Network priority / deprioritization

Travel eSIMs ride on partner networks as roaming traffic, which can be served at lower priority than local customers during congestion.

When a travel eSIM connects abroad, it is technically roaming on a partner network. During congestion some networks serve roaming traffic — including travel eSIMs — after their own customers, which can mean slower speeds at peak times in crowded places.

This "deprioritization" differs from throttling: it is situational, not a fixed cap, and disappears when the cell is less busy.

If speed is critical, look for plans that name the strongest local network as a partner, test with a speed test at your accommodation, and consider a backup eSIM from a provider using a different local network.