Does Verizon Throttle Data? (And How You Can Stop This Easily)

What is ISP throttling? 

Let’s cover the terms first. ISP (or Internet) throttling is when Internet providers intentionally slow down your Internet speeds for certain online activities like video streaming. It’s often done to manage network traffic and improve performance for all network users, but remains controversial in terms of transparency and net neutrality.

You can usually find ISP’s rules on throttling in the fine print of your plan details. If you already have a plan, ask customer support to find out your data limit.  

Does Verizon throttle Internet speed?

A few years back, Verizon was caught throttling Netflix and YouTube both on unlimited and limited data plans. While the company acknowledged that a new video optimization system used temporarily was a reason for slowdowns, users continued reporting a problem — even for “unlimited” plans that are supposed to give you higher priority on a network. 

So, why might one experience slower connection in the first place? 

When does Verizon throttle data?

Here are the main reasons behind slower Internet speeds. 

1. Network outage in your area. Simply put, this is a complete loss of Internet connectivity or service in a specific area or for a group of users. To check if that’s the case, sign in to My Verizon account. If there’s an outage, you’ll see a “Network Notification” at the top of your screen. 
2. Network congestion. When a large number of users are online and using data-intensive apps simultaneously, it can lead to network congestion. To manage this, ISPs may throttle the Internet speed during peak hours.
3. Data caps and usage limits. Some ISPs impose data caps or usage limits on their plans. When users exceed these limits, the ISP may slow down their Internet speed to avoid additional costs or prioritize other users who haven’t reached their limits. You can learn your data plan limits in plan details. 
4. Traffic prioritization. To maintain a consistent quality of service for specific apps, ISPs might prioritize certain types of traffic, such as video streaming or online gaming. This prioritization can result in slower speeds for other types of traffic, like file downloads or general browsing.
5. Encouraging upgrades. Some ISPs may throttle speeds on lower-tier plans so that users consider the upgrade to more expensive plans that offer faster speeds and fewer restrictions.
6. Traffic control and data monetization. Some ISPs may also throttle Internet speeds to control your online activities and sell your data to advertisers. This opens up privacy risks, so you’d better watch out for hidden traffic jams.

How do I know if Verizon is throttling my data?

Curious whether your ISP is slowing you down? Here’s how to check if Verizon is throttling Internet speed.

• Monitor your speed. Keep an eye on your Internet speed using online tools like speedtest.net. If your speed is consistently slower than expected, it could be a sign of throttling.
• Track data usage. Check if you’ve reached your data cap or usage limit as outlined in your plan details. If you have and your speed suddenly drops, it might be due to throttling.

For example, despite the name, some of the Verizon’s unlimited plans do come with data limits. Once you use up that data, your speed may slow down. As indicated, only the “5G Get More” plan doesn’t get throttled. But, say, if you go over your data on the “5G Do More” plan, those on the ‘5G Play More’ plan get priority during network congestion.

• Compare peak and off-peak speeds. Check if your Internet is faster during off-peak hours. Throttling often happens when network traffic is high.
• Check for network notifications. Log in to your My Verizon account and look for “Network Notifications.” If there’s an issue, Verizon might have posted an alert there.
• Reach out to customer support. If you’re unsure, talk to Verizon’s customer support and ask if there are any throttling measures affecting your data.

How to stop Verizon throttling

If you’re sure you found the reason behind the Internet slowdown and it’s your ISP, it’s time to put a stop to Verizon throttling your Internet. Check out the following workarounds. 

• Check your data usage. Keep an eye on how much data you’re using. If you hit your limit soon, Verizon might slow you down.
• Consider a different plan. Look into plans with unlimited data or higher data caps to avoid throttling.

If you don’t want to bother with counting data or switching to another plan, consider using a VPN to stop Verizon throttling — virtual private networks are easy to use on all your devices, like PCs, smartphones, and tablets. 

A VPN to bypass Verizon throttling 

A VPN is an online security tool that keeps your Internet connection safe and private. They usually come as desktop and mobile apps or browser extensions. Here’s how VPNs stop throttling:

1. They use data encryption to turn your info into unreadable code, so nobody, including Verizon, can see what you’re doing online. No spying means no throttling!
2. Most ISPs throttle based on port numbers (which are like numbered doors your traffic passes through). And VPNs can bypass those restrictions by using different locations, ensuring your Internet stays free from slowdowns.
3. A reliable VPN keeps no logs of your activity. That means it can’t disclose your data even when approached by a third party — a process usual in 5/9/14 eyes intelligence alliances member countries, like the US.

Here are important things to consider when choosing a VPN to bypass Verizon throttling. 

• Server network. Go for a trusted VPN with lots of VPN server locations across the world.
• Speed. Choose a VPN that uses modern VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. 
• Security features. Look for strong encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch for a secure connection.
• Logging policy. Make sure your VPN has a strict No Logs policy for true privacy.
• Be cautious about free VPNs. Many free providers sell your data to cover costs, putting your privacy at risk. They’re also usually slow due to poorer infrastructure, so even if they claim to beat throttling, your Internet won’t be fast.

Now, how about a reliable VPN provider that checks all of the boxes above?

Best VPN to stop Verizon throttling? VeePN to the rescue

Try out VeePN risk-free — an effective tool for beating your ISP’s unfair throttling. With the strongest 256-AES encryption in its arsenal, nobody can break into your business. And if you’re worried about Verizon tracking you online, VeePN has a solution. Its strong privacy and security features, like the No Logs policy and DNS leak prevention, ensure your VPN traffic is under wraps, making it nearly impossible for your ISP to monitor your online activities.

Even if your connection drops, VeePN has your back with the Kill Switch. It protects you from IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, securing your connection in the best way possible. 

How to start?

The action plan here is simple: 

1. Download VeePN on your device.
2. Create an account.
3. Open the app and choose a VPN location or use “Optimal Location” for the best performance.
4. Connect to the VPN.
5. Restart your browser and visit the website you need.

Wave goodbye to ISP tracking and throttling and say hello to fast and secure browsing — enjoy the freedom and safety VeePN brings.

Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.

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