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Verizon will soon throttle (unlimited) LTE data beginning Oct. 1st

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Spiderjericho said:
But crap service. I live in Tampa. I get like .5 bars out of 5 in my home. My calls are always dropping. Coverage is laughable. What does it matter if you get unlimited data if you'll never get decent performance on their network.
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Their excuse is Network Vision, but in markets where its complete, their LTE, especially Sprint Spark is godly!

Besides free roaming on Verizon
 
* Unlimited

* We have captivated so much of the market we'll say whatever we want to get you sucked in and then not give a fuck just because we can

BUT REGULATION IS BAD, TRUST US
 
I still have unlimited LTE data with Verizon on an iphone 5. I'll end up losing it next time I upgrade though. It was nice while it lasted. I used my phone as a hotspot when I moved before my internet was hooked up. I was using an insane amount of data, it was super fast too. My shit will probably get throttled to hell and back.
 
beanoboy7 said:
Their excuse is Network Vision, but in markets where its complete, their LTE, especially Sprint Spark is godly!

Besides free roaming on Verizon
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True. They've started 800 Mhz LTE rollout here in Columbus, OH and that's really going to help coverage a great deal. Then again, if you bought an iPhone 5 or something made in that time, it probably doesn't support it. But anything iPhone 5c or 5S (and phones made in that time) will.
 
i love that all these companies advertise blazing LTE speed. Its pretty much like "Blazing LTE! Now you can hit your data cap in record time!"
 
I would imagine that pretty much everyone on an unlimited plan on Verizon is in that top 5%.
 
Shit like this makes me really conflicted on the prospect of a T-Mobile/Sprint merger.

Verizon is an absolutely terrible company with terrible prices and terrible customer service that is only successful because of their massive network. It needs more legitimate competitors that can truly rival it in coverage while offering better plans and better customer service.

T-Mobile has great, affordable plans but shitty coverage outside of metro areas. As it stands, it's not a true competitor to Verizon. But if it merges with Sprint and T-Mobile's management takes over the combined company, as has been speculated, it could potentially be a true competitor.

I'm very skeptical of telecom mergers and was strongly against the AT&T/T-Mo merger a few years ago, but I'm starting to think the Sprint/T-Mo merger might be a good idea.
 
Sanjuro said:
Maybe it is 6GB, you could be right.



Unlimited data does not correlate necessarily with people that use absurd amounts.
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I don't think the top 5% would be absurd amounts, as they said this is currently set at 4.7GB, which isn't that much data, anyone using more than that on a non-unlimited plan is paying an exorbitant amount for it. Basically I think it's a bullshit stipulation to make their reasoning seem fair.
 
I'm going to begin applying my "monthly bill optimization" plan and switch to a less bullshit carrier. I bought the Galaxy S4 full retail price to keep my unlimited plan, because it's 20 fucking 14 and it's absurd that they can't just offer an unlimited plan for most people. No way am I giving mine up and then start worrying about my bandwidth usage every time I load a website.. Unlimited means unlimited you assholes. Fuck Verizon.
 
Damnit Verizon stop going after my unlimited. I honestly don't need the unlimited data since I don't use more than 3-4 gigs a month, but there are times where it comes in handy and I abuse the shit out of it and get up to 8-10 gigs of usage out of it. I wish other providers had the coverage they have with the speeds they have. Everyone in my family has shit coverage or near dialup speeds even in their homes, while my Verizon phone has awesome speeds and coverage. They must get better phone by the time I'm done with my Note 3 or else I will look to another carrier.
 
x3sphere said:
If you are tethering it's very easy to go over 4GB. Last week I was out of town and didn't have access to WiFi. Ended up hitting 5GB just from browsing, no YouTube, streaming, etc.
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I don't tether and I'm always consuming between 3.5-5gbs of data. Just browsing gaf, facebook, youtube and the random site.
 
demolitio said:
I really need to find a decent smartphone to buy and just switch to T-Mobile. I keep putting it off due to phone prices but I can't stand dealing with Verizon anymore. Unfortunately, they just bought Cincinnati Bell so I'll have to deal with them no matter what when it comes to home internet.

*Don't think they're actually taking over the other services now that I think about it.
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Buy a Nexus 5 (or a Moto X+1 when it comes out or a Moto G) and tell Verizon to fuck off. Probably the best decision I've ever made in regards to cell phones.
 
I have a buddy who was grandfathered in on an unlimited data plan with Verizon. He uses upwards of 80-100GB of data a month, pretty much streams Netflix every day while at work for like 6 hours. He actually had to get a new phone earlier this year and opted to buy the phone outright so he wouldn't lose his plan. The employees at the Verizon store all gathered around and looked at his data consumption, they never saw anything that high.

I'm not surprised they are doing this, because of people like that, although it sucks for people who consume the data at "normal" amounts.
 
Heads up.

After tomorrow, if you are a Verizon customer with unlimited data and an LTE phone, you could be throttled. Starting October 1, Verizon could slow your data speeds to help relieve strain on a cell site, assuming you tick the boxes on a set of pre-determined criteria from their updated Network Optimization policy. This policy used to cover unlimited data users on 3G-only phones, but moves into LTE territory for the first time next month, because you have “no incentive” not to try and destroy all Verizon cell sites.

So how do you know if you qualify for throttling? Well, you have to meet all of the criteria listed below while attempting to use data on a congested or under “heavy demand” cell site. Just to be clear, throttling shouldn’t happen once you leave the cell site that is under stress, but could pick back up again if you were to attach to another congested cell site for up to two billing cycles.

This is how you qualify for Network Optimization:

Top 5% of data users (you use 4.7GB of data per month or more)
Enrolled on an unlimited data plan or feature
Have fulfilled your minimum contract term
Are attempting to use data on a cell site that is experiencing high demand

I should point out that if you are on a MORE Everything plan (tiered or shared data plan), you will never be throttled, even if you use more data than an unlimited customer and are on a congested cell site. Seriously, you could be a 20GB MORE Everything plan owner and use that 20GB every single month, yet still never see slower speeds like an unlimited data customer who uses 4.8GB of data per month. Verizon likes it that you pay more for data and arenÂ’t some freeloading unlimited outcast who poses a massive, hypothetical threat to their network, so they will give you a pass (last part might have been slightly exaggerated).

Again, the new Network Optimization policy goes into effect on October 1.

You can read our exclusive report on the new Network Optimization policy here. VerizonÂ’s official info is here.
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See the article itself for more links to previous articles. Bring on the network optimization!
 
inm8num2 said:
Heads up.



See the article itself for more links to previous articles. Bring on the network optimization!
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So, here are the criteria from that article:

Top 5% of data users (you use 4.7GB of data per month or more)
Enrolled on an unlimited data plan or feature
Have fulfilled your minimum contract term
Are attempting to use data on a cell site that is experiencing high demand​

Assuming this is correct, as long as you're currently under contract, they won't throttle you? Or does this mean that once your INITIAL contract in which you purchased an unlimited data plan is up, you can be subject to throttling?
 
So what's going to happen as computing becomes increasingly more mobile and streaming more prevalent? Will we just die under their tyranny?

But forreal it's ridiculous that there's more and more data caps as data becomes more and more relevant. The worst is gonna be when comcast and co. implement caps on home Internet nationwide.
 
mre said:
So, here are the criteria from that article:

Top 5% of data users (you use 4.7GB of data per month or more)
Enrolled on an unlimited data plan or feature
Have fulfilled your minimum contract term
Are attempting to use data on a cell site that is experiencing high demand​

Assuming this is correct, as long as you're currently under contract, they won't throttle you? Or does this mean that once your INITIAL contract in which you purchased an unlimited data plan is up, you can be subject to throttling?
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I'm not sure if people under a current contract will be exempt from throttling, but it seems like they're focusing on users without contracts in order to push them toward the newer plans w/o unlimited data.
 
Canceled.

That title says just about all you need to know. Verizon has informed us that they are canceling plans to move forward with Network Optimization of unlimited data customers. In other words, Verizon is not going to slow down the data connection of customers with unlimited data plans who fall in the top 5% of the carrier’s data users. Instead, Verizon is going to focus on delivering exceptional mobile service to every customer, while continuing to work with industry players to make sure that you and I are receiving “world-class” mobile service.

The statement Verizon provided to us can be read in full below.
Verizon is committed to providing its customers with an unparalleled mobile network experience. At a time of ever-increasing mobile broadband data usage, we not only take pride in the way we manage our network resources, but also take seriously our responsibility to deliver exceptional mobile service to every customer. WeÂ’ve greatly valued the ongoing dialogue over the past several months concerning network optimization and weÂ’ve decided not to move forward with the planned implementation of network optimization for 4G LTE customers on unlimited plans. Exceptional network service will always be our priority and we remain committed to working closely with industry stakeholders to manage broadband issues so that American consumers get the world-class mobile service they expect and value.
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Ok I'm on sprint right now and contract ends in December and im looking to go to a new provider whose data speeds don't suck ass.

I used to have AT&T until they started throttling unlimited data so I jumped to sprint in an attempt to keep unlimited data but good God their data speeds prevent you from even coming close to a data cap anyways.

So who's network (in Boston) is the best balance of price, speed, and coverage that should I go to? I've given up on hopes of usable unlimited data so that's not really a factor.
 
Banjo-Kazooie said:
I have a buddy who was grandfathered in on an unlimited data plan with Verizon. He uses upwards of 80-100GB of data a month, pretty much streams Netflix every day while at work for like 6 hours. He actually had to get a new phone earlier this year and opted to buy the phone outright so he wouldn't lose his plan. The employees at the Verizon store all gathered around and looked at his data consumption, they never saw anything that high.

I'm not surprised they are doing this, because of people like that, although it sucks for people who consume the data at "normal" amounts.
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That is normal. Why pay for Internet on a phone if you cannot use it for anything you want? We have the technology for people to not have any arbitrary caps, this is all a ploy to get you to pay more for less. Unfortunately it has worked on you and me. Although come June I am leaving ATT for the 30$ a month T-Mobile plan. Sorry Apple but I'll buy a nexus and not pay 700$ for a fucking cell phone.
 
Hmm. Now I'm not sure what I should do. I have an AT&T unlimited plan, but it sounds like other companies are offering similar plans for less (Sprint, T-Mobile)? Or am I misunderstanding parts of the discussion?

Should I stick with AT&T and my unlimited plan (that is subject to throttling, though I've never hit usage that high), or go elsewhere?
 
Dreams-Visions said:
Hmm. Now I'm not sure what I should do. I have an AT&T unlimited plan, but it sounds like other companies are offering similar plans for less (Sprint, T-Mobile)? Or am I misunderstanding parts of the discussion?

Should I stick with AT&T and my unlimited plan (that is subject to throttling, though I've never hit usage that high), or go elsewhere?
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If you live in an area with any civilization and not some rural area, then T-Mobile is the best value of speed, true unlimited data, cheap plans and phone selection.
 
I switched to T-Mobile when I heard about this throttle plan.

I don't regret it today.

I have unlimited everything and a company that is constantly innovating for $25 less than my unlimited on Verizon. I can also buy cheap unlocked phones like Nexus or Hauwei Ascend Mate 2 vs having to buy a $650+ full retail phone from V. Plus, vote with your wallet, fuck them.

My 4G LTE is just as fast, if not faster. I do notice service can be spotty in some brick buildings, but overall, fucking great.
 
Maybe Verizon made the announcement to scare the heavy data users to other networks, never having an intention of actually implementing their "Network Optimization". :p
 
inm8num2 said:
I'm not sure if people under a current contract will be exempt from throttling, but it seems like they're focusing on users without contracts in order to push them toward the newer plans w/o unlimited data.
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Missed your reply. Glad they changed their minds, though.
 
Aquamarine said:
Wait, people have unlimited 4G LTE data under Verizon?

I thought you could only get limited plans...that's what I have...
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Grandfatheredin in. As long as I buy my own phones, they cannot change my plan. I use a Galaxy nexus because they are cheap used. BTW, I have never experienced throttling, and my phone is my primary source for the internet.
 
Red Mage said:
Grandfatheredin in. As long as I buy my own phones, they cannot change my plan. I use a Galaxy nexus because they are cheap used. BTW, I have never experienced throttling, and my phone is my primary source for the internet.
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If you're fortunate enough to share a plan with someone else who does not have an unlimited data plan you can keep getting subsidized phones.
 
I go over 5gb every month. Not even tethering. Just regular use.

ATT did this shit to me. I just dropped unlimited and got a data plan that gave me a set amount of data.

10gb shared with the wife works perfectly for me. She uses about 500mb. I use about 7gb.
 
Red Mage said:
Grandfatheredin in. As long as I buy my own phones, they cannot change my plan. I use a Galaxy nexus because they are cheap used. BTW, I have never experienced throttling, and my phone is my primary source for the internet.
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I was the same...however last week I finally took the plunge and bought a used Note 3 to retire my Galaxy Nexus. I haven't looked back. So worth it.
 
Grandfathered into unlimited with a note 3.. I almost want to use an exorbitant amount of data to see what Verizon does.. Hopefully I can get out of this contract.. Verizon has shitty coverage in my home..
 
andycapps said:
What the hell are you doing on your phone to use 100 gigs of data? And I thought T-Mobile throttled LTE as well after a certain point?
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I use 10-12 and I don't know how. I also have 2 iPads and 2 laptops. So it's not like that thing is my only connected device. I think GONE are the days when people optimized shit for the web. It's an anything goes world now, of HD porn, HD gifs, HD text files, 4K YouTube. Fuck it! Makes me so mad because I am on verizon and it is so incredibly expensive for me, every month. But fuck it! I have to see what's going on on /r/cringe no matter where I am.
 
Are you people using 10-20GB, or more, a month just never on wifi? Even when I'm working on a train for 2 hours I use only a few hundred megs of data.
 
Going to play a bit of the devil's advocate here, but I don't have a big issue with this. If someone is in the top 5% of data users they're most likely using an exceptional amount of data, and they're very likely not an average user. I imagine that some of them are using their phone as a hotspot for their whole house and connecting all their devices to that, and the like.
 
TharpDaddy said:
Going to play a bit of the devil's advocate here, but I don't have a big issue with this. If someone is in the top 5% of data users they're most likely using an exceptional amount of data, and they're very likely not an average user. I imagine that some of them are using their phone as a hotspot for their whole house and connecting all their devices to that, and the like.
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There are people on XDA who say they use their phone for Xbox/PSN, torrenting, etc. Who end up using hundreds and hundreds of data in a month. I get that our phones have advanced to a point of replacing a computer, but I don't think when network planning was put forward they intended people to stop using their home networking.
 
I had T-Mobile's $30/month unlimited data 100 minutes plan and I originally thought it was good, but then I learned that their service area is garbage. Didn't get service at home, and didn't get service at work.

I switched to Straight Talk with At&t's towers for $45 and I couldn't be happier.

I could probably be happier, but you get what I mean.
 
Dreams-Visions said:
Hmm. Now I'm not sure what I should do. I have an AT&T unlimited plan, but it sounds like other companies are offering similar plans for less (Sprint, T-Mobile)? Or am I misunderstanding parts of the discussion?

Should I stick with AT&T and my unlimited plan (that is subject to throttling, though I've never hit usage that high), or go elsewhere?
Click to expand...

I constantly recommend the T-Mobile 30$/mo plan. It's hidden near the bottom here. Basically, you order a SIM on Tmobile.com and just activate it through the website. Don't bother going to stores. When I did it, no one knew what I was talking about.

If you can survive with Tmos coverage and 100 talk minutes (wifi calling is the future), it's simply an unbeatable deal. It's still only 5GB of 4G, but I never come close to hitting the cap.

TarpitCarnivore said:
Are you people using 10-20GB, or more, a month just never on wifi? Even when I'm working on a train for 2 hours I use only a few hundred megs of data.
Click to expand...

Video. Even a mobile Netflix stream is lots a data. It's a huge issue for service providers. Companies are throwing money at my research group to try to figure out how to deal with it.
 
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