When you’re staring at the buffer wheel, you probably don’t think of blaming your internet provider. After all, there are several suspects. It could be an outdated router. Maybe your router is in a less than ideal location. You can fix slow speeds with simple fixes, such as upgrading to a mesh network (which must also be set up in the right place) or simply restarting your modem and router.
But what if you’ve tried these proven methods and your internet speed is still sub-par?In this case, the problem may be with you internet service provider It’s done on purpose: bandwidth limitation.
You read that right. Your ISP may be deliberately slowing down your Wi-Fi speed. The FCC voted in 2023 to reinstate net neutrality rules prohibiting throttling, but the practice remains legal for now.In addition, due to 2019 Supreme Court Judgment ISPs can still legally throttle your internet in the United States, despite a court refusing to hear an appeal over net neutrality.This means they can Limit your bandwidth If you play more TV shows than they require, or they can offer a slower connection to a website owned by a competitor.
A Virtual Private Network is a solution to slow Wi-Fi speeds if it’s caused by Internet limitations. Basically, the provider needs to see your IP address to slow down your internet, and a good VPN will protect that identity, although this comes with some limitations and disadvantages, which we’ll discuss below. We’ll walk you through how to tell if throttling is the culprit, and if so, how to fix bad Wi-Fi.
read more: My Home Internet Journey: What I Learned from Testing Wi-Fi and Ethernet Connections
Fix slow internet connection issues
So your Wi-Fi is slow and you think your service provider is throttling your connection. Before jumping to this conclusion, it’s important to first run through a list of common troubleshooting: check that your router is centrally located in your home, reposition its antenna, double-check your network security, etc. If your slow internet speeds are caused by your router’s signal strength being too weak to reach every room in your home, consider purchasing a Wi-Fi extender to boost your connection.
If you’ve completed the entire checklist and your Wi-Fi is still slow, continue to the next step.
Compare your speeds with VPNs
Next, test your internet speed using a service like Fast.com or Speedtest.net. Compare the results to the same test with the VPN active. Using any VPN will significantly slow down your speeds, so a speed test should show a difference, with speeds when the VPN is active being significantly slower than when the VPN is inactive.But a VPN also hides the IP address that providers use to identify you, so if your speed test with a VPN is hurry up Compared to not having a VPN, this may mean that your ISP is throttling your IP address.
Well, this is the hardest part. Even if you find that your provider is throttling your internet, there may not be much you can do. Many people in the United States live in areas where ISPs have a monopoly or duopoly, so you may not be able to find a better provider. But here are some suggestions that hopefully will help:
- if you Do If you have a choice, consider switching to a better provider in your area. Not only will you get rid of the speed limit, but you may end up with faster speeds and better deals. Check out our picks for 2024 ISPs and high-speed ISPs.
- Use a VPN to maintain more stable speeds. A VPN won’t solve poor connections or other causes of slow service, but it can alleviate the limitations of unscrupulous ISPs.
- Call your provider and threaten to switch providers if they don’t stop throttling your internet. This may seem a bit old-fashioned and doesn’t guarantee lasting results, but some providers have responded positively to this strategy.
If your provider isn’t throttling your bandwidth and your speeds are slower than expected, check out our tips on how to optimize Wi-Fi in your apartment.
Bandwidth Limitation FAQ
What are bandwidth limits? Is it legal?
If you notice long buffering times when trying to stream your favorite TV show, you may be experiencing bandwidth limitations. This happens when your ISP deliberately slows down your internet by controlling bandwidth. Unfortunately, it’s still legal and common. However, the FCC voted to move forward with net neutrality rules by the end of 2023 that would regulate ISPs and prohibit throttling. President Joe Biden has made efforts in the past when he signed an executive order in 2021 banning bandwidth throttling.
Why do ISPs limit bandwidth?
There’s no definite answer yet to why ISPs throttle certain people’s connections but not others. If the network is congested and you’re using a lot of internet bandwidth, your provider may slow down your service to encourage you to pay more for data. Or, if you have a data cap and notice connection lag, your ISP may be throttling your service as you approach your cap.
How do I check if my ISP is limiting my bandwidth?
If you’ve checked your internet speed over your Ethernet connection and it’s still not improving, you may want to check if it’s an issue with your provider. By using a simple connection speed test, like the one by M-Lab, you can find out if your ISP is delivering consistent performance, no matter what 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 deal with internet restrictions. Because a VPN hides your identity, your provider can’t use your IP address to slow down your connection, helping you maintain more consistent speeds. In addition to using a VPN, consider switching to a new provider for faster speeds and possibly better prices.