Why is my download speed being throttled?

Heather B. #13043

I have proven that my download speed is being throttled, when it should not be. When trying to stream a video from rapidgator site, and other download sites, my video stutters continuously. Connect to VPN, and no issue and able to play video without any stutter whatsoever.
Internet Traffic Management Policy states that throttling should be occurring on upload only. Why are my downloads being affected otherwise?

Khal

As far as we know, Fizz doesn't throttle download speed. It might be some other issue that you're not catching that's effecting your speed.

Alfio

Your data should not be throttled. Please contact Fizz at https://fizz.ca/en/contact-us

WattManDoo

If you’re experiencing slow internet it’s possible that there’s a lot of congestion in your area, either too many users on the coax or too many users using the 2.4ghz Wifi especially if you live in an apartment building. I’d suggest trying to connect through ethernet and see if you’re having the same problem.

Genoveva

Very interesting. Does the issue coincide with high traffic hours ? Since fizz is not a fiber provider, their speed varies quite a lot depending on the time of the day.
However that does not explain the VPN results

redguitar2

Are you testing over wifi? If you are, I recommend trying over Ethernet as that's a direct connection and can prove whether there's any throttling, or if the wifi is the factor.

Heather B. #13043

Just to clarify, this is a straight Ethernet connection, not WiFi. Also, just switched to Fizz from EBox, and at this point, most likely going back to them, because I never had any issues with download throttling whatsoever. To add, I suspected download throttling with other streaming services, since connecting to Fizz on the 15th of October, but finally have proof.

vanigh

I'm with eBox very good ISP, sometimes my internet slows down by 30% with or without VPN, testing the speed confirms it, sometimes the problem is the source server. Please be patient as 10 days is too soon to make a judgment.

Heather B. #13043

I did just chat with Fizz support, but they deny any bandwidth throttling. Of course, how can a level 1 support rep even have any technical insight to what is truly going on by the network team at Fizz. Looking at things logically, I know that the backbone provider for both EBox and Fizz is Videotron, here in Quebec. As it worked fine with EBox, but not with Fizz, you have to question who, or what, is really behind this. I am continuing to monitor the situation, but considering filing a complaint with CRTC and Quebec Consumer Protection Office.

vanigh

Martin, i understand your point, Fizz supposed and should have plenty of bandwidth, throttling does not make sense, see if it continues in the coming days/weeks.

Kovid

You are supposed to get the full speed all the time