Only from Verizon! 2.5GB of unlimited = throttled, 5GB= Unlimited Total?

[dautley]

Want to know what Unlimited Data is? see attached msg and usage screen

 

[AntimonyER]

I have to think this is a mistake. I would call about it.

 

[UrsusVIIILXXXVII]

I just had the exact same thing happen to me this morning. My switch to the Nexus was trying to say the least.

I called Verizon on the 27th to use an early upgrade along with a $100 discount for a 4G phone. The service rep was great. He said I would keep my unlimited data.

Two days later I receive a text saying that my order had been canceled and I need to re-order. Call customer service and, though not as friendly, the rep put my order back through. He asked if I wanted the 2Gb plan and I told him I was doing all of this to keep my unlimited. He said okay and it was processed.

I got my phone yesterday and immediately unlocked and rooted it. I went to town downloading apps and streaming like a mad man just to see the 4G speeds.

This morning I got a text saying that I was halfway through my data plan. I called customer service and spoke with a nice woman who, after listening to this long story, tried to do everything possible to return my unlimited data plan. I had the corporate plan that ran $44.99 a month. She saw that and said that plan was still in the system. Everything is back to the way it was.

I don't like to speak ill of anyone or anything but it's pretty clear that VZW is going to do anything they can to shake those grandfathered unlimited data users. Stand your ground but try to remain cordial and things may work in your favor.

 

[dautley]

I'm not even bothering with Verizon over this as I do have unlimited data and have for years, just filing reports with the FCC File Complaint | FCC.gov and FTC https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/
I would encourage anyone on unlimited data that gets these type of massages to do the same.

 

[AntimonyER]

Yeah, that was going to be my next suggestion, your 4G logo told me this text on their part was a major no-no. That was why I suggested it was a mistake, because they are violating FCC Block C.

 

[UncleMike]

... it's pretty clear that VZW is going to do anything they can to shake those grandfathered unlimited data users...

I'm currently evaluating a GSM Nexus using Straight Talk. So far so good. If things continue to look good, Verizon won't have to shake me at all.

 

[dautley]

Yeah, that was going to be my next suggestion, your 4G logo told me this text on their part was a major no-no. That was why I suggested it was a mistake, because they are violating FCC Block C.

I don't think they will actually throttle it, but we shall see, stay tuned!

 

[euph_22]

Yeah, that was going to be my next suggestion, your 4G logo told me this text on their part was a major no-no. That was why I suggested it was a mistake, because they are violating FCC Block C.

No they aren't. The Block C provisions restricts carriers ability to throttle customers bandwidth, but does allow Verizon to apply "Network Optimization". If Verizon limits a customers bandwidth constantly, thats throttling. If they only restricted it while their network is under heavy load, it's Network Optimization. May not seem like a huge distinction, but as far as the FCC is concerned it's enough.

 

[rehpyc]

I can't wait for my GSIII and use it to stream music and movies like no other simply to "stick it" to Verizon. May even download stuff I normally would on my PC and then transfer it to my PC just for the hell of it. Verizon wants to play hard ball with us, so they can can find we can throw just as hard back!

 

[euph_22]

I can't wait for my GSIII and use it to stream music and movies like no other simply to "stick it" to Verizon. May even download stuff I normally would on my PC and then transfer it to my PC just for the hell of it. Verizon wants to play hard ball with us, so they can can find we can throw just as hard back!

It will sure "stick it" to the other Verizon customers in your area...
I hope they appreciate crappy bandwidth because you're burning through data for no real reason. If you're going to rack up the GB's just to hurt Verizon, please be considerate and do that at night when you're not crapping on other customers bandwidth.

 

[rehpyc]

Oh, of course! It'll be to download large gaming videos while I sleep at night

 

[euph_22]

Oh, of course! It'll be to download large gaming videos while I sleep at night

Well then have fun. Download a few GBs for me. If you really want to rack up the data, download aTorrent (or the torrent client of your choice), and just go nuts (being considerate of other users in your area of course).

 

[rehpyc]

Torrents + SSL = win

 

[AntimonyER]

No they aren't. The Block C provisions restricts carriers ability to throttle customers bandwidth, but does allow Verizon to apply "Network Optimization". If Verizon limits a customers bandwidth constantly, thats throttling. If they only restricted it while their network is under heavy load, it's Network Optimization. May not seem like a huge distinction, but as far as the FCC is concerned it's enough.

The message the OP does not sound like network optimization, it sounds like throttling because he exceeded an arbitrary limit. Network optimization doesn't require a warning, and should not be related what so ever to a users total usage, rather their usage in the short period of time that the network is being bogged down. If he is throttled pursuant to the message once he exceeds 5GB, it's a violation.

 

[euph_22]

No it isn't. He enters the optimized group at 50%, but that doesn't mean his bandwidth will be reduced all the time. Just when the network is under load. EXACTLY how the currently apply their network optimization on LTE. They can/will throttle you from 8-6 when most people are using their phones, but the rest of the time the don't throttle (times made up for dramatic effect).

The upshot is, Verizon is allowed to do whatever they want with speeds (as long as the don't shut off somebody's traffic) to keep the network flowing. Slowing done data hogs at peak time certainly falls in this category.

To the OP: from the text it sounds like you're on a family/group plan. If you are, and if you aren't the account holder, check with them to make sure they didn't switch you to a tiered plan. Then gather any documentation you have for your plan, bring this to Verizons attention again/repeatedly (documenting all of it), and wait. If it was a mistake I'm sure it will get cleared up soon.

 

[dautley]

I did a new ICS leak last night and used a lot of data re-downloading a bunch of apps, no throttling so far. But as I said, if everyone who's on unlimited data and receives messages like this reports it to the FCC / FTC maybe something would be done to bring things like exorbitant prices for increasingly small data caps under control.

As far as the term "data hogs" go, is it fair to offer things like netflix, HBO GO, and even your own video streaming apps like NFL Network, V Vcast, and Verizon Video, and bundled Block Buster Video, then impose very low caps for these apps at very high prices? In this day and age I certainly don't consider using 5, 10, or even 15GB a month a data hog, even though I average 2 to 3GB.

 

[JnEricsonx]

Amen. I mean, seriously, I know there's been a few times when I was waiting for something somewhere, saw that 4g symbol go on, and proceeded to load up Netflix for a hour, 90 minutes, whatever. You have to realize that if people have access to said services, they'd like to be able to use them without literally counting the minutes they're on the internet.

 

[euph_22]

I did a new ICS leak last night and used a lot of data re-downloading a bunch of apps, no throttling so far. But as I said, if everyone who's on unlimited data and receives messages like this reports it to the FCC / FTC maybe something would be done to bring things like exorbitant prices for increasingly small data caps under control.

As far as the term "data hogs" go, is it fair to offer things like netflix, HBO GO, and even your own video streaming apps like NFL Network, V Vcast, and Verizon Video, and bundled Block Buster Video, then impose very low caps for these apps at very high prices? In this day and age I certainly don't consider using 5, 10, or even 15GB a month a data hog, even though I average 2 to 3GB.

Do you have a better term for people who use far more data then the average user?

And again, Verizon has every right to throttle whoever they want add needed during peak times, as far as the FCC is concerned.

Let me simplify things a bit. Lets say a tower has 100mpbs of total bandwidth, and 10 costumers are on it. The traffic will be limited one way or another. I don't have a problem with Verizon saying that if you use far more data then most everyone else, your bandwidth gets cut first.

 

[rehpyc]

Look at it this way. If different people are paying for 2, 4. 6, 8, and unlimited gb of data, is it fair to treat any of them differently when they surpass a certain amount of data? If you pay for 4gb and start getting throttled at 2.. would you find it fair to have a 4gb plan still, or would you cut down to 2gb? In this manner, you can't treat those with unlimited data plans differently.

 

[Optid]

Want to know what Unlimited is? see attached msg and usage screen

How did you get your screenshots to be this big?

 

[yourfriendmat]

Maybe I'm delusional (highly possible), but I think it's crazy that streaming services like Amazon or Netflix haven't partnered with (i.e. thrown money at) companies like Verizon to make their services not count toward the quota. "Exclusively on Verizon, unlimited Netflix streaming regardless of your data plan!" I feel like content deals like this could actually benefit the customer. Then again, it sounds and awful lot like cable TV, so I don't know.

I know these aren't the only services people use data for on their phones/tablets, but Verizon would be compensated for the bandwidth use, and both the content providers and Verizon would likely get new subscribers.

Anyway, I'm interested to hear what happens when you get to "100%". Keep us updated.

 

[dautley]

Anyway, I'm interested to hear what happens when you get to "100%". Keep us updated.

With unlimited data you can't get to 100% they can only threaten you at a ridiculously low threshold. I havn't gotten throttled yet but if they have some guy paying for say 20GB of data under the new share everything plan they had better throttle his data at the same threshold they throttle unlimited!

I did talk to a Verizon rep about the message I got and after you strip all the fluff away he basically suggested if I dropped my unlimited plan for a share anything plan and get 10 or 15GB a month, then maybe I wouldn't get the messages until my limit was reached. What a load of bull cocky!
Almost forgot to add, I haven't seen one message since the first one.

 

[T.M.M.L]

With unlimited data you can't get to 100% they can only threaten you at a ridiculously low threshold. I havn't gotten throttled yet but if they have some guy paying for say 20GB of data under the new share everything plan they had better throttle his data at the same threshold they throttle unlimited!

Lol,

While I do get the context of what your saying, and agree in spirit, you do know that this fictional guy would never get throttled. If anything, VZW would do everything in their power to increase his speed. He would be a potential cash cow for overage charges.

 

[dautley]

My latest Unlimited Data update from just now

 

[dautley]

To the OP: from the text it sounds like you're on a family/group plan. If you are, and if you aren't the account holder, check with them to make sure they didn't switch you to a tiered plan. Then gather any documentation you have for your plan, bring this to Verizons attention again/repeatedly (documenting all of it), and wait. If it was a mistake I'm sure it will get cleared up soon.

If you look at the usage Pic it clearly says unlimited data, I'm the account owner and have had unlimited data for around five years on phones going back to my Blackberry days.