Well, we can’t say we didn’t know this was coming as it was reported as early as February that Verizon would begin “optimizing” (better known as throttling) the top 5% of data users sometime this year. Well “sometime this year” is actually this week as a new policy page explains that only  the “top 5 percent of data users with 3G devices on unlimited data plans” are affected. These individuals will see their speeds managed by Verizon “in places and at times of 3G network congestion. This ensures that all customers have the best data experience possible.”

While Verizon hopes to spin this as a desire to keep the network free and clear of congestion for everyone it’s hard to look at this as a positive move. It’s unlikely that many customers, including those that fall in the 5% of data traffic will react well to this policy and will be further frustrated when the time comes for Verizon to actually manage their speeds.

Engadget

 

For a look at how this will work we turn to the Network Optimization support page on Verizon’s website:

Why are you implementing Network Optimization?

We are well known for our wireless networks and we are dedicated to ensuring that our customers have the best wireless experience possible.  Our network is a shared resource with tens of millions of customers.  We are implementing Network Optimization practices to ensure that all of our customers have the positive experience they expect.

Will I be affected by Network Optimization?
Only a small percent of customers will be affected.  To be affected, you must be:

• A data customer on an unlimited data plan;
• Have a 3G Verizon Wireless device (if you have a 4G LTE device you will not be impacted); and
• Among the top 5% of data users in a given month.

Then, you will only be affected:

• When you are on the 3G network; and
• When you are connected to a congested cell site.

What about the other 95% of data customers?
There will be no change. The overwhelming majority of our data customers, 95%, will not be impacted at all.  The relatively high data consumption of just a small portion of data users could cause congestion for the rest of users, so we’re making this improvement to ensure that everyone continues to experience the nation’s best, most reliable network.

Is this the same as throttling?

No, this is not throttling.

How is this different than throttling?

The difference between our Network Optimization practices and throttling is network intelligence.  With throttling, your wireless data speed is reduced for your entire cycle, 100% of the time, no matter where you are. Network Optimization is based on the theory that all customers should have the best network possible, and if you’re not causing congestion for others, even if you are using a high amount of data, your connection speed should be as good as possible. So, if you’re in the top 5% of data users, your speed is reduced only when you are connected to a congested cell site. Once you are no longer connected to a congested site, your speed will return to normal. This could mean a matter of seconds or hours, depending on your location and time of day.

 

How long will 2GB of data be the threshold?
We will update this number as the amount of data used by our customers changes over time. At that time, we will also update information on this website.

How do I know if I’m likely to reach 2 GB of data in a month? 
2 GB is a lot of action on your little smartphone – here are two examples of what you can do with less than 2 GB of data on your phone in a month:

• Send 7,500 emails; visit 750 web pages; stream 150 minutes of music, 1 hour of high-resolution video and 5 hours of low-resolution video; and upload 60 photos.
• Send 7,500 emails; visit 150 web pages; stream 150 minutes of music, 1 hour of high-resolution video and 5 hours of low-resolution video; and upload 300 photos.

Does Network Optimization apply to customers using 4G services?

No.  We reserve the right to include 4G LTE users later, but right now this only applies to the top 5% of users with unlimited data plans using 3G devices. If you have a 4G LTE device you will not be affected at this time.