For those of you with unlimited data on Verizon Wireless still, well you’re not going to like this post. According to Droid Life, Verizon has reportedly confirmed that they will begin throttling their unlimited data users on 4G LTE as well. Now they actually started this a few years ago. But it was only on 3G connections, which most people are on 4G LTE now, so that didn’t really hurt anyone. They refer to this as “Network Optimizations”, basically they are doing this so that the data speeds aren’t hurting others that don’t have unlimited data still. Of course the other reason – that they aren’t stating – is the fact that this will get more people off of unlimited data.
There are some criteria for throttling your service, which is outlined below:
“Top 5% of data users (you use 4.7GB of data per month or more). Enrolled on an unlimited data plan or feature. Have fulfilled their minimum contract term. Are attempting to use data on a cell site that is experiencing high demand.”
I have a feeling that all unlimited data customers are using at least 4.7GB per month. Many of them are probably much higher than that. And I also have a feeling that everyone with unlimited data also has fulfilled their contract already. Although it appears that if you are in an are that doesn’t have a lot of people connected to the tower, you might be okay, using more than 4.7GB. Although we’ll have to wait until October 1st to see.
It’s important that we note, MORE and tiered data plans are not affected here. This is only for those on unlimited data plans. Basically a way to get the rest of these people that are grandfathered into unlimited data, off of it. And Verizon to bring in more money from them.