The words Network Optimization may not mean anything to some of you, and if that’s the case it’s because you’re likely not in the group of people that would have been affected by the use of it. Network Optimization is a tactic that Verizon had decided to set in motion so that they could(so they say)improve the network standard and congestion issues brought on by heavy data users. Essentially though the only people that were to be affected by the use of Verizon’s Network Optimization plans were those on Unlimited Data packages, that had already paid for their service to use as much data as they saw fit.
This of course spurred a slight outrage and disapproval from FCC chairman Tom Wheeler as he wasn’t too fond of Verizon’s planned practices, and after various letters and correspondence back and forth, Verizon was going ahead with the planned Network Optimization plans anyway, which basically means they were going to be throttling their heaviest users who eat up the most data. Most saw this, Wheeler included, as just a way for Verizon to push those customers who were on unlimited data plans to a different data package that had the chance for overages should they hit their data allotment, which, coincidentally weren’t getting throttled. Those plans were scheduled to roll out today, although it appears that Verizon is reversing their stance on the matter and will no longer be going ahead as planned to throttle customers who use copious amounts of data on the network.
This was only going to affect the top 5% of Verizon’s network data users, but thankfully that won’t be happening any more. Verizon’s statement reads, “Verizon is committed to providing its customers with an unparalleled mobile network experience. At a time of ever-increasing mobile broadband data usage, we not only take pride in the way we manage our network resources, but also take seriously our responsibility to deliver exceptional mobile service to every customer. We’ve greatly valued the ongoing dialogue over the past several months concerning network optimization and we’ve decided not to move forward with the planned implementation of network optimization for 4G LTE customers on unlimited plans. Exceptional network service will always be our priority and we remain committed to working closely with industry stakeholders to manage broadband issues so that American consumers get the world-class mobile service they expect and value.” Delivering exceptional mobile service to EVERY single customer on your network.. now there’s a thought. AT&T also has plans to “optimize their network,” so let’s see if they follow suit or forge ahead on the path they set out to venture on.