package as per your internet use. When looking for a better provider, always look for the one that does not offer data caps.
We suggest choosing MetroNet internet as this provider offers fiber optic internet connection and blazing fast speed internet. You will never face throttling issues with this provider as the provider boasts about no data caps! The basic package starts from 100 Mbps for $39.95 per month which is enough for a small household. Reach out to MetroNet customer service for more information.
Use a VPN
If you are not ready to change your internet service provider, then try using a VPN. A reliable VPN will hide your IP address and encrypt your data. In this way, your internet service provider cannot track your internet activities and cannot throttle your connection.
Monitor Your Data Usage
You should monitor your data usage if you do not want to pay for another package. Keep tabs on your data and track your activities to avoid data cap issues. Another thing that you can do is to use the internet during off-peak hours.
Upgrade to a Faster Plan
If you are using a cable connection and you constantly experience slow-speed internet, then upgrade to a better internet package. Talk to your service provider and discuss your internet usage; he can guide you about the package you should opt for.
To End Things Off
Throttling is a common practice today, and several ISPs do it purposely to earn more profit and trick the subscriber. It is nothing more than a mere money-saving tactic used by most internet service providers. Do not settle for less and talk to your service provider about it.
You should always know whether your internet connection is being throttled deliberately or you are running out of data. This will help you decide what is better for you, a new internet service provider or a better internet package. There are ways to avoid it, but if the issue is persistent, you should look for a better ISP.
