can VZW legally stop allowing unlimited plans for EVERYBODY in a couple of years?

[taoman54]

One interpretation is that the intent is to remove the carriers ability to block or degrade performance for a specific application or service, unless such application or service harms the network. For example, specifically degrading the performance of netflix via throttling would appear to be a violation of the rules. However, throttling bandwidth such that all applications are affected equally does not appear be a violation.

That is also my interpretation.

[Zappy]

VZW needs to move as many users as possible from the saturated 3G network to the newer under utilized LTE network; and one of the biggest benefits for high data users on LTE is lack of throttling. Therefore VZW has a strong motivation to avoid throttling LTE at this point. One to two years from now when the majority of users have moved to LTE I expect to see throttling just as they do today on 3G.

[taoman54]

However, how can Verizon make a claim that "reasonable network management" means throttling an unlimited user at say 5 GB used during a month, but they don't throttle a tiered user that is using, but also paying, for 10 GB during a month.

I don't think Verizon is making that claim, are they? Or am I missing something?

[Steveanderson13]

For me, the strongest possible argument that the FCC regs do, in fact, proscribe selective throttling based on usage level of individual 4g LTE users is that vzw isn't doing it.

That's like saying "it's not raining on my head, therefore it's not raining. And you're forgetting that 3g selective throttling was never proscribed, thus, in your logic never done; until it was.

[Steveanderson13]

I strongly believe that if vzw believed that, under the present circumstances, it could throttle LTE on 700C in exactly the same way it now throttles 3g, without serious legal or PR repercussions, it would already be doing so.

You're forgetting a few things. If there is no benefit to Verizon in throttling 3g or 4g, they are not going to throttle, proscription or not. Five years ago, there was no proscription and there was no throttling. Even though they could. There is no proscription today but throttling may or may not occur just like on 3g.

[TC_Mits]

You're forgetting a few things. If there is no benefit to Verizon in throttling 3g or 4g, they are not going to throttle, proscription or not. Five years ago, there was no proscription and there was no throttling. Even though they could. There is no proscription today but throttling may or may not occur just like on 3g.

I didn't forget that, Steve, and I know you know and can do better.

There is currently no 4g throttling at all and vzw has stated that it does not occur -- for now. The benefit atm would be to create a consciousness of consistent policy so that, very soon now, when the LTE iPhone arrives,fewer folks would chafe at newly imposed restraints. And do you really think vzw wouldn't try to throttle, at least, the really abusive 100 or 200 gig tethering accounts, rignt now, if it felt completely free to do so purely at its own discretion? There is something in those FCC regs that is staying it's hand. We don't really have to get law degrees and learn 'Legalese' to pin down the effective interpretation of the applicable phrase, since we can all clearly see the result for ourselves.


Perspective instantiates reality.
[From DX by HoFo app.]

[Steveanderson13]

And do you really think vzw wouldn't try to throttle, at least, the really abusive 100 or 200 gig tethering accounts, rignt now, if it felt completely free to do so purely at its own discretion? There is something in those FCC regs that is staying it's hand. We don't reslly have to follow the legalese and pin down the effective interpretation of the correct phrase to see the result.

You are not showing anything that is "staying their hand". If they need to throttle LTE, they will, no different than 3g.

The network is essentially self-throttling; as congestion occurs, speeds drop. "Management" occurs when this effect is naturally evenly but inequitably distributed among users.

[TC_Mits]

And you're not reading my posts. Or, at least, you're not responding to what I've posted,


Perspective instantiates reality.
[From DX by HoFo app.]

[Steveanderson13]

Then you're not reading mine or you'll have to show me.

[veriztd]

Can't we all get along and quit bickering about minutia ??

[Sam73065]

Can't we all get along and quit bickering about minutia ??

You mean you're not fascinated by this detailed conversation over LTE throttling by Verizon? I'm just so overwhelmed by the facts of the matter that have been presented so far.

[veriztd]

You mean you're not fascinated by this detailed conversation over LTE throttling by Verizon?

Frankly, I could care less. Until 3 months ago, I dealt with a 3G connection in my market on Verizon and learned to live with it. LTE connection speeds are much better, but I wouldn't blow a gasket if I didn't have the faster connection.

[Zappy]

Text from the VZW 4G LTE Network portal page. See the section in bold.

http://network4g.verizonwireless.com/

© 2012 Verizon Wireless. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Droid is a trademark of LucasFilm Ltd. and its related companies. Used under license. Speeds may be reduced for top 5% of users for up to 60 days when in congested network areas.

[TC_Mits]

You mean you're not fascinated by this detailed conversation over LTE throttling by Verizon? I'm just so overwhelmed by the facts of the matter that have been presented so far.

Yes, my point exactly. No facts to show. The proof is, rather, in the... permitting. Don't see why that's so hard to grasp, for some folks, anyway.


Perspective instantiates reality.
[From DX by HoFo app.]

[TC_Mits]

Text from the VZW 4G LTE Network portal page. See the section in bold.

http://network4g.verizonwireless.com/

"And along came" Zappy 'Jones' -- again -- to the rescue!

Yes, vzw can throttle -- or at least it carefully reserves the right -- but it doesn't do so on 700C. Why will vzw permit me to use 100gigs or more on 700C but throttle me in single digits on 3g? I feel the FCC regs argument is far more compelling than the lack of LTE congestion argument. I imagine the LTE iPhone will quickly clear that up, though, unless the regs evaporate mysteriously before then.


Perspective instantiates reality.
[From DX by HoFo app.]