Network Optimization: Throttling unlimited data LTE users (October 2014)

[ultravisitor]

re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

I gave unlimited data up for a $60 per month loyalty plan which includes unlimited minutes and text with 2GB data.

That's what I did. I don't miss my unlimited data plan at all. I wasn't paying more than $100 per month when I had it, but I didn't need it at all, so I was glad to save myself some money. Honestly, I had to force myself to use my phone constantly in order to hit 4GB, and when I did that, I was constantly draining the phone's battery.

 

[Eclipse2K]

re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

That's what I did. I don't miss my unlimited data plan at all. I wasn't paying more than $100 per month when I had it, but I didn't need it at all, so I was glad to save myself some money. Honestly, I had to force myself to use my phone constantly in order to hit 4GB, and when I did that, I was constantly draining the phone's battery.

Same reason I did it.

Samsung Galaxy S5 (Verizon)

 

[A895]

Re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

That's what I did. I don't miss my unlimited data plan at all. I wasn't paying more than $100 per month when I had it, but I didn't need it at all, so I was glad to save myself some money. Honestly, I had to force myself to use my phone constantly in order to hit 4GB, and when I did that, I was constantly draining the phone's battery.

True. Same here, I only did data intensive stuff like YouTube because I had it, with it gone, I don't even use YouTube anymore and even then my battery life was horrible because I always watching videos or downloading stuff or web browsing, WiFi us so much nicer on my battery life and as a result I can get 4-6 hours of onscreen time everyday consistently. I honestly think I don't ever hit over 2GB data most months.

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[A895]

Re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

Same reason I did it.

Samsung Galaxy S5 (Verizon)

Same. Saved $80. Went from $260 to around $180 for 2 lines. I didn't realize how much my old plan was. Even then insurance is an extra $10 for each line, so the plan is really $160 for 6GB shared. Never hit the limit yet.

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[alxarambula]

Well I work security and at my post it's really slow as in not much action and there is no WiFi so I've been really enjoying my UDP. Hopefully this doesn't ruin it for me as I don't live in a big city and most of my data consumption is at night since I work the graveyard shift so the cell sites near me shouldn't be congested and It would be off peak hours

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[Eclipse2K]

Re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

Well I work security and at my post it's really slow as in not much action and there is no WiFi so I've been really enjoying my UDP. Hopefully this doesn't ruin it for me as I don't live in a big city and most of my data consumption is at night since I work the graveyard shift.

Posted via Android Central App

Ah the security field. What a dump. I was in it until this past February (even did some armed) and decided enough was enough. I hope you're lucky to be in any environment that's not a hot warehouse.

What company do you work for? If you feel better about it you can PM me. I worked for G4S... Terrible company. I've also worked for another company on a Federal Contract which I would be best keeping quiet.

Samsung Galaxy S5 (Verizon)

 

[ultravisitor]

Re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

I only did data intensive stuff like YouTube because I had it, with it gone, I don't even use YouTube anymore and even then my battery life was horrible

I hardly use the YouTube app because I don't want to watch much content on a phone-sized screen (and that includes the gigantic phones). Anything more than a commercial or short music video and I want to watch it at least on my 22-inch monitor.

 

[nj1266]

Re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

When the shared data plans began I was on the tail end of my UDP two year contract.

I crunched the numbers and found that it was cheaper for me to keep my UDP and go m2m and buy my phone outright than to sign a new contract with a share plan for one person. The caveat is, I have to hold onto my phone for two years.

So now I pay 81$ per month for UD, text, and 450 talk with free night and weekends.

The most data I ever used was 9 gigs, but most of the time I am at 1-2 gigs. I can easily fit my usage in a 4 gig tiered plan, but why do it when it is more expensive? Keeping the UDP was the better option for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[A895]

Re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

I hardly use the YouTube app because I don't want to watch much content on a phone-sized screen (and that includes the gigantic phones). Anything more than a commercial or short music video and I want to watch it at least on my 22-inch monitor.

I want to watch it at least on my 13 inch laptop. I sometimes watch stuff on my phone on Netflix though at night when no one is around.

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[willypguy]

Re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

I am not happy with this at all.

I pay $65 per month, 450 minutes, UDP, Unlimited Messaging, 15% employer discount, $20 Talk/Text/Data Promo

I work in Manhattan, NYC so I may end up always getting throttled. I used almost 14 GB this month.

My options are:

1) Try the Best Buy online route, get a 2 year contract at a subsidized price(but I just got the LG G3 full retail), destroy sim that came with new phone, use old SIM, watch my plan, and see if it changes. If it does, return phone. If it doesn't, flip phone on eBay/Swappa. And hopefully in 2 years they will either have better data packages, T-mobile will have more extensive coverage, or there will be another loophole(doubtful on that one).

2) Go with one of the Max plans, $30 for 6 GB, $50 for 8 GB, and use wifi more. Knowing Verizon, they may end these plans by October 1st in another effort to move people to the Less Everything plans. Also risking the $20 Talk, Text and Data discount I have had since 2010.

3) Do nothing, stick it out with Unlimited, and see how slow the speeds actually are when I am in NYC. I would hope with LTE that it would still be better than 3G. Wishful thinking. LTE speeds are already slow in NYC at peak times.

4) Carry a T-mobile phone on the side, with their $80 Unlimited plan and a 12% alumni discount(I already have a T-mobile account, only has a Nexus 7 on it) while keeping Verizon for the areas that T-mobile doesn't have coverage.

Thoughts?

 

[Jerry Hildenbrand]

Re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

Well I work security and at my post it's really slow as in not much action and there is no WiFi so I've been really enjoying my UDP. Hopefully this doesn't ruin it for me as I don't live in a big city and most of my data consumption is at night since I work the graveyard shift so the cell sites near me shouldn't be congested and It would be off peak hours

Posted via Android Central App

I'd be very interested if you would tell us how it goes for you. I would think you certainly would not be on any congested cell location under those conditions.

But I also have a feeling Verizon will just ignore that part of the criteria and cut speed for anyone off contract once they hit the magic 4.7 GB average use per month. If 95% of their users aren't using over 4.7 GB, cutting back users who do go over isn't going to help 95% of their network congestion.

I've a feeling this is being done for show. Verizon is going to say "Dear FCC — Look at the lengths we have to go to to manage our network. We need more spectrum that you don't want us or AT&T to be able to buy! OH THE HORROR!"

 

[alxarambula]

Re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

Yeah I'm sure they are just going to throttle everyone. If you click on the first posts link it's been updated and now says that now you will be throttled for the remaining of the billing cycle and maybe even the next cycle also. We will just have to see how it goes. I'll share my experience.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[UDPGuy]

Re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

I am not happy with this at all.

I pay $65 per month, 450 minutes, UDP, Unlimited Messaging, 15% employer discount, $20 Talk/Text/Data Promo

I work in Manhattan, NYC so I may end up always getting throttled. I used almost 14 GB this month.

My options are:

1) Try the Best Buy online route, get a 2 year contract at a subsidized price(but I just got the LG G3 full retail), destroy sim that came with new phone, use old SIM, watch my plan, and see if it changes. If it does, return phone. If it doesn't, flip phone on eBay/Swappa. And hopefully in 2 years they will either have better data packages, T-mobile will have more extensive coverage, or there will be another loophole(doubtful on that one).

2) Go with one of the Max plans, $30 for 6 GB, $50 for 8 GB, and use wifi more. Knowing Verizon, they may end these plans by October 1st in another effort to move people to the Less Everything plans. Also risking the $20 Talk, Text and Data discount I have had since 2010.

3) Do nothing, stick it out with Unlimited, and see how slow the speeds actually are when I am in NYC. I would hope with LTE that it would still be better than 3G. Wishful thinking. LTE speeds are already slow in NYC at peak times.

4) Carry a T-mobile phone on the side, with their $80 Unlimited plan and a 12% alumni discount(I already have a T-mobile account, only has a Nexus 7 on it) while keeping Verizon for the areas that T-mobile doesn't have coverage.

Thoughts?

Do it and flip the phone. I personally have done the best buy method. If you do it correct you'll be fine!

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[davidnc]

Re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

Hi folks,
While opinions and discussions are always welcome .Please remember to keep the discussion civil and on topic.This thread has been cleaned of off topic remarks.

 

[trucksmoveamerica#AC]

Re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

I am actually debating transferring the upgrades on two of my unlimited data lines to extend the contracts before October 1st.

No one knows how long the Unlimited Data transfer will be available

I just did that. Verizon will close it once they catch it, just matter if time IMO.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[anon(394005)]

Re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

This is why I am glad I got rid of my unlimited, I struggle to use over 2GB of data, there is WiFi everywhere in Atlanta, Barnes and Noble, McDonalds, Starbucks, my college campus all over, unlimited is an expensive luxury. Not only that by switching to tiered I saved $80, I think some need to reevaluate what is important, keeping unlimited, or going through loopholes and buying phones off contract, as compared to saving some money and living with the phone you have and upgrade when it is time. Either way, I think soon, real soon, they will get rid of those unlimited plans, and or stop those loopholes to get new devices.

It really does vary per person. Myself, I have no justifiable reason to give up unlimited data. It's still the best value option for me being a single user account where I use data way more than talk or text (actually use very little of the last two). At best, I could break even with the 2GB plan (same cost as my current setup), but that would be handicapping myself for no reason.

I also really like not having to worry about using Wi-Fi or worry about my data use. Just keep it on mobile data and use my phone as needed. No worries about maintaining a data connection as Verizon's LTE coverage is solid where I live and everywhere I've traveled (often even in the boonies where it wasn't expected). At home, my phone actually gets faster speeds than my home Internet (still stuck on crappy DSL). So I tend to use it more at home than any other Internet connected device or will occasionally tether things to it (via FoxFi) when I want/need the faster speeds.

Finally, have to add I just don't trust public Wi-Fi at all. They're insecure by nature, so there could be someone on it trying to sniff your network traffic and possibly see your data. Our work Wi-Fi is more trusted but our network staff can still see whatever we do on it. Not that I'm doing anything bad, but I prefer to keep a little privacy between my employer and myself.

 

[Rhyalus]

Re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

No one should "like" the idea of not having the option for unlimited data, but this is a matter of resources.

Just like the old days of dial up, and then cable internet with limited bandwidth, we have limits to cellular spectrum.

Until this changes, I have no choice but to support limitations on data hogs. I want to be able to download business files and navigate, do web searches, etc. and not worry about speed - if folks are streaming movies just because they "can" and don't want to use wifi, I can't support their complaining about losing unlimited data.

Btw, one of my accounts has unlimited data, so this is not a jealousy thing.

R

 

[A895]

Re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

It really does vary per person. Myself, I have no justifiable reason to give up unlimited data. It's still the best value option for me being a single user account where I use data way more than talk or text (actually use very little of the last two). At best, I could break even with the 2GB plan (same cost as my current setup), but that would be handicapping myself for no reason.

I also really like not having to worry about using Wi-Fi or worry about my data use. Just keep it on mobile data and use my phone as needed. No worries about maintaining a data connection as Verizon's LTE coverage is solid where I live and everywhere I've traveled (often even in the boonies where it wasn't expected). At home, my phone actually gets faster speeds than my home Internet (still stuck on crappy DSL). So I tend to use it more at home than any other Internet connected device or will occasionally tether things to it (via FoxFi) when I want/need the faster speeds.

Finally, have to add I just don't trust public Wi-Fi at all. They're insecure by nature, so there could be someone on it trying to sniff your network traffic and possibly see your data. Our work Wi-Fi is more trusted but our network staff can still see whatever we do on it. Not that I'm doing anything bad, but I prefer to keep a little privacy between my employer and myself.

I don't care about WiFi security as I never check anything too personal on WiFi. But as far as data goes, if I need more, I can pay for it, no problem. Trying to jeep unlimited data was such a hassle, when it is a want and not a need. I have other things that need more financial attention besides ponying up big bucks to buy a phone off contract or off of eBay. But that's my use case, data is not that valuable to me, especially since my online footprint is very small (AC forums, and web browsing).

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[A895]

Re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

No one should "like" the idea of not having the option for unlimited data, but this is a matter of resources.

Just like the old days of dial up, and then cable internet with limited bandwidth, we have limits to cellular spectrum.

Until this changes, I have no choice but to support limitations on data hogs. I want to be able to download business files and navigate, do web searches, etc. and not worry about speed - if folks are streaming movies just because they "can" and don't want to use wifi, I can't support their complaining about losing unlimited data.

Btw, one of my accounts has unlimited data, so this is not a jealousy thing.

R

I actually see where you are coming from, some abuse it and I can see why they do want to cut it back especially since bandwidth is a finite resource.

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[anon(394005)]

Re: Damn you verizon (possible throttling of future LTE for off contract unlimited uber-users)

No one should "like" the idea of not having the option for unlimited data, but this is a matter of resources.

Just like the old days of dial up, and then cable internet with limited bandwidth, we have limits to cellular spectrum.

Until this changes, I have no choice but to support limitations on data hogs. I want to be able to download business files and navigate, do web searches, etc. and not worry about speed - if folks are streaming movies just because they "can" and don't want to use wifi, I can't support their complaining about losing unlimited data.

Btw, one of my accounts has unlimited data, so this is not a jealousy thing.

R

Similar sentiment here. Even though I have unlimited data I don't abuse it. I've always looked at it like an all you can eat buffet; just because it says all you can eat doesn't mean you should consume as much as possible without any consequence. We are all utilizing a shared resource that has limits; abusing it will affect others also trying to use it and in the long run have negative consequences.

Edit: this is not isolated to just cellular either. Even broadband Internet services such as cable or DSL are being affected by high data use too causing slow downs due to ever increasing bandwidth demands. There are just too many people (ex. cord cutters) trying to utilize high bandwidth things these days.