In February, Verizon began notifying users of the possibility that heavy-data users on 3G unlimited plans may have data speeds limited. Last month, Verizon customers received notices in their wireless bills. Recently, Verizon Wireless published a network optimization page to explain its policies which lead some bloggers to report that Verizon was, throttling data hogs.
"Verizon Wireless will not throttle data," said Verizon spokesman ,Jeffrey Nelson, "Throttling is when data throughput is reduced for the rest of the billing period. When cell towers are congested, some 3G data customers who have used over 2GB of data will notice the slowing of data during busy times."
"We're a taking a scapel not an axe to the issue, to optimize data network traffic," said Nelson
The policy will affect only 3G data users not 4G LTE users. The user does not receive any kind of warning such as text message all he/she will notice is that data has slowed. Verizon Wireless offers tools for customers to manage their data such as data usage widget and #DATA where users check data use by dialing #DATA and pressing send from your Verizon Wireless phone and you’ll get a free text message with data information.
If you already have smartphone with an unlimited data plan on Verizon Wireless you will be grandfathered for a 4G LTE unlimited plan which has no "data throughput" reduction during congestion.
From the Verizon FAQ:
- We are implementing Network Optimization practices to ensure that all of our customers have the positive experience they expect.
- If you’re in the top 5% of data users, your speed is reduced only when you are connected to a congested cell site.
- A good rule of thumb as of September 2011 is this: If you’re on an unlimited data plan, have a 3G device and are using more than 2 GB of data in a month, you’re in the top 5% of data users and will be impacted by Network Optimization when you’re connected to congested 3G cell sites.