Verizon will not throttle unlimited 4G LTE data users, to double data plans in promotion
In a statement released on Wednesday, America's largest cellular provider Verizon said it will not be throttling 4G LTE data speeds for users grandfathered in to unlimited data plans, while at the same time announcing a buffed data plan promotion.
In July, Verizon announced plans to expand its "network optimization" initiative, which amounts to throttling data speeds for subscribers with unlimited data plans when the telco's 4G LTE network is congested. The enhanced policy was set to go live in October.
As noted by The Verge, it appears Verizon has changed course thanks to what the company calls "ongoing dialogue" over the past few months. Since the throttling procedure was first outlined, subscribers and even U.S. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Thomas Wheeler questioned the move that Verizon called "measured and fair."
From today's statement:
Verizon's decision comes amidst growing competition in the U.S. wireless space that has seen all three major carriers, including AT&T and Sprint, double data plan allotments in promotions designed to gain new subscribers and retain those who are already signed up. On Thursday, Verizon will be bumping its $110 data tier from 12GB to 15GB, while nearly doubling the $130 plan from 16GB to 30GB. Subscribers of data plans costing between $150 and $375 will get double data allotments. The promo ends on Oct. 31.
In July, Verizon announced plans to expand its "network optimization" initiative, which amounts to throttling data speeds for subscribers with unlimited data plans when the telco's 4G LTE network is congested. The enhanced policy was set to go live in October.
As noted by The Verge, it appears Verizon has changed course thanks to what the company calls "ongoing dialogue" over the past few months. Since the throttling procedure was first outlined, subscribers and even U.S. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Thomas Wheeler questioned the move that Verizon called "measured and fair."
From today's statement:
Prior to today's announcement, Verizon claimed throttling the heaviest users -- supposedly only a small number of people -- would give 95 percent of its subscriber base a more consistent experience. The policy was to be put in place to curb increased network congestion due to increasing smartphone subscriber numbers.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.
We've greatly valued the ongoing dialogue over the past several months concerning network optimization and we'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.
Verizon's decision comes amidst growing competition in the U.S. wireless space that has seen all three major carriers, including AT&T and Sprint, double data plan allotments in promotions designed to gain new subscribers and retain those who are already signed up. On Thursday, Verizon will be bumping its $110 data tier from 12GB to 15GB, while nearly doubling the $130 plan from 16GB to 30GB. Subscribers of data plans costing between $150 and $375 will get double data allotments. The promo ends on Oct. 31.
Comments
How very gracious of them.
I look forward to my provider announcing that it won't be hanging, drawing and quartering me.
Ah, so only for the big spenders, not for everyone.
Great¡
AKA iOS users.
They're not grandfathered plans. They're expired contracts, and are now on monthly terms.
Your move AT&T
I believe this was in response to this move by AT&T.
http://about.att.com/story/sign_up_by_october_31st_to_get_30gb_of_truly_shareable_data_2_10_lines_starting_at_160_month.html
I disagree, with these news double data plans I'm seriously thinking about giving up my unlimited data. I think that VZW decided to go with a different strategy.
“Get suckers who were paying $30 a month for unlimited data to pay $130 for severely limited data”
No referring to the throttling of unlimited plans.
In my experience, If you are a family with a need for 4 or 5 smartphone lines and have T-mobile coverage at 3 locations like your job/business, Home, Kids school than there is no need to beat around bush. T-mobile family plan is still the optimum cost effective with unlimited talk/text/data with NO data overage charges.
Not really. When we were on AT&T, I had an unlimited data plan for our two iPads. They renewed each month. The contract was that buying an iPad and signing up with them gave us unlimited data plans as long as we continued to pay for it. In fact, even if we didn't pay for a month, or more, we would get the same plan if we began paying again. Only if we moved to a cheaper, limited plan, could we not move back to unlimited. I'm assuming Verizon operates in about the same way.
Ok, I don't get that.
T-Mobile throttles with the best of them. All the companies throttle. But T-Mobile has terrible service out of most heavily populated areas, which is why their plans look good.
But it is indeed annoying that Verizon is stopping at 12Gb. Our plan is 10GB, so we don't get it. But, maybe later.
AT&T allowed anyone with a unlimited plan to keep that plan upon renewal. VZW did not, it forced those that wanted to buy a subsidized phone onto a tiered plan. Those of us that still have a unlimited either pay full price for a phone, or buy a previously owned one.
Taking away something you should already have, giving it back to you, then calling it a gift.
What are they taking back? The user still has unlimited data, the speed at which they get it at was never promised.