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SALT LAKE CITY — You've probably heard a lot about Internet throttling in recent tech news — plenty of Internet Service Providers have come under fire for their data management practices.

Though the term sounds tough, Internet throttling won't kill you. It will, however, give your ISP a stranglehold on your online access. This piece will take a closer look at some common throttling practices — and how you can avoid them.

Throttling basics

Throttling occurs when an ISP artificially slows down an Internet connection to limit usage. Heavy users of online content — especially cord-cutters — generally tend to feel the greatest effects of throttling, but they're definitely not the only victims. Customers who pay for very low speeds are actually more likely to be throttled and charged extra for exceeding data caps since they have such a low allotment to begin with.

How ISPs use Internet throttling

According to several prominent ISPs, throttling is unavoidable. They claim that slow connections are the content provider's fault. When content delivery networks, such as those that deliver Netflix video, send more data than they receive, a few ISPs have gone so far as to require those CDNs to pay a fee for additional outgoing bandwidth. If the CDN doesn't pay up, the transfer of data will remain slow until accounts are settled.

But these CDN restrictions aren't the only type of throttling out there — ISPs also target high-use subscribers with another form of restriction called data caps. If the terms of a customer's agreement with their ISP includes a cap on the amount of data allowed per month, then the user may experience drastically slower speeds once that limit has been reached — unless, of course, the consumer opts to purchase more data.

The effects of throttling

Providers often charge customers additional fees for any data use that exceeds contractual data caps, though severe scrutiny has prompted some providers to roll out new plans that promise unlimited data. Unfortunately, many providers are still in trial stages with these plans, and those companies that do widely offer cap-less packages actively dissuade users from those unlimited options.

Photo: Africa Studio/Shutterstock

It's not just wired broadband users that feel the sting of throttling, either. Several mobile broadband providers have also tried to capitalize on data cap throttling. Most notably, T-Mobile recently unveiled a new "Binge-On" feature, which promises customers optimized video streaming regardless of usage. What T-Mobile didn't let the public know, however, was that it automatically activated the Binge-On option for all of its current customers, effectively throttling speeds down to 1.5 Mbps for any users who hadn't figured out how to deactivate the feature.

How to determine if your provider is throttling your connection

If you want to find out if your Internet is being throttled, there are mobile apps and online speed tests available to check your current connection. The best way to get a good reading is to perform the tests regularly, at both the beginning and the end of your billing cycle. Many throttling practices don't go into effect until the end of a monthly cycle when data caps are more likely to be reached.

For those who suspect Internet throttling, the Battle for the Net Internet Health Test provides a comprehensive assessment of connection strength. It not only helps users detect whether or not their Internet is being throttled, but also gathers data to help fight for consumer rights and net neutrality compliance. The test looks at various speed measurements to detect any suggestion of throttling or degraded performance.

Protect your rights

Unfortunately, you can't rely on your provider to protect you from throttling — you'll have to take some initiative if you want to see real results. The good news is, with the new FCC rules in place you'll have more consumer protections than ever on your side.

When ordering Internet service, ask the ISP representative directly if they throttle speeds or charge customers more based on Internet usage. Take detailed notes, or record the conversation if possible, making sure to obtain the representative's identification number. This documentation can be used down the line if you need to challenge your ISP's practices or charges.

If you are unable to reach a satisfactory solution by working directly with your ISP, consider filing a complaint with the FCC. Even if filing doesn't immediately yield the desired result, your complaint will be kept on record with the FCC and can help shut down egregious acts by repeat offenders.

Ultimately, a good offense is the best defense against throttling practices. If you suspect your ISP is taking advantage of you, take action. Do some research on throttling practices, be proactive, and don't allow your ISP to overcharge you for the Internet service you deserve.

Sarah lives in Utah and has her MA in rhetoric, composition, and professional communication from Iowa State. She's a freelancer and adjunct professor. You can find Sarah on Twitter @sarahzpike.

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