ZDNET
There are myriad reasons your internet connection might be slow. There is a checklist for troubleshooting most of these issues, and the solutions range from surprisingly easy to complex and expensive.
Also: Sick of weak Wi-Fi? How I got wired home internet without running Ethernet cable
The problem of internet "throttling," though, is not on a typical troubleshooting checklist because it is intentionally perpetrated by your internet service provider. Your slow connection may have nothing at all to do with failing hardware, software, or the positioning of your router.
Why would an ISP deliberately slow down your data feed?
An ISP might deliberately slow down your connection in order to manage network congestion, enforce data caps on your plan, or prioritize certain types of traffic. A more insidious reason might be the ISP's intention to influence your personal internet habits. For example, your provider might slow down specific websites and applications to steer customers away from Amazon Prime or Netflix in favor of using the ISP's own streaming platform instead.
Moreover, throttling can be used as a leverage tool to extract higher payments from companies. By slowing down the load times for a particular service, ISPs can pressure the company to pay for faster speeds for its customers. The additional costs incurred by the company are directly passed on to its subscribers in the form of higher fees or prices.
How is internet throttling legal?
Chris Bayer/ZDNET
Technically, in countries that enforce internet neutrality regulations, it is not legal. Net neutrality is the principle that all internet traffic should be treated equally by ISPs without discrimination based on content, website, or application. Some countries that enforce it may allow limited exceptions for specific scenarios, such as managing network congestion during peak usage periods. But these exceptions must be transparent and non-discriminatory.
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