My internet is slower than promised: what can I do in Latvia?
A fixed internet contract must state the maximum (advertised), normally available and minimum guaranteed speeds. The normal speed must be available at least 95% of the time each day and be at least 70% of the maximum; the minimum guaranteed at least 20%.
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 Latvia
What you can do
Complain to your provider and ask for a quality check; a confirmed shortfall gives you at least 50% off that period's fee. If unresolved, ask SPRK to assess your service. Significant persistent shortfalls let you leave a fixed-term contract without a penalty.
The details
- Broadband must reach at least 6 Mbit/s download and 2 Mbit/s upload on a fixed line, and at least 2 Mbit/s with a mobile router at home within the operator's coverage area. (likumi.lv)
- If the provider's own check after your complaint finds quality below the contract, it must cut that billing period's fee by at least 50%. The same applies when SPRK finds the shortfall after your complaint to SPRK. (likumi.lv)
- If the shortfall is significant and persistent or frequent, you can end a fixed-term contract without a penalty. Do not cancel first: the provider must accept the fault, or SPRK must confirm it before you end the contract. (sprk.gov.lv)
- SPRK measures voice and mobile internet quality in selected places and publishes the results. Where needed, it also measures and assesses quality in connection with a user's complaint. (sprk.gov.lv)
Sabiedrisko pakalpojumu regulēšanas komisija (SPRK)
If your provider has not solved the problem, send SPRK a written complaint: signed with a secure e-signature to sprk@sprk.gov.lv, as a signed letter to Skanstes iela 25, Rīga, LV-1013, or through your official e-address.
🪜 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 Latvia 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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