ISP Throttling: A Frustrating Encounter with Speedtest and Workarounds

Recently, I encountered a frustrating issue with my internet service provider (ISP). Despite running a Speedtest that clocked in at a surprising 70 Mbps, my browsing experience on other websites was painfully slow. In fact, I could barely manage to stream YouTube videos without constant buffering. This stark contrast indicated that my ISP was likely throttling access to all non-Speedtest sites.

To tackle this predicament, I devised a strategy. I set up an OpenVPN server and configured the http-proxy Host (SNI) to www.speedtest.net. This clever maneuver allowed all websites to be treated as if they were Speedtest, resulting in restored internet speeds across the board. Unfortunately, my ISP seems to have patched this workaround recently, as I noticed that while Speedtest still promised full speeds, other websites were once again sluggish.

This brings me to a critical question: what changes might the ISP have implemented to counteract my workaround? It seems they have altered something to ensure the Host HTTP header is no longer effective, while continuing to allow Speedtest unrestricted access.

I’m reaching out to the community for guidance on potential solutions. Here are a few additional insights into my current situation:

1. Customer Support Woes: Unfortunately, seeking help directly from my ISP has been an exercise in frustration. Their customer support team, lacking technical knowledge, often resorts to generic advice like rebooting the router or insisting that my speed is perfectly fine. Clearly, I need a solution that circumvents their throttling tactics rather than relying on their assistance.

2. Inconsistent Speed Testing: When attempting to gauge my internet performance through alternative speed test platforms, such as fast.com, I routinely observe results that are alarmingly low — sometimes reflecting only a third or half of my subscribed speed. Given that my line can handle twice the contracted rate, this is incredibly disheartening.

3. Limited ISP Options: Changing providers isn’t feasible for me, as my country has only one primary ISP, with others merely acting as resellers. Each of these companies adheres to similar rules, pricing, and limitations, so I’m left searching for creative workarounds that I can implement independently.

I am genuinely grateful for the community’s support as I navigate this dilemma. While many have offered well-meaning advice, I find myself lacking feasible solutions