Throttling

Throttling is when a network deliberately slows your connection speed, typically after you pass a data or fair-use limit.

Throttling means the network intentionally reduces your data speed. On travel eSIMs it usually happens after you exceed a daily high-speed allowance on an "unlimited" plan, or occasionally on specific traffic types like video streaming.

Typical throttled speeds range from 256 kbps to 1 Mbps. At those speeds, messaging, email, and basic maps still work; HD video streaming, video calls, and laptop tethering generally do not.

If your connection suddenly feels slow abroad, check whether you have passed your plan's daily cap before assuming a network problem — and run a speed test to see the actual number.