There is something behind it, no more than money. If it were about network congestion, then any user over a certain amount, on a congested tower, would be throttled. That would give any user that doesn't use X amount of data, a better experience.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
FCC Questions Verizon Plan to Throttle Some Unlimited Data Customers
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
There is something behind it, no more than money. If it were about network congestion, then any user over a certain amount, on a congested tower, would be throttled. That would give any user that doesn't use X amount of data, a better experience.
Again, sure, throttling any user over a certain amount of data would help, but that would affect more users some of whom are specifically paying for access to that data. So, yes, money is involved in determining what group of user can be throttled, but it's still done primarily to ease congestion and thus optimize the network.
the reason for throttling is to get more cash to upgrade data plans plain and simple.
----------
If VZW canceled customers because of high data bandwidth, then they would hear from the FCC because of C Block rules.
"The potential for excessive bandwidth demand alone shall not constitute grounds for denying, limiting or restricting access to the network."
----------
Why do people forget about the rules under which they purchased the license to this spectrum. It's codified in the Code of Federal Regulations by the FCC. Hence, it is law.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Federal_Regulations
The regulations for this can be found at 47 CFR 27.16. VZW outbid Google for this. Google in their wisdom asked the FCC to add special provisions to the Code and the FCC agreed. VZW is held by the code. That's what Wheeler called them out on.
http://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/27.16
27.16(c)(1) says they can't deny or limit even if it means excessive data usage.
T-Mo, AT&T, C Spire, Cricket, et al, do not have to abide by this because they license this spectrum.
Do they apply at all or the same way to those with unlimited data plans that were obtained under terms before that spectrum was purchased and those other rules existed?
They can change their plans that's not against the rules. They just can't deny, limit or restrict.
It seems the only rule they truly abide by is (e) Handset locking
"(e) Handset locking prohibited. No licensee may disable features on handsets it provides to customers, to the extent such features are compliant with the licensee's standards pursuant to paragraph (b)of this section, nor configure handsets it provides to prohibit use of such handsets on other providers' networks."
Reading the whole thing it seems like that part is in relation to Verizon not being able to deny or limit the use of a device on its LTE network simply due to the potential of that device to use a lot of data. The throttling Verizon is talking about is in relation to outdated plans that people have, irrespective of the devices they have, so at least legally speaking, these might be different things. All of this is perhaps why FCC is looking into it now, but it might also end up being that as they look into it they might not be able to apply any of that to what Verizon is going to be doing. We will see I guess.
True. But, it does't say they can throttle outdated plans irrespective of devices (even though the devices must be C Block capable). Hence, this is the way Google helped write the rules to guarantee this sort of thing doesn't happen. Google had the foresight to know things like this can happen.
It also says right before it:
Meaning what follows is in relation to what is in paragraph (b)(1) and not necessarily just a broad statement that just applies to anything/everything. Context and details matter, especially when it comes to legal information. And, again, that is likely what FCC has under review now to see what might or might not apply. So we will have to see what comes out of it.
No, and try to ask @VZWSupport on Twitter if Dan Meade has answered, they simply ignore it.
If they throttle the bandwidth to a point that I can't reasonably use a third party app to access the network, then it is against the FCC rules.
Netflix for example. I'm throttled and can't watch Netflix because the speeds are too limited. There's some context for ya.
Again, not necessarily context within these particular rules. Something that FCC is likely reviewing, once again.
I understand the concept, Okay? I work in IT. My point is that the whole premise is flawed. They have plenty of bandwidth, and make plenty of money marketing themselves as the best network out there. They need to back that up by INVESTING in the necessary bandwidth to walk the talk.
They are investing in the extra bandwidth, using the money people are paying for data tiers. Do you go to Ford or Apple and complain that they're making enough profits already, and should lower their prices? Business is business, and you can take yours elsewhere if you're dissatisfied.
----------
The ultimate result of people like you whining about throttling is going to be the expiration of all unlimited plans, period. Is that what you really want? If so, Verizon will switch you to a data tier plan at any time.
I pay $20 a month and sometimes use upwards of 50gigs.
On Verizon.
Crap, I think I'm one of 0.5%ers.
On Verizon.
Crap, I think I'm one of 0.5%ers.
Verizon was gonna do it anyway regardless of what peoples use is. It ultimately comes down to money. That's fine as long as we're being honest about it. If u have unlimited I hope you do whatever u want with it.
"It's a floor wax. It's a desert topping. It's both."
It is both. If the carriers didn't continually spend money to improve and optimize their network, customers would eventually leave for the competition, and there would be no more profits.
I wasn't actually explaining it to you directly, just using your post as a launching point to explain it to anyone else here who might be confused about how bandwidth works.
Considering that net neutrality was struck down by the courts, I wouldn't put a lot of stock in enforceability of FCC internet regulations.
First off I guess this guy must use Verizon, because AT&T has been screwing me for sometimes under this. Instead of rewarding long time customers like me 10+ years they kill my bandwidth. I've never gone over 10gb in a month is that really hurting the network all 5% of us. However it's not hurting the network if your paying extra for it. It's Fing BS! Unlimited means Unlimited! Not sure you are unlimited but we will slow you down so much you don't want to use it.
Why do you people keep saying Net Neutrality was struck down by the courts? Yes, Net Neutrality was. 47 CFR 27.16 was not struck down by the courts. This is the Code, or law, that VZW purchased this license for. It hasn't been removed from the Code of Federal Regulations. It's still law as far as VZW's C Block 700 MHz is concerned.
I occasionally roam in my Florida home. Most times I do get 4g I guess it just depends how bad the weather is outside.