November 27, 2024

Verizon to Begin Throttling Unlimited LTE Data Plans in October

Posted July 26, 2014 at 5:39pm by iClarified · 12407 views
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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