AT&T, Verizon Users Experience Netflix Throttling For Video

It seems that Netflix has stepped forward to share that mobile subscribers on AT&T and Verizon networks will be experiencing video throttling – all for their own good, it seems. According to Netflix, this lower quality video is meant to assist customers in doing away with steep data charges, and subsequently, a bill shock at the end of the month.

After all, having experienced increased consumption of video on mobile devices has also led to undue stress and worry for many a Netflix member concerning the surpassing of data caps. Since five years back, Netflix, the streaming video provider, has started to send lower resolution feeds to members on mobile networks that have data caps.

Anne Marie Squeo, a member of the Netflix corporate communications team, shared, “We believe restrictive data caps are bad for consumers and the Internet in general, creating a dilemma for those who increasingly rely on their mobile devices for entertainment, work and more. It’s about striking a balance that ensures a good streaming experience while avoiding unplanned fines from mobile providers.”

There is also a “data saver” feature from Netflix that is due in May, where subscribers can then set the video quality within their mobile app in order for them to “stream more video under a smaller data plan, or increase their video quality if they have a higher data plan.” [Press Release]

Edwin Kee
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: AT&T, Netflix, Verizon