If you've ever been kicked out of a Zoom call or suffered lag during a live show, you know all the frustration of a slow internet connection. Maybe you've noticed slow uploading and downloading times, consistently glitchy Zoom calls or sudden drops in connectivity. While there are many reasons for a lagging Wi-Fi connection, there's also a real possibility that your slow speeds are something your internet provider is doing on purpose. That's right: Your internet provider could be intentionally throttling your internet connection. (Tl;dr: If you suspect this is happening to you, get a good VPN.)
Before we dive into internet throttling and how to stop it, let's run down the list of other factors that may be contributing to your slow speeds. First, try the tried-and-true method of restarting your modem and router or moving your router to a more centrally located place.
There may also be some long-term solutions to your woes. It might be time for an upgrade if you have an outdated router. A mesh network (which also must be placed in the right spot) or Wi-Fi extenders can offer reliable speeds and better coverage throughout your house.
Locating local internet providers
Suppose your equipment is already upgraded and your Wi-Fi setup optimized. If your household has higher-than-average internet usage, the next best solution may be upgrading to a faster speed tier.
But if you've already run down the list of solutions and nothing is working, then the issue might be something your internet service provider is intentionally doing: bandwidth throttling.
Locating local internet providers
Wait, isn't internet throttling illegal?
The FCC's ruling on net neutrality was thrown out in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, along with other rules about regulating the internet as a utility. That means, in some states, the practice might still technically be illegal. That said, ISPs can still get around that legal ruling pretty easily. For instance, throttling is technically still allowed if your internet plan has a data cap or your ISP's network is overloaded. Additionally, if your ISP gives prior notice about slowing your internet speeds, they can legally do so.
A proven way to avoid 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 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.
Let's troubleshoot your internet connection first to absolutely rule out other possibilities: Restart your router, check that the router is centrally located in your home, reposition its antennas and double-check your network security. If your laggy internet is due to your router being too weak to reach every room in your house, you can spend as low as $15 on a Wi-Fi extender. CNET recommends the TP-Link RE605X for its affordability, easy-to-use controls and capability to support Wi-Fi 6 speeds.
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
Once you've ruled out any simple explanations for your Wi-Fi troubles, it's time to get a more in-depth measurement of your internet's health. There are several ways to do so.
By starting with a simple internet speed test through M-Lab or Ookla, you can check your connection and gauge whether your ISP provides consistent performance, no matter the content you're accessing. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis)
This measurement isn't perfect, but it's a good starting place.
Make sure you run the speed test at different hours of the day -- that's a good way to gauge if your speeds are seriously impacted during peak internet usage hours.
Additionally, try testing your internet connection while connected with an Ethernet cable. An Ethernet connection is almost always faster than Wi-Fi, so if your speeds are still pretty slow with an Ethernet connection, move on to the next step.
How fast is your internet connection? Here's an easy way to find out.
Find a reliable VPN
If you've done research on your internet health and are still stumped, the next step is to start researching VPNs.
There are many reasons to get a VPN and just as many factors to consider when settling for one, like security, price and server locations.
But we've done that work for you already: Check out CNET's picks for the best VPNs. Our recommendation is Express VPN for its privacy policy, fast speeds and usability.
Also, read more about the best VPNs to use while working from home, the fastest VPNs and VPNs you can try for free before buying.
Compare your speed with the VPN
Next, test your internet speed again 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 because knowing where to start could be tricky. 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.
What's the bottom line on internet throttling?
It's never a complete guarantee that your ISP won't throttle your speeds down the line. If you've exhausted all the ways to improve your speeds and are still not noticing a significant change, we recommend switching to a different ISP available in your area. To learn more, check out our guide on the best internet providers near you.
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's ruling on net neutrality was thrown out in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals recently, along with other rules about regulating the internet as a utility. That means that although in some states, the practice might still technically be illegal, it is legal in other states. Plus, ISPs can easily get around that legal ruling. For instance, throttling is technically still allowed if your internet plan has a data cap or your ISP's network is overloaded. Additionally, if your ISP gives prior notice about slowing your internet speeds, they can legally do so.
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. DSL, cable and fixed wireless connections are more susceptible to network congestion. If available, we recommend going with a fiber connection. Read our top picks for the best fiber internet providers of 2024.
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. Read CNET's top picks for the best VPNs of 2024.