Data throttling

[drizzy3000]

I wish i had a galaxy Nexus id cuddle wit it too.

 

[ReadyForICS]

I wish i had a galaxy Nexus id cuddle wit it too.

It's got smooth curves. Perfect.

 

[TxGoat]

I've been grandfathered into my unlimited data on my iPhone 4, and I've finally gotten the lovely message that I will be throttled, despite using only 2gbs of data. After my phone finally stuttered to a halt after a day on campus, I decided enough was enough, sat down, and ordered myself a Galaxy Nexus. I'm on my parents account with AT&T so I didn't have to cancel that one.

My problem with Verizon is I live in the suburbs of an area that gets their 4G coverage, meaning the Nexus is always bouncing between 3G and 4G, slowing me down sometimes as much as my iPhone. In the last minute I've gone from 4 bars of 4G to zero bars of anything, to 2 bars of 3G. Very frustrating. AT&T is less reliable as I surely get waaay too many bars for how fast the phone is going.

I've considered Sprint, but they don't offer the Nexus yet (or the iPhone, only two phones I'm remotely interested in), but I've heard they're extremely slow. The cost, once my student discount has been applied, would be roughly as much as I pay my parents at the moment.

My current plan is to take the Nexus back, and wait it out until the area either gets better coverage, or wait until Sprint gets something (given they don't completely suck). I'd save money in the process, and not be in a two year contract with something very meh.


Anyone in a similar predicament?


P.S. The Galaxy Nexus is the best phone I've ever owned ever. I want to cuddle with it.

You should've picked up the Rezound. I have 4G in places that I never picked up 4G on my Thunderbolt.

 

[Yeahha]

I hate to say it but they are honoring your contract even if you a throttled to dial up speeds or worse. The contract says they can throttle you. It doesn't specify how much they will. As long as you get service then they are within the bounds of the contract, if you don't believe so then tell them you wish to cancel without paying the ETF. If they break the contract you are not liable to pay the ETF. They don't want you on the unlimited plan plain and simple that is why you can pay the same amount for a tiered plan that goes to 3GB without being throttled.

 

[TxGoat]

I hate to say it but they are honoring your contract even if you a throttled to dial up speeds or worse. The contract says they can throttle you. It doesn't specify how much they will. As long as you get service then they are within the bounds of the contract, if you don't believe so then tell them you wish to cancel without paying the ETF. If they break the contract you are not liable to pay the ETF. They don't want you on the unlimited plan plain and simple that is why you can pay the same amount for a tiered plan that goes to 3GB without being throttled.

The contract is being followed to a "t", but its the spirit of the contract that is in question IMO. "Unlimited" sounds like just that, "unlimited". The fact that the technology has made it more taxing on the network should be more of a burden on the network, not on the consumer. What if a cable company decided that you were watching too much TV and started throttling how many hours of tv you could watch?

 

[Dark Jedi]

The contract is being followed to a "t", but its the spirit of the contract that is in question IMO. "Unlimited" sounds like just that, "unlimited". The fact that the technology has made it more taxing on the network should be more of a burden on the network, not on the consumer. What if a cable company decided that you were watching too much TV and started throttling how many hours of tv you could watch?

That's what you are getting is unlimited data. It says nothing about unlimited speeds. I have said in the past that they can give you the speed of dial up and as long as they give you the access to data they are honoring your agreement. Data and speed of the data are two totally different things. Maybe next time read your contract. Understand your contract as they don't havevto explain nothing to you because everything is in that contract.

As far as your nexus goes you should of done your research on that phone. It was well known that it has poor signal reception.

 

[EarlyMon]

I have said in the past that high speed is implied as part of the quality of service expected by any reasonable customer.

When phones drop to 1x for their 3G speed and folks can't get it corrected, they seek warranty or carrier insurance service and it's honored.

Beat the dial up loophole to a pulp, and that still won't make it right. Especially when you consider the implications of the 1x example.

When quality of service is purposefully degraded without warning because of data usage, it's not unlimited. The quality is limited.

I hope consumers take this to court.

PS - let's attack the issue and not other posters. Without living in the other person's location, no one knows if that is a fringe area for coverage, and maybe it's not solveable with a phone with better radios than the Nexus. Suggesting alternatives is ok.

 

[Dark Jedi]

Sorry your quality of service isn't being messed with. If you play within their rules you have no worries of being throttled. Again read your contract and it says if they deem you as being in the top 5% you will be throttled for violation. If you don't like the clause don't sign the contract. Right?

 

[jmar]

The contract is being followed to a "t", but its the spirit of the contract that is in question IMO. "Unlimited" sounds like just that, "unlimited". The fact that the technology has made it more taxing on the network should be more of a burden on the network, not on the consumer. What if a cable company decided that you were watching too much TV and started throttling how many hours of tv you could watch?

+1

Exactly. If Comcast did that I would cancel without a thought otherwise!

 

[jmar]

Sorry your quality of service isn't being messed with. If you play within their rules you have no worries of being throttled. Again read your contract and it says if they deem you as being in the top 5% you will be throttled for violation. If you don't like the clause don't sign the contract. Right?

I see your point here, don't sign if you no likely, but how can a company say that a person who uses more than 2gb of data on an unlimited plan is in the top 5 percent, warranting throttling, but someone who pays the same 30 bucks for 3gb or 5gb of data (cos they aren't grandfathered) won't be throttled for using their stipulated and paid for amount?

Instead of defending big business, just read the above question and make a logical deduction, since you've already defended big businesses. Not attacking you personally, promise. Just asking you to take yourself away from your side of this discussion and give an unbiased answer. Thank you.

And for the record I am grandfathered on Verizon and use less than 2gb data per month without ever trying to limit myself. I tether, because I can. Love my LTE network and provider. Thanks Verizon.

 

[TxGoat]

That's what you are getting is unlimited data. It says nothing about unlimited speeds. I have said in the past that they can give you the speed of dial up and as long as they give you the access to data they are honoring your agreement. Data and speed of the data are two totally different things. Maybe next time read your contract. Understand your contract as they don't havevto explain nothing to you because everything is in that contract.

As far as your nexus goes you should of done your research on that phone. It was well known that it has poor signal reception.

No Nexus here. I'm quite happy with my Rezound, as it pulls in consistent 15-20 Mbps in areas where my Thunderbolt could only manage 1-2 Mbps.


Again, yes they are abiding by the contract, as they have it drafted. I don't expect a billion dollar company with access to more lawyers than a drug addict celebrity, to do anything less than what's required of them, by their own contract. At the same time, when a company is making profits in the millions but still finds it within itself to cut service levels, that tells you all you need to know about the company's character.

 

[Dark Jedi]

No Nexus here. I'm quite happy with my Rezound, as it pulls in consistent 15-20 Mbps in areas where my Thunderbolt could only manage 1-2 Mbps.


Again, yes they are abiding by the contract, as they have it drafted. I don't expect a billion dollar company with access to more lawyers than a drug addict celebrity, to do anything less than what's required of them, by their own contract. At the same time, when a company is making profits in the millions but still finds it within itself to cut service levels, that tells you all you need to know about the company's character.

Actually the nexus comment wasnt directed at you but the other guy. Sorry if you thought I meant you. I should of quoted the other guy also.

Good choice on the rezound. If I had an upgrade I think thats the phone I would have gotten. Seems like a solid phone.

 

[Dark Jedi]

I see your point here, don't sign if you no likely, but how can a company say that a person who uses more than 2gb of data on an unlimited plan is in the top 5 percent, warranting throttling, but someone who pays the same 30 bucks for 3gb or 5gb of data (cos they aren't grandfathered) won't be throttled for using their stipulated and paid for amount?

Instead of defending big business, just read the above question and make a logical deduction, since you've already defended big businesses. Not attacking you personally, promise. Just asking you to take yourself away from your side of this discussion and give an unbiased answer. Thank you.

And for the record I am grandfathered on Verizon and use less than 2gb data per month without ever trying to limit myself. I tether, because I can. Love my LTE network and provider. Thanks Verizon.

Oh I dont mind if you did personally attacked me. I have thick skin.

Ok on to your question. I am not defending big business. I am just trying to show there are little people that tries to cheat the system and so on. Remember when those guys figured out to get unlimited data out of verizion by adding hotspot to their plan. Then when they took off the hotspot. it left the unlimited data plan on their plan. Everyone was praising them even though it wasnt right and they exploited a loop hole. Then when verizon found out they fixed it and everyone called foul on verizon part. Even though those people was in the wrong.

If its right or wrong who knows. Maybe at&t system cant handle alot of data useage. I was on at&t and like I said even now in my area its on the edge system and probably never will get 3g. So with tier plans they know most people will manage their 3gig of data or how ever many gigs they pay for. plus once their 3Gigs are up they wont be using data unless they are willing to pay way higher prices per meg or gig (dont know which). Then theres more open bandwith and less phones tying down the system. The ones with unlimited maybe they burn through 2 gig quickly and they see them as a problem of always being on and slowing down the system for the others. So they put them on restricted speeds. They can do this because its their system and they can make and modify the rules how they see fit. There has never been any documentation that you are promised a certain speed. Heck I can tell you my speeds fluctuates a lot and I am on verizon.

So maybe they want to force people out their unlimited data or maybe they want to try and wake people up that this isnt meant as their home internet service to try and save money. Maybe their system cant take a lot of people on it. It comes down to its their rules. They show you the rules in the contract. So if the customer dont want to be bothered with reading the contract. They cant complain later on down the road that they didnt know or its not right. Whats the old saying "Caveat emptor" (Let the buyer beware.).

I am not defending big business I am just defending the rules they have. There are some people in this world that wants their cake and eat it to. I know 4g is faster and cheaper than my cable internet.

THis is all my personal opinion and not saying its fact. I am trying to keep the mods happy as they have been less than pleased with my postings of late. I hope this answers your question.

 

[jmar]

Oh I dont mind if you did personally attacked me. I have thick skin.

Ok on to your question. I am not defending big business. I am just trying to show there are little people that tries to cheat the system and so on. Remember when those guys figured out to get unlimited data out of verizion by adding hotspot to their plan. Then when they took off the hotspot. it left the unlimited data plan on their plan. Everyone was praising them even though it wasnt right and they exploited a loop hole. Then when verizon found out they fixed it and everyone called foul on verizon part. Even though those people was in the wrong.

If its right or wrong who knows. Maybe at&t system cant handle alot of data useage. I was on at&t and like I said even now in my area its on the edge system and probably never will get 3g. So with tier plans they know most people will manage their 3gig of data or how ever many gigs they pay for. plus once their 3Gigs are up they wont be using data unless they are willing to pay way higher prices per meg or gig (dont know which). Then theres more open bandwith and less phones tying down the system. The ones with unlimited maybe they burn through 2 gig quickly and they see them as a problem of always being on and slowing down the system for the others. So they put them on restricted speeds. They can do this because its their system and they can make and modify the rules how they see fit. There has never been any documentation that you are promised a certain speed. Heck I can tell you my speeds fluctuates a lot and I am on verizon.

So maybe they want to force people out their unlimited data or maybe they want to try and wake people up that this isnt meant as their home internet service to try and save money. Maybe their system cant take a lot of people on it. It comes down to its their rules. They show you the rules in the contract. So if the customer dont want to be bothered with reading the contract. They cant complain later on down the road that they didnt know or its not right. Whats the old saying "Caveat emptor" (Let the buyer beware.).

I am not defending big business I am just defending the rules they have. There are some people in this world that wants their cake and eat it to. I know 4g is faster and cheaper than my cable internet.

THis is all my personal opinion and not saying its fact. I am trying to keep the mods happy as they have been less than pleased with my postings of late. I hope this answers your question.

I really appreciate this response because I perceived in a genuine light. When I first read this thread, I must admit, I thought, "troll!" But I don't know you nor did I see your true intent until that response. I apologize for even feeling that way because even though I didn't voice that sentiment, I thought it! My bad.

Don't worry about the mods. They are here to ensure that we operate with dignity and respect for each other. You may feel you got close to crossing those lines but Early or another mod would have made that clear by now

As a non-abusive data user of VZW who roots, ROMs, and tethers every phone he has owned I do truly understand your line of deduction. I have only once in 1.5 years with VZW exceeded 2gbs in one month and have always been a fortunate unlimited data customer. As a Nexus owner I feel like I have it all, so I feel that much more fortunate!

Thank you for this response. I feel at ease with your posts and perspective. Remember that not everyone is honest and does the right thing. With that in mind, remember that if you are one who does the the right thing you can rest easy. That will bring you much more peace in life than anything else.

jmar

 

[TxGoat]

I wonder if this story has anything to do with all the throttling....

Spectrum Crunch: The cell phone industry hits its limits - Feb. 21, 2012

 

[Yeahha]

I wonder if this story has anything to do with all the throttling....

Spectrum Crunch: The cell phone industry hits its limits - Feb. 21, 2012

Yeah I would say that is very much related to throttling. The demand for data is greater than the supply currently. The carriers did not exect to see as much rapid growth as they have and it is being reflected by going to tiered plans and putting throttle caps on existing unlimited plans.

 

[TxGoat]

Yeah I would say that is very much related to throttling. The demand for data is greater than the supply currently. The carriers did not exect to see as much rapid growth as they have and it is being reflected by going to tiered plans and putting throttle caps on existing unlimited plans.

I guess in a few years it'll be like 2 ill-mannered Pomeranians going at it. The Bandwidth available is just going to be too tight for the Data Stream..... Gonna get stuck dawg!!!

Spoiler

Dogs Stuck Together - YouTube

 

[Unforgiven]

I wonder if this story has anything to do with all the throttling....

Spectrum Crunch: The cell phone industry hits its limits - Feb. 21, 2012

I think one thing to point out from that article is that much spectrum already allocated is not currently used. I believe this is true even with the c band that Verizon purchased (no nationwide coverage and only limited devices using it). I would like to see the FCC go after companies that own spectrum but are not actively trying to put it to use.

 

[Rico ANDROID]

I think one thing to point out from that article is that much spectrum already allocated is not currently used. I believe this is true even with the c band that Verizon purchased (no nationwide coverage and only limited devices using it). I would like to see the FCC go after companies that own spectrum but are not actively trying to put it to use.

You see, that's what I dont get. AT&T publicly bragged on their over abundance of Spetrum and that ATT wouldnt even be tapping into its resources with or without the tmo deal. I guess they said it in terms of 'proving' they didn't "need" Tmo to move forward with their 4G LTE rollouts.

ARe they now saying they dont have enough spectrum? When did this change?

 

[Dark Jedi]

reason why att has an over abundance I'd because they have no real 3g or 4g in the whole country compared to the other carriers.

 

[Unforgiven]

You see, that's what I dont get. AT&T publicly bragged on their over abundance of Spetrum and that ATT wouldnt even be tapping into its resources with or without the tmo deal. I guess they said it in terms of 'proving' they didn't "need" Tmo to move forward with their 4G LTE rollouts.

ARe they now saying they dont have enough spectrum? When did this change?

Didn't they have to give T-Mo a huge chunk of spectrum and allow T-Mo customers access to their spectrum as part of the deal falling through? That could be a contributing factor.

 

[Yeahha]

I think one thing to point out from that article is that much spectrum already allocated is not currently used. I believe this is true even with the c band that Verizon purchased (no nationwide coverage and only limited devices using it). I would like to see the FCC go after companies that own spectrum but are not actively trying to put it to use.

Would you be expecting them to do something along the lines of eminent domain where they (the FCC) basically would say "we are buying that from you..." or would you like them to encourage the owners to lease or sell it without taking such a drastic stance.

I could see a reason for the owners to want to hold onto it as long as possible if they are looking at how much it will be worth in the future.

I think it is also worth pointing out that in the same auction VZW purchased the licenses for "Block C" none of the licenses for "Block D" were sold because the reserve was not met, not only that but they have not been scheduled to go back up for auction either and AFAIK is not in use so perhaps it would be in their interest to look into setting up some sort of use for that as well since it is available...just a thought

 

[Unforgiven]

Would you be expecting them to do something along the lines of eminent domain where they (the FCC) basically would say "we are buying that from you..." or would you like them to encourage the owners to lease or sell it without taking such a drastic stance.

I could see a reason for the owners to want to hold onto it as long as possible if they are looking at how much it will be worth in the future.

I think it is also worth pointing out that in the same auction VZW purchased the licenses for "Block C" none of the licenses for "Block D" were sold because the reserve was not met, not only that but they have not been scheduled to go back up for auction either and AFAIK is not in use so perhaps it would be in their interest to look into setting up some sort of use for that as well since it is available...just a thought

I believe the spectrum is only license, not owned.I could be wrong. If the license stipulates that they have to commercialize it, then the fcc could simply revoke the license. I could certainly see companies buying spectrum(or a licence to it) and withholding for maximum return, but I think this would go counter to the mission of the fcc. AFAIK they are supposed to make sure that it is used in the best interest of the public.

 

[Yeahha]

I believe the spectrum is only license, not owned.I could be wrong. If the license stipulates that they have to commercialize it, then the fcc could simply revoke the license. I could certainly see companies buying spectrum(or a licence to it) and withholding for maximum return, but I think this would go counter to the mission of the fcc. AFAIK they are supposed to make sure that it is used in the best interest of the public.

You may be right about licensed vs owned. If so then the you must use it or lose it clause would work great, give someone a certian amount of time after aquiring the license to present a plan and begin work to get the plan up and running to keep the license, getting it changed now would be the difficult thing

I believe there were 100+ purchasers in the auction in 2008 of course most the licenses went to a few companies (VZW, AT&T, US Cellular...) but I could easily see a smaller company or "investor" buying some to resell later if at all possible.

Oddly enough part of What We Do at FCC.gov is

Encouraging the highest and best use of spectrum domestically and internationally

They may be failing at this...

 

[Unforgiven]

OK, now you are making me feel smart.

Encouraging the highest and best use of spectrum domestically and internationally

I kinda pulled that out of my, um, wazoo as a general principle for gov't agencies is serving the public good. I can't believe that I damn near quoted them word for word. Struttin' right now