Verizon to Begin Throttling Unlimited LTE Data Plans in October

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Posted July 26, 2014 at 5:39pm by iClarified

Verizon has throttled unlimited 3G data plans for years now, but now the carrier has plans to do the same with 4G LTE. Beginning October 1st, Verizon will throttle unlimited 4G LTE data customers if they meet all of the following criteria:

● You have an unlimited data plan
● Your data usage falls within the top 5% of all Verizon customers. Currently that threshold is 4.7GB
● You have completed your contract term (you're a month-to-month customer)
● You are in an area that is experiencing high demand

Verizon is quick to note that it is not technically throttling customers. Instead it is 'implementing network optimization practices.' Verizon says that unlike throttling, you're speeds under network optimization will only be reduced if you are connected to a cell site that is under a heavy load (and your usage is already in the top 5%).

Verizon tells customers that they can switch to their usage-based data plans to avoid 'network optimization'

AT&T has been throttling their unlimited data customers on 3G (3GB) and 4G LTE (5GB) for years now as well. However on AT&T, once you reach either 3GB or 5GB (depending on if you're using 3G or 4G LTE) you will be throttled for the entire cycle, even if the cell site you are connected to is not experiencing a high demand.

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Verizon to Begin Throttling Unlimited LTE Data Plans in October

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JuergenWest - July 28, 2014 at 1:12am

So could one simply turn off LTE and use 3G instead on Verizon? In our market 3G is faster than LTE anyway. (Verizon)

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Vueapp - July 28, 2014 at 12:42am

FCC or whoever should go after these companies for using the word unlimited when it is not. It's funny. Americans love unlimited this or that. It's a consuming culture but most people don't ever come close to 4.7gb. But still we like the idea to be unlimited and not throttled. This probably benefits everyone but still we don't like. I definitely don't like companies to use the word unlimited if there is an ounce of throttling. They need to use another word if they don't want to piss people off.

Ace - July 27, 2014 at 3:29am

Why do people stay with Verizon? They are overrated now!!!! They tend to screw their customers the most!! I have a company phone with Verizon and a personal phone with AT&T. My personal phone blows away my company phone on every level. Most notably on the data download speed!! T-mobile or AT&T are the way to go!!

vix - July 27, 2014 at 12:36am

I too am happy with T-Mobile LTE network. It's still getting better and better every month. I now get 4G and at time LTE in my house! A far difference 2 years ago. Free music streaming on LTE is the bomb.

gamerscul9870 - July 26, 2014 at 10:14pm

That's powerful they said. Get rid of 4G LTE plans they said.

TheMightyQuinn - July 26, 2014 at 8:38pm

So Verizon doesn't use 'network optimization' for all of the rest of their users? Do they even think that sounds remotely logical?

sillydrew - July 27, 2014 at 1:42am

Yes because those people pay for so much data. After that amount they have to pay for more data. If your unlimited and don't like this welcome to the club because it was a matter of time before something like this happened.

TheMightyQuinn - July 27, 2014 at 10:52am

Customer to Verizon rep: "My Data Service sucks!" Verizon rep: "Sorry sir, but you (and millions of others) don't use enough data, so we do not optimize your service."

gamerscul9870 - July 27, 2014 at 12:14pm

@drew You're*

Tech Jedi - July 26, 2014 at 6:14pm

I don't understand why people don't shift to Sprint or T-mobile. They offer unlimited data and are cheaper. I believe T-mobile throttled in the past but now doesn't. I have 4 months left under AT&T contract and then I'm shifting in time for the new iPhone 6.

gamerscul9870 - July 26, 2014 at 6:38pm

Sprint isn't close to being good. Lte and speed and the employees promised more towers but didnt, and read others experience are terrible but Sprint did do the right thing for unlimited plans.

gamerscul9870 - July 26, 2014 at 5:54pm

Pass. I'm happy with free music stream and ultra fast lte from T-Mobile.

justabrake - July 26, 2014 at 5:45pm

Time for people to put these carriers in their place and start canceling their plans they'll be begging for people to come back with cheaper service, they are not offering anything special !

stevenlacross - July 26, 2014 at 5:44pm

So basically because Verizon has been making people switch off unlimited data to limited data in order to use their upgrades and sign new contracts, virtually everybody with unlimited data will be throttled. That's bull shet