How To Stop ISP Throttling Without A VPN

ISP (Internet Service Provider) throttling, also known as bandwidth throttling, is the practice of intentionally slowing down internet speeds.

Internet service providers use this approach for multiple reasons, which can be highly frustrating, especially if you use the internet for streaming, gaming, or working from home.

Most people use a paid or free VPN (Virtual Private Network) service to bypass bandwidth throttling.

But what should you do if you don’t have access to a virtual private network? Using a proxy server that encrypts your data is the easiest and quickest way (after a VPN) to resolve the internet throttling problem.

This guide will discuss how proxy servers work and some other tricks you can use for the same purpose.

What Is ISP Throttling?

ISP throttling refers to your internet service provider’s actions to slow down your internet connection. Sometimes, your internet provider can also limit the amount of bandwidth available only to certain types of traffic, such as streaming video or peer-to-peer file sharing.

Why Do ISPs Slow Down Internet Speed Intentionally?

Saving money is the main reason ISPs intentionally slow down your internet connection.

The following are common situations when most internet service providers engage in bandwidth throttling.

Network Congestion

When a large number of users are accessing the internet simultaneously, it strains the network, leading to slow internet speeds for all users.

In such a scenario, ISPs throttle certain types of internet traffic to reduce the strain on their network.

Paid Prioritization

Paid Prioritization is a practice where internet providers give preferential treatment to certain websites or apps, often at the expense of others.

For example, an ISP can slow down access to certain services like Amazon Prime or Netflix but offer usual (or even faster) speeds while using other streaming services affiliated with it.

This technique pushes the customers to use the ISP’s affiliated services, which generate additional revenue for the service provider through paid prioritization agreements.

Upselling

Some service providers also use data throttling to encourage users to purchase more expensive plans that offer faster internet speeds.

Methods to Bypass ISP Throttling Without a VPN

If you often experience data throttling and want to get rid of this problem without using a VPN, consider using the methods discussed below.

Encrypted Proxy Service

An encrypted proxy service encrypts the internet traffic between your device and the proxy server. It makes it difficult for your ISP to monitor your online activities, which helps bypass ISP throttling.

An encrypted proxy service is similar to a VPN server, as both encrypt your web traffic and route it through a different server.

However, the main difference is that a VPN service encrypts all your web activities, while a proxy service only encrypts your internet traffic to the proxy server.

Bear in mind that some countries may block the use of proxy services. So, it’s essential to check the legality of using them in your area.

Use Tor Web Browser

Using a privacy-first web browser like Tor (The Onion Router) can also help bypass throttling. Tor is a free, open-source browser that performs multiple layers of encryption to route internet traffic securely.

When you use this browser, your internet traffic is routed through a network of servers, called onion routers, before it reaches its final destination. Each onion router encrypts your traffic and directs it to the next router in the network.

This makes it difficult for your internet provider to see which websites you visit or what type of data you transmit.

It’s worth noting that some sites may not work correctly while using Tor. In addition, some countries have also banned the use of this browser.

Upgrade Your Plan

Many ISPs offer different types of data plans that come with different speed and bandwidth limits. In addition, some service providers may throttle your internet connection if you exceed a certain limit or use a lower-tier data plan.

By upgrading your package to a higher-tier one that offers faster speeds and more bandwidth, you can avoid the throttling problem.

However, we recommend you check your current usage and compare it to the data limits of different plans before upgrading your package. You should also compare the prices and features of other options to find one that fits your budget and needs.

Remember, upgrading your data package may not solve the problem permanently. That’s because your ISP may still throttle certain types of internet traffic or certain websites, even on higher-tier plans.

Choose a Different Internet Provider

If none of the abovementioned methods help you, consider switching to a new internet service provider. That’s because not all internet service providers implement the same policies. For example, some may have stricter throttling policies than others, and some may not throttle at all.

When looking for a new internet service provider, you should research all the available options in your area and compare their policies, plans, and prices. In addition, you can check online reviews from other customers to get an idea of their services and support.

You should also check if the provider has a data cap and if there are any additional/hidden fees if you exceed that limit.

Changing the internet provider won’t be a simple process. It’ll require additional costs, such as installation and early termination fees, and it can also be time-consuming.

Conclusion

If your ISP deliberately slows down your internet connection, you can use a VPN service to resolve this problem.

However, if you can’t access a virtual private network or can’t use one, you can use the methods discussed in this guide to avoid bandwidth throttling.

Remember that each method has pros and cons that you must understand. However, it’ll help you choose the best technique that suits your needs and budget.