My internet is slower than promised: what can I do in Estonia?
For fixed internet, your contract must state the minimum, normally available, maximum and advertised download and upload speeds; for mobile, the estimated maximum and advertised speeds. It must also explain your remedies if the actual speed keeps falling short.
Your contract states the speeds your provider promises. If the real speed falls clearly and repeatedly below them, you may be able to pay less or end the contract. A measurement with the official tool, where there is one, is the strongest proof.
📜 The rules in Estonia
What you can do
Complain to your provider in writing, with your evidence. Depending on the breach, the Law of Obligations Act lets you demand proper performance, withhold your own performance, claim damages, reduce the price or end the contract. If unresolved, apply to the Consumer Disputes Committee.
The details
- Under Estonian law, this speed information is part of the pre-contract information, and a summary of it must appear in the contract summary you receive before signing. (riigiteataja.ee)
- Internet providers must publish the download and upload speeds of their service, and speed is measured using a methodology approved by TTJA. (riigiteataja.ee)
- EU law treats a significant, continuous or regularly recurring shortfall against the stated speed as non-conformity, triggering your remedies under national law, where a monitoring mechanism certified by the national regulator establishes the facts. (publications.europa.eu)
- The Electronic Communications Act's right to cancel free of charge when actual performance differs significantly from the contract covers services such as phone service, but not internet access contracts. (riigiteataja.ee)
Tarbijakaitse ja Tehnilise Järelevalve Amet (TTJA)
Consumer advice by phone (Monday to Thursday 10–14) and supervision of the telecom rules for consumers.
Tarbijavaidluste komisjon
Independent committee at TTJA that settles contract disputes between consumers and traders registered in Estonia, free of charge, usually within 90 days.
🪜 Step by step
- Find the promised speedsYour contract summary lists the speeds, often as a maximum, a normally available and a minimum speed.
- Measure properlyUse a cable instead of Wi‑Fi, close other devices and measure several times on different days, with the official tool if there is one.
- Report it to the providerSend the results, ask for the problem to be fixed and keep a copy of everything you send and receive.
- Use your rightsIf nothing improves, ask for a lower price or to end the contract, and go to the dispute body if the provider refuses.
📇 Who to contact
❓ Questions
Does a quick speed test in an app count?
It helps you spot a problem. As proof, a measurement made the way the regulator or your contract describes carries much more weight.
Does this apply to mobile internet too?
Mobile speeds change with place and network load, and the rules for mobile are often different. See the rules for Estonia on this page.
Is slow Wi‑Fi the provider’s fault?
Not always. Walls, distance and old devices slow Wi‑Fi down. Measure with a cable first.
📎 Sources
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