It wasn’t too long ago when AT&T announced they would be throttling the data speed of their top 5% of heaviest data users. While Verizon announced that they would be doing this to their users back in February, it looks like they have decided to finally start putting their plan into action before AT&T starts doing it next month.
As of Thursday, September 15th, Verizon began to implement their “Network Optimization Practices” by throttling the top 5% of their heaviest data users. However, this only applies to unlimited 3G users. 4G LTE and tiered data users are not included.
It might also be important to note that Verizon’s method of throttling their users is a bit different from AT&T’s and T-Mobile’s:
“The difference between our network optimization practice and throttling is about network intelligence. With throttling, your wireless connection is slowed down for your entire cycle, 100% of the time, no matter where you are. Network Optimization balances the best possible experience on the network and for the customer. Network Optimization Practices is more precise and requires more management than throttling, however it provides the greatest balance for everyone. So, if you’re in the top 5% of data users, your connection is slowed only when you are in a congested cell site.”
All of these new throttling policies by Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are being implemented within weeks of the expected launch of the iPhone 5. Back in May, Verizon said it expected to participate in a simultaneous launch of the new iPhone with AT&T and possibly Sprint.
Verizon has posted an in-depth FAQ about their Network Optimization Practices. You can read it here.
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