Does Cox Throttle Unlimited Internet?
There are several options concerning the Internet connection that can be provided by Cox Communications, among which are the options for the unlimited Internet. However, there are complaints from customers with reasonable doubts as to whether Cox degrades the speed or limits it for its users, especially those who frequently use huge amounts of data despite having unlimited packages. In this article, we will take a look at Cox’s data policies analyze the evidence concerning throttling, and discuss ways to optimize your Cox internet connection.
Data Plans and Policies by Cox
Cox has multiple levels of cable internet and fiber Internet service providers to choose from. Some are 50 Mbps while others offer higher bandwidths of up to 1000 Mbps or gigabit speeds. These packages allow for a certain number of gigabytes per month, typically 1TB, whereas the other packages are marketed as unlimited.
However, there is a clear provision in the published Acceptable Use Policy by Cox that the company does reserve the right to schedule and prioritize network resources to give all its customers the best of services as may be required on the network. This could involve reducing velocities when data traffic density is high, especially for the most frequent consumers. But as per Cox, it is also clear that they do not cap speeds at any data usage tier. In brief, while using unlimited data customer speeds can be throttled when the network is congested, and you will not be specifically targeted depending on the total amount of data you consume each month.
Complaints of Throttling
However, although these policy statements contradict each other, some of the customers are fully convinced that Cox does indeed limit the speed of the unlimited plans after the limit of the monthly traffic is reached. Testimonials on complaint sections of blogs, review websites, and other social media platforms reveal that the internet speed is significantly reduced to an unmanageable level, and the only remedy occurs at the onset of the next billing period.
However, documenting proofs of concrete definite throttling practices is cumbersome to substantiate. Other reasons may also be due to node congestion, especially during the evening when many are online in the densely subscribed areas. Daily speed tests especially when hitting on some high data numbers could also indicate whether total usage volume is leading to a drastic speed drop.
Understanding Network Management
This is because although unlimited, it does not mean that the data is unlimited at full speed anytime. Like other ISPs, Cox seeks to provide clients with constant speeds, but some throttling methods may be required to ensure that the network does not overload or experience lags in congestion for everyone. It is impossible to create the infrastructure through which all clients would be able to work on their maximum potential at the same time.
However, Cox pointed out that the management of such plans can only be viewed as restrictive if temporary congestion arises. This means that your speeds can decrease during those evening prime-time hours if total usage in the neighborhood is high. Cox however claims that this does not put hard and fast downgrades when accounts cross a specific number of gigabytes used in a month.
Some guidelines to follow to maximize one's connection.
Here are some suggestions to promote faster speeds from your Cox internet connection regardless of the plan:
- Coax modem must be DOCSIS 3.0 or higher, a Wi-Fi router appropriate to your tier is recommended. Do not pursue outdated hardware that can slow down the team.
- Always plug devices into the router using a cable where possible to eliminate wireless signal issues that may hinder the overall connections.
- Reset the modem and router from time to time to overcome any memory problems or any small problems that may be affecting it.
- It is advised to test speeds during off-peak hours for instance in the middle of the week in the mornings to have a real measure of the test without the influence of traffic congestion.
- It is also advisable to remove all other devices temporarily so that one can eliminate the possibility of a single bandwidth predator or interferer that reduces the speeds.
- If slowdowns are experienced at different times of the day, the client should reach out to Cox support to ask about the node capacity in that area and congestion levels.
However, as Cox acknowledges that they only offload unlimited data plans during real network congestion, some users believe that the company specifically aims at and throttles the heavy data users. Seeing speed dips every month when the suspected data is exceeded can naturally trigger such doubts. However, evidence is not easily obtainable, and such short blips originate from other causes associated with technology. As to the truth, it is still vague, but if you are going to follow the above-mentioned usage tips, you are going to make sure that you extract the best out of your chosen Cox internet service plan.
Ready to upgrade your internet experience? Call us now at +1 844-349-7575 to explore the best Cox Internet plans for your needs!