Is there a data cap on the unlimited plans where after a certain amount of data you get throttled?
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Posted 10 months ago
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Throttled? Technically no - although detected video streams are throttled. There is a data usage threshold that applies to each unlimited plan after which you are subjected to prioritization behind other customers who have not exceeded their data usage threshold.
https://www.exede.com/documents/master/unlimited-data-policy.pdf
During peak congested periods it's basically the result as being throttled except speeds should be better during non-peak congested periods.
At least that's the way it's supposed to work ;)
https://www.exede.com/documents/master/unlimited-data-policy.pdf
During peak congested periods it's basically the result as being throttled except speeds should be better during non-peak congested periods.
At least that's the way it's supposed to work ;)
(Edited)
VeteranSatUser, Champion
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I’ve spoken with both local reps and corporate Verizon (well as far up as I can get). Verizon doesn’t offer anything other than 20+ GB of top speeds before you can be deprioritized on unlimited plans. Totally varies on when the throttle kicks in. I myself have been hard capped after 22GB on my phone. Less than 1Mbps after that. Actually had to call to get them to “unthrottle” me once even though data reset. YEMV, but buyer be informed. I like Verizon, but I don’t see anything offered locally that can fulfill my needs.
Not sure about ATT, but their coverage is more spotty locally than a leopard.
Not sure about ATT, but their coverage is more spotty locally than a leopard.
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@Bradley
VZW...talking about unlimited prepaid data plans, not cellphone data plans. People are getting one TB in some locations. Can't say where the cards will fall, but apparently, if tower is not congested, one can put the metal to the pedal.
I would not complain with 20GB...if this does happen. Maybe VZW operation centers are not uniform in programming. Contacting VZW CSRs, and lower whit collar folks may represent hearsay, of what they last knew. Talking to the programmers would be best.
VZW...talking about unlimited prepaid data plans, not cellphone data plans. People are getting one TB in some locations. Can't say where the cards will fall, but apparently, if tower is not congested, one can put the metal to the pedal.
I would not complain with 20GB...if this does happen. Maybe VZW operation centers are not uniform in programming. Contacting VZW CSRs, and lower whit collar folks may represent hearsay, of what they last knew. Talking to the programmers would be best.
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@Bradley
This is what my prepaid unlimited plan indicates when logged into my account

This is what my prepaid unlimited plan indicates when logged into my account
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Might be right. Not saying that anyone isn’t getting truly unlimited.
Just saying I made a special trip today to the local Verizon store, then I called corporate. 22GB is all a jet pack can expect around here. Also, I added that I personally have been hard throttled by Verizon.
Postpaid or added to mobile plan, I was told it didn’t matter. Research on the internet said otherwise. Not sure I’d cancel ViaSat without giving it the old college try.
It’s America, so to each their own.
Just saying I made a special trip today to the local Verizon store, then I called corporate. 22GB is all a jet pack can expect around here. Also, I added that I personally have been hard throttled by Verizon.
Postpaid or added to mobile plan, I was told it didn’t matter. Research on the internet said otherwise. Not sure I’d cancel ViaSat without giving it the old college try.
It’s America, so to each their own.
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@Bradley
Prepaid...not postpaid...forum speak says there's a difference
Prepaid...not postpaid...forum speak says there's a difference
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Ok. You got me. Prepaid. 1-0 Jab.
Still what I meant though. Verizon can/will throttle you. ViaSat worked well until it didn’t too.
Still what I meant though. Verizon can/will throttle you. ViaSat worked well until it didn’t too.
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@Bradley.... Verizon can/will throttle you
Throttle or prioritize (if congested) after a data amount has been used...that is the question. So far, prioritize seems to be the VZW response.
Throttle or prioritize (if congested) after a data amount has been used...that is the question. So far, prioritize seems to be the VZW response.
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I give up.
Nowhere in the paperwork does Verizon reserve the right to screw customers at anytime. Guess they messed up this time.
Does anyone remember the old unlimited plans that Verizon changed the terms on years later?
Point being I read the internet reports, made a visit, and then a phone call. Verizon talks a good game (I use them and enjoy the service), but don’t think you’ll have TB after TB to consume without consequence.
Nowhere in the paperwork does Verizon reserve the right to screw customers at anytime. Guess they messed up this time.
Does anyone remember the old unlimited plans that Verizon changed the terms on years later?
Point being I read the internet reports, made a visit, and then a phone call. Verizon talks a good game (I use them and enjoy the service), but don’t think you’ll have TB after TB to consume without consequence.
(Edited)
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@Bradley
Yes, VZW, like the others, have a heavy usage clause....but so far, these users have not been busted.
No, I'm not planning on using or attempting one TB of usage...maybe 30GB, plus/minus. I do have a 150GB option with another carrier.
Yes, VZW, like the others, have a heavy usage clause....but so far, these users have not been busted.
No, I'm not planning on using or attempting one TB of usage...maybe 30GB, plus/minus. I do have a 150GB option with another carrier.
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30GB you’d probably be ok. 1TB....probably not.
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Those that are bothered by this post, simply don't read it.
@bradley, after 150gb+ used, about 8:30pm
https://www.speedtest.net/android/470...
@bradley, after 150gb+ used, about 8:30pm
https://www.speedtest.net/android/470...
(Edited)
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If anyone is “bothered” by my posts, they should check themselves before they wreck themselves.
(Edited)
VeteranSatUser, Champion
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There definitely is a difference between Verizon prepaid plans and the plans you get normal subs through. I have read the differences. Obviously, there is no such thing as "truly" unlimited, but I bet I wont get speeds below 500kbps when using 2 5GB in my usage cycle either :).
Verizon, AT&T, etc. also have the ability to add more capacity a lot easier than say Viasat, which needs years and millions to put a satellite in space to add capacity. But for Mexico, third world countries, and air travel, it will be great!
Verizon, AT&T, etc. also have the ability to add more capacity a lot easier than say Viasat, which needs years and millions to put a satellite in space to add capacity. But for Mexico, third world countries, and air travel, it will be great!
(Edited)
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True on all accounts.
25GB each month is truly nothing though. You’ll always be happy if that’s all you use with Verizon.
Xbox game pass users, torrent abusers, etc......we need a little more ;).
25GB each month is truly nothing though. You’ll always be happy if that’s all you use with Verizon.
Xbox game pass users, torrent abusers, etc......we need a little more ;).
VeteranSatUser, Champion
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Yea. I might have to keep both systems. But having a system where I can do casual browsing and internet activities during primetime and then have Viasat do the heavy lifting at night. It will cost more, but then no more than moving to a new Viasat plan. And I won't be giving Viasat any additional $$$$ beyond what I already pay.
Payback is a...
Payback is a...
(Edited)
VeteranSatUser, Champion
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I could also quote that old Klingon proverb, revenge is a dish best served cold.
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VeteranSatUser, Champion
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Best Star Trek ever! They remade it years later with the reboot. Hate the reboot.
For the original, live long and prosper.
For the original, live long and prosper.
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@Bradley
Verizon corporate media relations has confirmed with us, Jetpacks on this plan have absolutely no high speed data caps and are at full 4G/LTE speeds.
Nov 15 Update: And this has been further confirmed by hundreds of successful activations.
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The catch is that these prepaid plans are always subject to network management, meaning that in times of network congestion they may be temporarily deprioritized relative to other traffic.
VeteranSatUser, Champion
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You mean what Viasat is doing every evening to all plans that offer 150GB of priority data?
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Ricky5
Casual Observer
While the result is the same, they are quite different and there are different ways of coping with each. Not that it will make you feel any better about it.
https://www.wirefly.com/guides/throttling-vs-data-deprioritization
Although the link only mentions wireless carriers it's the same for unlimited satellite data plans.
Jab
Whoever scribbled that article hasn't figured out what "8 megabytes per second" means, nor what "128 kilobytes per second," and other cited speeds.
I'll take 128 kilobytes per second when throttled....128 KB = 1.024 Mbit
Casual Observer
https://www.billpolice.com/wireless-billinwith your answer..g/throttle-vs-prioritize-whats-the-difference/
Let me correct those two errors for you Jab , 8 Mbps and 128 Kbps - feel better now?
Now provide the OP or Ricky5 with your answer... or mayb e you just chalk it up to "IT fiddling".
Jab
Onus is upon Viasat....not my job!
Disclosure Instructions for ISPs - ....The disclosure must include accurate information regarding the ISP’s network management practices, performance characteristics, and commercial terms of its broadband Internet access services, as required by paragraphs 218 – 223 of the Restoring Internet Freedom Order.
Phillip Freeman
Jab
Did you see this?
Jab
I would have to read VS's fine print...but if all 150gigers are running less than 1Mbps during "extended primetime" period, this could be defined as throttling, or IT blunders.
Being on Classic Exede-5, several days, whoever/whatever severely clamped speeds down...despite having about 5 more gigs to use. Since this experience may be similar to 150gigers, this suggest traffic re-programming via inexperienced programmer, imho.
Casual Observer
Yes, I saw it and that's exactly what the published network management policy at legal provides - it's not coincidence that that was first published with the initial adoption of net neutrality under Wheeler.
You can read all about the 150 GB Viasat-1 policies over at legal too but basically it says they are subject to prioritization behind other subscribers who have not exceeded their thresholds at any time regardless of how much data they have actually used. Seems pretty clear to me.
I had slower than normal "speeds" too over the weekend - it passed and I didn't need to jump to conclusions and take one speed test out of context. But perhaps you too should complain to NRTC, you are their customer also. In fact Viasat doesn't even need to support you here or anywhere else, NRTC does.
VeteranSatUser, Champion
Casual Observer
http://novecnet.com/plans/
NRTC itself is still talking up Viasat-3.
My installer no longer handles Viasat installs - gave up up on them - says he'll only do NRTC installs - they pay better.
VeteranSatUser, Champion
Jab
>they are subject to prioritization behind other subscribers
If user findings here are true for all, VS has warped the meaning of "prioritization," unless it has been defined. FCC notes, "expected and actual access speed and latency..." I believe VS wants more commercial aircraft onboard, and has squeezed part of the consumer base.
>should complain to NRTC, you are their customer also.
When Exede-5 came, I moved to a different beam, and it was excellent...then came the aircraft and "IT" shifting bandwidth, and speeds dropped...then it got excellent. I can consistently hit 11Mbps/3Mbps+ on Fast.com. The other day, I suspect IT slipped in 150GB's traffic policy, and did make notice of this over there, which was corrected. Months before, they did engage video saver without permission...several times.
Currently, I'm evaluating VZW's Unlimited on a Jetpack...consistent 30Mbps/3Mbps, but this fiber served tower on a rural road has few customers, most likely due to most homes having fiber to their homes. 720p vids without issues.
VeteranSatUser, Champion
I do not ask for much, just usable speeds. When you get below 500kbps, that isn't very usable.
Jab
VZW Prepaid Unlimited ($70/month) - My expectation...10GB, then if network congestion, prioritization. Other forum speak indicates one TB plus usage, but these folks are using fiber-fed towers within higher populated cities.
As noted to Gwen, this post suggests AT&T is not throttling their business plans here, AT&T Traffic shaping equipment has improved with time...I rather suspect these carriers today can offer Unlimited with prioritization, if they choose. MVNOs are "penny pinchers," and will not offer the same experiences as big carriers can.
Although big carriers make money from MVNOs, they have been loosing better paying customers, prepaid/postpaid. VZW's transition to LTE, as with other carriers, means more total bandwidth for a give frequency band. For VZW/AT&T, they do note they might address heavy bandwidth consumers...but I'm not aware of someone getting busted yet. Myself, I suspect less than GB/day usage averaged.
Video, most watched sites will be throttled down. I'm in a location where my packets can be sent to KCMO, Overland Park, Wichita, or Denver. 720p is promised, but I know this can be higher on other less traveled sites. I'm using a signal booster, so latency would be a bit lower without it...not much. If a tower has MIMO, a signal booster will not pass on this MIMO signal, so speeds will be slower.
Again, your tower's load, if fiber connected, your signal (well under -100 dBm), will determine what's possible. VZW has a number of network centers, and I suspect, each has to be configured. So, YMMV with each center. Using Denver center, my DuraXV-LTE flip-phone does about 11Mbps UL, but about 3.7Mbps DL.
Taken just after 6 PM today
.
Casual Observer