The Federal Communications Commission is making moves on Verizon Wireless' plan to cut the data speeds of some customers. Verizon earlier announced that starting in October, 4G LTE device users with unlimited data plans could experience slower connection speeds in order to help the company optimize its network.
Based on the information released by Verizon, the only the subscribers who fall in the top 5 percent data users on Verizon's network will experience a slowdown in their broadband speeds, but only for certain apps and services that relies much on high-bandwidth. For example, subscribers in the top 5 percent who playing video games online or using streaming apps are likely to see a slowdown in speed.
"They may experience slower data speeds when using certain high bandwidth applications, such as streaming high-definition video or during real-time, online gaming, and only when connecting to a cell site when it is experiencing heavy demand," according to Verizon Wireless blog.
In response to Verizon's latest move, FCC chairman Tom Wheeler, has formally questioned the network's plan to slash subscriber speeds. He's questioning whether or if Verizon's action goes beyond the FCC's rules on allowable speed decrease.
Wheeler asked Verizon's CEO Daniel Mead to make a point on how the company plans to justify these planned actions, which appears to be breaking the rules Verizon agreed to when the company bided for the spectrum it now uses.
This is the first time in history a FCC chairman has questioned a network operator on this type of network management. Whether or not Wheeler is going above his grounds is not yet known, but we'll definitely find out eventually.
"I know of no past Commission statement that would treat as 'reasonable network management' a decision to slow traffic to a user who has paid, after all, for 'unlimited' service," Wheeler wrote.
Network operators have been throttling subscriber speeds for quite some time, especially if these subscribers are on an unlimited plan. It is annoying when it happens, and it also goes to show that these plans are not truly unlimited at the end of the day.
It is not certain what Wheeler and the FCC can do to act on the matter. Moreover, Verizon could very well push through with its plans in the near future. If you're a Verizon customer who is still kicking it on the unlimited plan, don't get your hopes up for change any time soon.
