Verizon to start throttling data speeds for new subscribers and optimizing content for all
Verizon Wireless is to start throttling data speeds and optimizing content for smartphones like the Verizon iPhone from today according to a PDF memo on its website. The throttling will only come into affect for new customers who subscribe to a data plan or feature from February 3, 2011, however the optimization will affect all data users new and old.
Verizon Wireless strives to provide customers the best experience when using our network, a shared resource among tens of millions of customers. To help achieve this, if you use an extraordinary amount of data and fall within the top 5% of Verizon Wireless data users we may reduce your data throughput speeds periodically for the remainder of your then current and immediately following billing cycle to ensure high quality network performance for other users at locations and times of peak demand.
Verizon claim to be taking these steps to ensure that the remaining 95% of its data customers are not affected by the 5% that use a large amount of data each month. The optimization part of the process, will include caching less data by compressing images and video which reduces the overall quality of the experience.
We are implementing optimization and transcoding technologies in our network to transmit data files in a more efficient manner to allow available network capacity to benefit the greatest number of users. These techniques include caching less data, using less capacity, and sizing the video more appropriately for the device. The optimization process is agnostic to the content itself and to the website that provides it. While we invest much effort to avoid changing text, image, and video files in the compression process and while any change to the file is likely to be indiscernible, the optimization process may minimally impact the appearance of the file as displayed on your device.
It has not take Verizon very long to start worrying about the impact the iPhone may have on its network. What do you think about Verizon's throttling and optimization methods? Let us know in the comments!
[Verizon PDF via BGR]
UK editor at iMore, mobile technology lover and air conditioning design engineer.
There are 59 comments. Add yours.
That an awfully big asterisk they just put on the phrase "unlimited data".
It's still unlimited since they're not shutting off you're data service, they're still letting you use it as much as you want, just slowing it down.
HELLO BULL CHizz!! the big boyz suck you in, then once they have you, they hit you with the Ah-ha. Another reason I'm leaving Verizon after my contract and switching to old vegetable cans with wires attached, or maybe walkie talkies..... Well at least it is still unlimited and they haven't raised the price.
I personally find progesso soup cans to provide the best quality.
Progresso cans are terrible. If you hold it wrong, the signal drops. Campbell's Rulez!!!
I can't afford Progresso.sigh I'm using T-Boyardee cans.
A kick in facetime to new users?
Doing any of this optimization requires deep packet inspection.
Isn't AT&T the evil one? Bad Verizon, what a bad boy you're being.
Welcome back to 1999 and "internet accelerators"?
In other words, Verizon is saying "People, get a f***ing life, already! Go meet some women... SOMETHING!"
Yep, its already throttled back as it is.
LOL, yet another reason not so many will switch from ATT.
This translates to me, they are scared what will happen with high data loads that come with the iPhone and the existing android phones on their network.
At this point, I don't know what is better, stay AT&T, go to Verizon or Sprint (thinking about the evo shift)
All three choices have their cons. But i'm pretty sick of the fact that i'm dropping 3g to edge from 5-8 where I live.
Well, actually, studies have shown that Android users on average slurp more data
So I don't think they fear the iPhone users that much. I think they want to make sure the experience of a flood of new users is positive, even if that means throttling a small minority of trouble makers.
You can't get more than two gig plans on AT&T anymore (for new accounts), and they want to avoid inheriting all the data-hogs running away from AT&T.
I love this idea. I don't see a problem with it in the least.
Me either but only because I'm staying with AT&T. I just hope they don't get any bright ideas like this.
Verizon's CDMA is already super slow in comparison to AT&T. I can't imagine how slow it will be when they throttle you can you say "dial up speeds" no thank you.I had Verizon before it was Verizon (air touch) and made the switch last summer to AT&T and the iPhone 4 and I can tell you AT&T blows Verizon out of the water. Data Speed's and and ton less dropped calls and cheaper on AT&T. So thank you Verizon for getting the iPhone just what us at AT&T needed to make our price and incentives for future purchases better
I guess I'd rather have the throttling as opposed to a hard-cap with overage charges like Verizon is rumored to be planning with it's LTE 4G plans.
If all these people in here would read the Verizon document before they comment maybe they would sound educated instead of children stomping their feet. They are not downgrading the appearance of text, they are slightly reducing quality of images BY REMOVING PIXELS THE HUMAN EYE CAN'T EVEN SEE and will change the buffer for videos.
All in all an unnoticeable change.
I am so glad they are slowing down the power users, I have seen people use around 12GB a month and think, wow, are u seriously too cheap to get internet at home. I am a power user and never went above 2GB a month.
Also, BGR said that this optimization starts today. I have noticed this change if they did because I go to school in the mountains were AT&T/Sprint/Verizon only get 1-2 bars will spotty 3G. Usually takes about 13-16 seconds to start a Youtube video on my Droid Incredible with 3G. Today took only around 7 or 8 seconds. I was shocked. I hope it stays like this. Of course at home I get full bars so I can only imagine the improvement there.
LOL, so it begins with them now...
How long until the verizon complaints start?
1/11/11 - They already have.
I think someone is not to sure of there network all of the sudden.
I actually applaud them for having the foresight to take steps to protect other users experience. This is the difference between a well-run company vs. ATT. ATT had to scramble to deal with this problem after it happened. At least they plan ahead.
You applaud this? It just means Verizon doesn't really offer "unlimited" data.
At least AT&T is more apparent. Go past 2gb and pay extra per gb afterwards. With Verizon, it's go past ??(only verizon knows) amount and get throttled down to Edge like speed (probably hard to tell if you're being throttled with verizon's slow 3G anyways)
Verizon's unlimited has a mythical cap of 5GB thats 2.5x what AT&T's is and we're paying the same amount for your 2GB, even though we don't get penalized if we surpass our mythical cap. I believe, that as usual, a story subjecting Verizon and Android users because I know that this sorta stuff makes iPhone fanboys happy, with the Droid line on Verizon is being blown WAY out of proportion. Most people don't use that much data, so I have my doubts they'll be throttled. Their push right now is to get the Android users into 4G phones, it will happen, look at the EVO. So then the iPhone users can have the CDMA 3G to themselves.
There is no such thing as EDGE, or anything like it with CDMA technology. Verizon isn't slow in the real world, because in the real world, AT&T's 3G is only marginally faster. If you can get 3G that is. I never have trouble streaming HQ youtube vids at my rural home, surfing the net, watching Flash youtube videos embedded in the browser, nope doesn't seem slow to me.
Good point. We can already see a more practical and stable approach to this launch. Just look at how smoothly pre-orders went last night.
Verizon has always been about stability, and that's why I've stuck with them so long. Anyone who is a super power user of data probably also has wifi access, so this seems like a moot point for most people.
I'm not sure if hotspur users will be throttled, but that would be a real bate and switch if they were. For $20 extra bucks a month, I would want as much bandwith as possible.
once you've actually had an iPhone you'll quickly realize that it's easy to become a "power user," you just wouldn't know that since you've been stuck with verizon for so long
I have an Android Phone which consumes much more data than an iPhone considering I stream podcasts, and use google nav all the time which uses up data. I haven't really ever gone over 2GB. So unless you are tethering your iphone to your ps3 for online gaming, i really don't see how you could ever exceed the 5GB cap that verizon has.
P.S. Sales rep told me it is a 5GB cap and after 5GB they look into possibly lowering speed if you are eating too much. I was told this months ago, at least they are going public with it.
You're not a "power user" if you're averaging 2 gigs a month. You're correct that it would be difficult to go over that amount just streaming audio or using the GPS. Stream video on a regular basis (live TV, Netflix, etc.) PLUS the uses you mention, and you'll routinely get the 5-6 gigs a month that I average.
I'd rather get capped than throttled...
Why? There's always a hack to defeat any throttling.
It was a joke ;-)
People can be so stupid. No throttling = bottlenecked network = worse than throttling. If a network is being used to 100% of its capacity you will notice not only speed decreases but response time decreases, so loading google at your unthrottled + bottlenecked 1mbps (lol@verizon3g) will take longer than loading google on a throttled but not bottlenecked 500kbps connection because of response time.
And for those who say throttling means you dont get "unlimited data", take 30 seconds to think it through. Your "unlimited data" quota is determined based on your throughput anyway, so you cant use "unlimited" anyway. And for all you verizon fan boys, my AT&T unlimited data which i pay the same $30 as you do for yours, is about 3-4 times as unlimited as your verizon data because mine is faster.
*Yours is faster in selected 3G areas aka not nationwide like verizons. So while I enjoy my solid 3G connection on a cross country strip, your can enjoy your "blazing" speeds in the first few states.
*trip
I don't know what "select cities" you're talking about. I just drove cross country from Atlanta to Las Vegas and had great 3G coverage about the entire way with the exception of extremely remote areas. As long as I was an hour or so from any city, I had 3G coverage. I think your Verizon rep lied to you about the lack of 3G coverage on AT&T.
Any by "any city" I mean the small ones too.
This is completely fair even though it will piss off those greedy top 5% of bandwidth users.
I'm black lol. Gimme dat fone fo' mah shawty plzzzzzz.
I'll keep my 5 Meg download and my unlimited data plan. Thanks AT&T.
I think AT&T is a lot more worried than they are saying. I am curious to see how this will affect them in the long run.
Steven Wilson
MySocialMania iPhone App
I hope this affects only new users. I've had a Verizon data account for 6 years. I'm grandfathered onto a truly unlimited plan with no 5gb cap. I just passed 70GB with about 10 days left in my billing cycle. Yes I have cable Internet too. I guess I'm a power user.
You're exactly the person who will be throttled. You're destroying the network for others
I have called Verizon plenty over the years and have been assured that I am on an unlimited plan. I pay my $60/month for UNLIMITED service, Not throttled service. Do I feel guilty that I use the service I pay for? Hell no! They would have to change my terms of service that I signed up for 6 years ago to throttle or cap me.
What VZW Data Plan are you using that's $60? A laptop card?
Maybe it's an individual plan? Voice and Data?
I don't remember Verizon ever having unlimited laptop data card plans but I guess I could have missed it back 6+ years ago.
The plan was originally $80/month when Verizon first offered 3G service in SW Louisiana. It was lowered to $60 on a special promotion (or at least that was what I was told). Not long after that they placed the 5gb cap on it. I was actually offered over $400 for the plan and my Myfi back when you could transfer ownership and keep the plan. Since then Verizon has made it that if you transfer this rateplan to someone else, they must sign a new agreement and get moved to the 5gb data card plan. Needless to say, it's a rare rate plan I'm on, and I'll abuse it however I wish.
So as devices get better processors, more memory, suped up this, and that, doesn't make a bit of difference if you cannot use the power due to verizon's latest statement. Makes you want to get the free crappy phone to make calls, and get the latest iPod Touch, or iPad for wifi. When I get the free this, and free that from a salesperson, I always say what is the but? Seems like Apple could put some pressure on. I wonder if heavy data users with other devices will suffer the caps as well? Talking about the grandfathered unlimited data plan users.
Rather be throttled than have a cap.
The question is how much is it throttled? I see where they are coming from. I use 30+ gigs a month with AT&T. If they did it too and as long as the speeds weren't throttled ridiculously I suppose I would understand.
All carriers do this, Sprint was the first one to say that they'll do it, T-Mobile got into a lawsuit because they throttled a data hog, Verizon has done it to me because I used too much, but I was using close to 120gigs of data one month (no home internet). It's nothing new, the carriers can't come out and say "Use WiFi when you can" that's bad PR. I know people that have WiFi but don't connect their phone to it when at home. I've seen people use wireless modems at Starbucks when the establishment already has free WiFi. In fact the WiFi hotspots are pointless features, because if you're in a public place, you probably have access to WiFi, if you just look for it. There's malls that have stores that give free WiFi, there's restaurants with WiFi, almost all public places are getting WiFi open to everyone. Don't complain when your carrier screws with your data cause you're not using WiFi, if you use WiFi when you have it available to you, then when you can't use WiFi, your data won't be messed with.
I hope this will be how Verizon handles LTE. Say a 10GB softcap then a throttling back to EVDO Rev.A speed above and beyond 10GBs.
This is probably a "stopgap" policy until they fully implement their 4G network and setup the tiered data speed system they claimed they were planning to move to.
So, how long until they offer "Premium Unlimited Data"? For only an additional $25 a month, all you can slurp and NO Throttling. Verizon loves to charge extra for what you are already getting included.
Factory Brand New Apple Iphone 4G HD 32GB Black (Factory Unlocked) Technology: 4G American Standard, Quad Band 850/900/1800/1900 Works World Wide with any network.
Feature: 5+ Megapixel Camera, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, Calendar, Camera, Candy Bar Form, Edge, Email Client, FM Radio, GPS / Location, High-Speed Data GPRS, Megapixel Camera, MP3, Smartphone, Speaker Phone, Touch Screen, Video Capture, Video Clip, Wi-Fi
Product Includes:
1 Apple iPhone 4 32GB (Factory Unlocked)
1 Standard Battery
1 Charger
1 Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic
1 Dock Connector to USB Cable
1 USb Data Cable
1 Stereo Handsfree
1 Wired Headset / Ear Piece
1 User’s Guide
1 USB Power Adapter
1 Documentation
1 Cleaning/polishing cloth
1 SIM eject tool.
* FREE Screen Protector
* FREE Silcone Case
* FREE Crystal Case
1 User Manual.
1 Year insurance/Warranty
We have started our yearly Xmas/New Year Promo: Buy 4 and get 1 free on any products
Apple iPhone 4G HD 32GB (Factory Unlocked) $349
Apple iPhone 4G HD 16GB (Factory Unlocked) $299
NOTE: We sell both bulk and unit supply
We Also have in store large stocks of all latest mobile Phones: BlackBerry,Apple Iphones,Samsung,Sony and We also have in stock all latest camera,Dj turntables,GPS,PDAS and Smartphones,Pianos,Keyboards as well,All of our phones are Factory Brand New Unlocked and All of our products comes with 1 Year Warranty and Insurance.We accept all payment methods,For more info kindly Contact Electronics 2000 Limited via email: elect2000ltd@gmail.com
Verizon got this fart from Vodafone theyve also optimized the pictures and pages in the past all it caused were upset customers!! Dont let them fool you! You pay your money for the full experience and not for crippled webpages and low quality pics and videos!
Strong comeback.....loser
This is the biggest BS possible. It would be a lot smarter to give the option to the top 5% to pay an extra $10 or $15 per months for truly unlimited data.
ive been a customer for 10 years and have had unlimited data plans since, if they throtle my data they will defenitely hear my mouth
I went with a 16gb black wifi for pretty much the exact reasons stated. Good advice.