Verizon Unlimited Throttling Begins This Wed

[legioxi]

You know that is a lot. The rest was just an attention grab to "claim" that you use a lot of data.

It's relative, if you google around there are people with well over 100GB used regularly. 20GB is not much compared to them.

Considering the speeds I get are 80Mb/s at home on Verizon LTE, that's double my Comcast connection, it isn't hard to see how people use a lot of data.

 

[DrakeMcEachern]

You know that is a lot. The rest was just an attention grab to "claim" that you use a lot of data.

lol

 

[legioxi]

Like?

LOL

Work, work and more work? That's most of it for me, I work in IT though.

Games, Netflix, Hulu, Updates are probably the majority of the usage for many users. Along with porn I suppose. Verizon has that policy about sharing your browsing habits that is opt out, not opt in, so I've always thought people would avoid porn on it.

 

[MassiveAttack]

Yes they have ! I am really not sure why you want to argue this cause you are clearly wrong. They also didn't send notices in peoples bills who were under contract back in August and had unlimited. Sounds to me like you are a hater cause you don't have unlimited data

SMH
You're arguing not me.
Whether you're on contract or not doesn't matter. This is what Verizon is going to do. Now show me where Verizon states that customers on contract won't be throttled

Right from Verizon

Optimizing Our Network. Our Network Optimization practices for customers with unlimited data plans ensure that you can count on the reliable network you expect. To optimize our network, we manage data connection speeds for a small subset of customers – the top 5% of data users on unlimited data plans – and only in places and at times when the network is experiencing high demand. This ensures that all customers have the best data experience possible.

95% of our data customers are not impacted. The top 5% with devices on unlimited data plans may experience managed data speeds when connected to a cell site experiencing high demand after reaching certain data-usage levels in a bill cycle. These high data users will feel the smallest possible impact and only experience reduced data speeds when necessary for us to optimize data network traffic in that area.


http://www.verizonwireless.com/support/information/data_disclosure.html

BTW AT&T did this same thing a while back and whether you thought you were not in the top 5% didn't matter. If you went over 5GB you were throttled....period.

 

[JayIsAwesome]

Lol Verizon has probably been throttling people for a while now (3g and 4gLTE) they're just now officially saying it. Verizon, you sly dog. And what I find funny is you can be on unlimited and use 5gbs of data. And the carriers are like "omg, you're bogging down the internetz....we must throttle you!"

*switches to share plan*

Verizon/AT&T: Oh sure, use all the data you want *subtle yet evil, corporate smile*

#

 

[chakraj]

Hi All,

Just a friendly reminder it begins this Wed 10/1. For unlimited customers like myself, report here if your throttling or "network optimization" is really bad. Hope not though.

Dump those slow turds at VZW, TMobile is twice as fast, and real unlimited. for $0.

 

[legioxi]

Lol Verizon has probably been throttling people for a while now (3g and 4gLTE) they're just now officially saying it.

If they're throttling LTE, they sure aren't doing it to me yet. I'm in that 5% and haven't seen any slowdowns, even in high density areas where I would assume towers are crowded.

 

[TRC-WA]

Well, that's great that you used it that way. But a lot of us use LTE for places without internet. Without reliable, unpassworded, wifi.

I have great internet at home, but a lot of places still have locked wifi and if they don't, it's open and likely crowded and messy. There's still a very valid reason for people to have unlimited data.

So what exactly do you do on your phone that requires unlimited data? How much do you use each month? 10GB ? 20GB? 30GB?

My porn comment was a joke BTW... I was referencing video downloads... be it porn or Youtube. What else is a data hog other than video?

I'm sure there are valid reasons for you to have unlimited data. You watch a lot of Youtube? Don't feel like sharing wifi at Starbucks?

Either way, I'm glad Verizon is closing the loopholes. It's not fair for the rest of us that have data limits.

 

[spazma7ik]

SMH
You're arguing not me.
Whether you're on contract or not doesn't matter. This is what Verizon is going to do. Now show me where Verizon states that customers on contract won't be throttled

Right from Verizon

Optimizing Our Network. Our Network Optimization practices for customers with unlimited data plans ensure that you can count on the reliable network you expect. To optimize our network, we manage data connection speeds for a small subset of customers – the top 5% of data users on unlimited data plans – and only in places and at times when the network is experiencing high demand. This ensures that all customers have the best data experience possible.

95% of our data customers are not impacted. The top 5% with devices on unlimited data plans may experience managed data speeds when connected to a cell site experiencing high demand after reaching certain data-usage levels in a bill cycle. These high data users will feel the smallest possible impact and only experience reduced data speeds when necessary for us to optimize data network traffic in that area.


http://www.verizonwireless.com/support/information/data_disclosure.html

BTW AT&T did this same thing a while back and whether you thought you were not in the top 5% didn't matter. If you went over 5GB you were throttled....period.

This sounds a lot different than what I heard before.. What happened to them already defining that threshold at around 4.7GB and saying you will be throttled for 2 billing cycles? This sounds much better..

 

[Cool Pup]

Dump those slow turds at VZW, TMobile is twice as fast, and real unlimited. for $0.

I'm glad to hear that. I've heard conflicting reports, but if I get throttled then I'll likely make the switch.

Thanks to those who have linked me to those contract plans, but I already purchased my phone and it seems like those involved purchasing them at their subsidized prices. Seems like it's too late for me!

 

[legioxi]

This sounds a lot different than what I heard before.. What happened to them already defining that threshold at around 4.7GB and saying you will be throttled for 2 billing cycles? This sounds much better..

From the same linked document:

How will I know if I’m in the top 5% of data users?
As of March 2014, the top 5% of data users were using 4.7 GB or more of data each month.

Once my data speed is reduced, am I going to be under Network Optimization forever?
No. You will be subject to Network Optimization for that billing cycle and the following cycle. When subject to Network Optimization you will only be affected when connected to a cell site experiencing high demand. Otherwise, your data will operate as normal.

 

[Cool Pup]

So what exactly do you do on your phone that requires unlimited data? How much do you use each month? 10GB ? 20GB? 30GB?

My porn comment was a joke BTW... I was referencing video downloads... be it porn or Youtube. What else is a data hog other than video?

I'm sure there are valid reasons for you to have unlimited data. You watch a lot of Youtube? Don't feel like sharing wifi at Starbucks?

Either way, I'm glad Verizon is closing the loopholes. It's not fair for the rest of us that have data limits.

I watch a ton of YouTube. I stream everything, including video and music. I have next to no hard data and prefer streaming watching live video (sports, Twitch streams, other online video) on my mobile device than my laptop. Plus, I'm not home all of the time and wifi is spotty in a lot of places in general.

It's a little odd to me that you don't see how the internet could cap up so quickly. Imagine all of what you do online being capped at 1 or 2 gigs. You'd severely be limited in terms of what you can do.

And no, I don't like using public wifi for a myriad of reasons. One, the speed is inconsistent and not fast like LTE is, and two, it's open and is vulnerable in a lot of cases.

Also, you chose not to have unlimited data. Don't be "glad" that Verizon is screwing over customers and affecting others negatively because it does nothing to benefit anybody other than Verizon's pockets.

 

[ROLLTIDE1]

What are some? I wasn't aware. Could you let me know? I'd really appreciate it.



Well, that's great that you used it that way. But a lot of us use LTE for places without internet. Without reliable, unpassworded, wifi.

I have great internet at home, but a lot of places still have locked wifi and if they don't, it's open and likely crowded and messy. There's still a very valid reason for people to have unlimited data.

Check out this thread for more info

http://slickdeals.net/f/6964624-upgrade-and-keep-your-unlimited-data-with-verizon?http://

 

[MassiveAttack]

This sounds a lot different than what I heard before.. What happened to them already defining that threshold at around 4.7GB and saying you will be throttled for 2 billing cycles? This sounds much better..

That definition is only there to legally cover their butt. Anyone who goes over the set LTE threshold (5GB) which they set will be throttled. Many will call to complain saying that they are not in congested areas or think they aren't at the top 5% but it won't matter. AT&T customers went through this already and now it's Verizon customers to get spanked by Verizon.

 

[ROLLTIDE1]

Dump those slow turds at VZW, TMobile is twice as fast, and real unlimited. for $0.

The bulk of T-mobiles network is edge not good for those who leave the city

 

[bruinsrme]

LOL

Work, work and more work? That's most of it for me, I work in IT though.

Games, Netflix, Hulu, Updates are probably the majority of the usage for many users. Along with porn I suppose. Verizon has that policy about sharing your browsing habits that is opt out, not opt in, so I've always thought people would avoid porn on it.

Ha, didn't know that. Have to look into those things.
I heard someone mention RedBox.
Just kinda looked around on that one and wondered what they were watching.

 

[DVNIEL]

I just sacrificed my unlimited data today when I changed the plan to the more everything and ordered my upgrade. There was no way I was going to live with being throttled all month.



It was nice, but I'll adjust to the 10 GB shared. Because my family doesn't use a lot of data, it might actually work out in my favor.

Exactly what I did. My previous plan was this:
900 Minutes: $59.99
Unlimited Data: $30
Unlimited Text: $20
Total Equip. Protection: $10
= $119 + taxes

Then I moved to the 10GB plan with 1GB promo for $120 with my work discount. Just bought AppleCare+ to compensate for the insurance.

I think I'll live.

 

[TRC-WA]

I watch a ton of YouTube. I stream everything, including video and music.

Also, you chose not to have unlimited data. Don't be "glad" that Verizon is screwing over customers and affecting others negatively because it does nothing to benefit anybody other than Verizon's pockets.

I did a lot of YouTube too... now I do it at home. (50MB/sec Comcast) In the end losing unlimited data wasn't a big deal to me... if I want to watch data hungry videos I do it on my personal WiFi. Not all that difficult. Yes WiFi is good and bad everywhere... but I know it's good at home.

So when Verizon says they will throttle users is that so those on data limits like myself get the best experience possible and don't have all the bandwidth taken by you unlimited users? Yep... I think they said that in their statement upthread.

Either way, your being throttled may very well benefit Verizon's pockets... but it also benefits those of us on data limits. Now our slice of the pie is more in line with yours.

 

[legioxi]

Ha, didn't know that. Have to look into those things.
I heard someone mention RedBox.
Just kinda looked around on that one and wondered what they were watching.

lol yep, kind of creepy they do that. Anyways you can opt out via:

You have a right to keep your CPNI private by "opting out." Unless you provide us with notice that you wish to opt out within 45 days of receiving this letter, we will assume that you give us the right to share your CPNI with the authorized companies as described above. You may opt out at verizonwireless.com/myverizon. Register for My Verizon, sign in and click the "Account" tab located on the top navigation bar. Select "Account Profile" and scroll to the "Alerts and Preferences" section, then click on "Manage Privacy settings" in the "Privacy Settings" section. Alternatively, you may also opt out by calling us at 1.800.333.9956 and following the recorded directions. Finally, you may call 1.800.922.0204 from 6am to 11pm to reach a Customer Service Representative who can process your opt out for you.

Source: http://www.verizon.com/about/privacy/cpniwireless/

If you use their new point system though, I don't believe you can opt out. The FAQ for that specifically mentions sharing your usage/browsing data with partners as part of the deal.

 

[ROLLTIDE1]

SMH
You're arguing not me.
Whether you're on contract or not doesn't matter. This is what Verizon is going to do. Now show me where Verizon states that customers on contract won't be throttled

Right from Verizon

Optimizing Our Network. Our Network Optimization practices for customers with unlimited data plans ensure that you can count on the reliable network you expect. To optimize our network, we manage data connection speeds for a small subset of customers – the top 5% of data users on unlimited data plans – and only in places and at times when the network is experiencing high demand. This ensures that all customers have the best data experience possible.

95% of our data customers are not impacted. The top 5% with devices on unlimited data plans may experience managed data speeds when connected to a cell site experiencing high demand after reaching certain data-usage levels in a bill cycle. These high data users will feel the smallest possible impact and only experience reduced data speeds when necessary for us to optimize data network traffic in that area.


http://www.verizonwireless.com/support/information/data_disclosure.html

BTW AT&T did this same thing a while back and whether you thought you were not in the top 5% didn't matter. If you went over 5GB you were throttled....period.

I was with AT&T at the time and never got throttled on my fan account and averaged 25 gigs a month. Now back to Verizon

Internal documents do not say that . They say if you are under a contract you will not get throttled

----------

More info on the big slowdown for those who are not under a contract

Under the network optimization FAQ in the IUBE section it says this:

IUBE capability allows users to be placed into various user categories; each assigned a priority for resource allocation. Verizon Wireless deployed IUBE with two categories. The two inter-user priority categories are specified as: Category 0 and Category 1. Category 0 is for those customers who subscribe to unlimited data plans who are in the top 5% “high usage” customers and are set to receive a smaller proportion of the resource as users in class 1 during periods of high demand within a cell site sector. Category 1 is the default class for typical use.

IUBE has the following effect in the network:

When a user is operating in a sector where demand is not high, there is no effect on the user experience, even if that user happens to subscribe to an unlimited data plan and be in the top 5% of data users. All users receive the same allocation of resources that they would if there were no differentiation of best-effort categories

When a user is operating in a sector where there is high demand, users from each category are assigned resources proportionately, with users in category 0 receiving the lowest allocation. The exact proportions are selectable in powers of 2 (e.g., users in category 1 could get half of the resources assigned to users in category 2, users in category 2 could get half of the resources of users in category 3).*

The actual “resource” being allocated is forward link timeslots. Because RF conditions determine the actual amount of data that can be transmitted in each timeslot, we cannot state an exact proportionate relationship in the data speeds each user will actually receive. However, if the average of all users operating in a congested sector is considered, it is likely that an average user in category 0 will receive lower data speeds than an average user in category 1, roughly proportionate to the ratio defined. In reality, less differentiation is observed on data speeds among user categories.

 

[legioxi]

Either way, your being throttled may very well benefit Verizon's pockets... but it also benefits those of us on data limits. Now our slice of the pie is more in line with yours.

Out of curiosity, do you actually experience slow speeds over LTE? Not looking to argue, just wondering as I've never heard of congestion issues.

 

[Cool Pup]

I did a lot of YouTube too... now I do it at home. (50MB/sec Comcast) In the end losing unlimited data wasn't a big deal to me... if I want to watch data hungry videos I do it on my personal WiFi. Not all that difficult. Yes WiFi is good and bad everywhere... but I know it's good at home.

So when Verizon says they will throttle users is that so those on data limits like myself get the best experience possible and don't have all the bandwidth taken by you unlimited users? Yep... I think they said that in their statement upthread.

Either way, your being throttled may very well benefit Verizon's pockets... but it also benefits those of us on data limits. Now our slice of the pie is more in line with yours.

Again, I'm not home all of the time so home internet speed isn't really something I can compare the LTE to and it's an entirely different thing.

Two: I guarantee you that you aren't having any sort of experience taken from you from people who use unlimited data. Verizon is not having legitimate bandwidth crises and it's not relevant to this.

 

[cwosigns]

Either way, I'm glad Verizon is closing the loopholes. It's not fair for the rest of us that have data limits.

It' not really a "loophole." It's not like I figured out how to get unlimited data in some marginally legal way. It's the plan I originally signed up for and have kept for several years.

No one forced you to give up an unlimited data plan. I've foregone carrier subsidies and paid full price for all of my phones since the iPhone 5 in order to keep my unlimited data plan. No one forced you into a limited data plan, and because you chose to give yours up doesn't make it unfair that I still have mine. You made the choice.

 

[TRC-WA]

Exactly what I did. My previous plan was this:
900 Minutes: $59.99
Unlimited Data: $30
Unlimited Text: $20
Total Equip. Protection: $10
= $119 + taxes

Then I moved to the 10GB plan with 1GB promo for $120 with my work discount. Just bought AppleCare+ to compensate for the insurance.

I think I'll live.

You'll be fine. Data limits aren't the end of the world... LOL

Out of curiosity, do you actually experience slow speeds over LTE? Not looking to argue, just wondering as I've never heard of congestion issues.

I never have either... but I'm in Seattle metro and have experienced "lag" before... the causes I have no idea but it most definitely does happen.

 

[ROLLTIDE1]

Let's not forget this is all about revenue for Verizon and has nothing to do with over loaded towers . File your complaints now with the FCC now