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If you've ever encountered the loading wheel of death in the middle of a Netflix binge or were dropped from a Zoom call thanks to lagging speeds, you know the agony of a sluggish internet connection.
There could be several culprits behind the interruptions. First, if you haven't already, a simple restart for your modem and router can typically solve lag issues. But if you've already tried that and your internet speeds are still slow, you can take these steps to optimize your house for Wi-Fi.
For example, maybe your router is not centrally located or you have an outdated router model and it's time for an upgrade to a mesh network (which also has to be located in the right spot). Additionally, you can invest in some Wi-Fi extenders for more consistent speeds throughout the house. Lastly, if you've determined that your equipment isn't the issue and you have more than one remote worker, streamer or gamer under your roof, it might be time to upgrade to a faster speed tier.
But if you've already run down the list of solutions and nothing is working, the issue might be something your internet service provider is intentionally doing: bandwidth throttling.
You read that right: Your ISP could be making your internet connection slower on purpose.
The Federal Communications Commission voted in 2024 to restore net neutrality rules and regulate broadband like a utility, effectively banning throttling. However, an ISP can get around that legal ruling in a few simple ways. For example, throttling is technically still allowed if your internet plan has a data cap or your ISP's network is overloaded. If your ISP gives you notice about slowing your internet speeds, they're legally allowed to do so.
One effective solution to slow Wi-Fi caused by internet throttling is using a virtual private network. Providers need to see your IP address to slow down your internet, and a good VPN shields that identity, though this comes with some limitations and downsides, which we'll discuss below.
Read on to find out how to tell if throttling is to blame for your slow connection and, if so, what to do about fixing your crummy Wi-Fi.
Read more: Decoding FCC's 'Broadband Nutrition Labels': What You Should Know
Troubleshoot your slow internet connection
So your Wi-Fi is slow, and you think your service provider is throttling your connection.
Before jumping to that conclusion, it's important to run through the usual troubleshooting list: Check that your router is centrally located in your home, reposition its antennas, double-check your network security, etc. If your laggy internet is due to your router being too weak to reach every room in your house, consider purchasing a Wi-Fi extender to boost connectivity.
If you've run through the laundry list and your Wi-Fi is still chugging slowly, move on to the next step.
Test your internet speed
Find a reliable VPN
Compare your speed with the VPN
Next, test your internet speed using a service like Fast.com or Speedtest.net.
Compare the results with the same test when your VPN is active.
Using any VPN should cut your speed considerably, so the speed tests should show a discrepancy, with the VPN-active speed being notably slower than the VPN-inactive speed.
But a VPN also hides the IP address that providers use to identify you, so if your speed test with the VPN is faster than without the VPN, that may mean your ISP is targeting your IP address for throttling.
Fix your internet
OK, this is the hard part. Even if you find out your provider is throttling your internet, there may not be much you can do. Many people in the US live in regions with ISP monopolies or duopolies, making finding a better provider difficult. But here are a few hopefully useful suggestions:
- If you do have options, consider switching to a better provider in your area. Not only will you potentially put speed throttling to rest, but you may end up with faster speeds and a better deal. Check out our top picks for ISPs and high-speed ISPs in 2024.
- Use your VPN to maintain more consistent speeds. A VPN can't solve a bad connection or other reasons behind your slow service, but it can mitigate throttling from unscrupulous ISPs.
- Call your provider and threaten to switch providers if they don't stop throttling your internet. This might seem old-fashioned and doesn't guarantee lasting results, but some providers have responded positively to such tactics.
Bandwidth throttling FAQs
What is bandwidth throttling? Is it legal?
If you're noticing a long buffering time when trying to stream your favorite television show, you might be experiencing bandwidth throttling.
This happens when your ISP purposely slows down your internet speeds by controlling your bandwidth.
The FCC voted to move forward with net neutrality rules in 2024, which regulates ISPs and bans throttling, but with a loophole.
Unfortunately, although it's technically illegal for your ISP to throttle your speeds, it is legal if your ISP clearly states they may slow your connection during high congestion periods or if you have a data cap.
Why do ISPs throttle bandwidth?
There's no exact answer to why ISPs limit some people's connections and not others.
If a network is congested and you're using a lot of internet bandwidth, your provider might slow down your service to encourage you to pay for more data.
Or, if you have a data cap and notice a laggy connection, your ISP might be limiting your service when you're near the end of the cap.
How can I check if my ISP is throttling my bandwidth?
If you've checked your internet speed through an Ethernet connection and your results haven't improved, you might want to check if your provider is to blame.
A simple connection speed test, like the one through M-Lab, can show if your ISP is providing consistent performance no matter the content you're accessing.
How do I stop my ISP from throttling my bandwidth?
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a good solution to help combat internet throttling.
Since VPNs can hide your identity, your provider can’t use your IP address to slow down your connection, helping you maintain more constant speeds.
Besides using a VPN, consider switching to a new provider for faster speeds and, possibly, a better deal.