Why did Verizon and AT&T networks slow down? Unlimited plan users went crazy with mobile data

by Daniel Petrov / Sep 11, 2017, 3:25 AM

Why did Verizon and AT&T networks slow down? Unlimited plan users went crazy with mobile data

T-Mobile has another reason to brag after the latest Speedtest results by Oookla - it has been pegged as the fastest US network in the first half of the year, mainly on account of the fact that the Verizon and AT&T speeds have slowed down significantly after the two big carriers introduced unlimited data offerings.

In fact, according to Opanga Network analysts, the average mobile data consumption has increased twofold since the carriers went unlimited, which explains the enormous strain on Verizon and AT&T networks, which are the ones with the most customers.

Verizon took measures recently by introducing new plans with stricter usage limits, while T-Mobile also raised prices a bit, after the initial period of breakneck market share grab. Oh, well, if you build it, they will come.

source: FierceWireless

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14 Comments

1. trojan_horse

Posts: 5868; Member since: May 06, 2016

It should be expected that people who paid for unlimited data would take maximum advantage of it... It's unlimited, right? So I'll drain as much data as I can... because, why not?!

posted on Sep 11, 2017, 3:40 AM 11

2. bucky

Posts: 3797; Member since: Sep 30, 2009

If they say unlimited, its unlimited- no sympathy for providers lol.

posted on Sep 11, 2017, 5:39 AM 8

6. jjface

Posts: 270; Member since: Jun 07, 2017

because then you will lose unlimited...

posted on Sep 11, 2017, 9:49 AM 0

3. BuffaloSouce unregistered

Of course its easy for T-Maybe to brag about network speed when they don't have as much customers using it compared to Verizon and AT&T. I'd be alright paying a little extra with those 2 knowing I'll get the coverage I need just about anywhere I go

posted on Sep 11, 2017, 9:00 AM 2

4. AnnDroid

Posts: 92; Member since: Aug 02, 2011

You are blaming users, who paid for and expected as much data as they want? ATT and Verizon needed to have enough bandwidth to supply what they were selling.

posted on Sep 11, 2017, 9:35 AM 2

5. lmao2016

Posts: 87; Member since: Mar 17, 2016

I'm not on their unlimited and I pay 90 a month for a single line. They need to get it's together and start spending the money making on their networks. it just doesn't make sense that they have these issue their service ain't cheap.

posted on Sep 11, 2017, 9:41 AM 1

7. civicsr2cool

Posts: 281; Member since: Oct 19, 2016

I went from using ~50GB a month to using 200+GB a month after these new plans came out lol, I'm sorry y'all

posted on Sep 11, 2017, 10:18 AM 0

10. andynaija

Posts: 1267; Member since: Sep 08, 2012

Well it sounds like you were on an unlimited plan to begin with.

posted on Sep 11, 2017, 4:01 PM 0

8. TBomb

Posts: 1705; Member since: Dec 28, 2012

Dear Carriers, Don't let your mouth write checks your @$$ can't cash. Sincerely, Your Customers It's like a Taylor Swift story... No sympathy.

posted on Sep 11, 2017, 11:29 AM 1

9. xtroid2k

Posts: 601; Member since: Jan 11, 2010

Having worked for Verizon Wireless over 10 years ago and know people who still work there. I can attest that the network is the best hands down in terms of coverage. However as a customer I have chosen T-Mobile as T-Mobile is more customer focused and from a customer perspective the network is faster. I don't leave where I live often enough to warrant paying Verizon Wireless for service. As a customer I want the fastest and reliability. I don't want you telling me about how other people are affecting the network. Fix the network to handle more people. As an IT pro I wish people would be more understanding and knowledgeable about what their needs are etc. oh well.

posted on Sep 11, 2017, 3:04 PM 2

11. cuppacappachino

Posts: 8; Member since: Mar 15, 2012

Really "unlimited" is just a hot marketing word that has no place being used the way it is. Unless the network has infinite bandwidth, which is of course impossible, there is always a limit. The plans should be called "unmetered" which would actually have some accuracy to it, but doesn't sound as enticing. As to network slow down... who cares? I haven't seen or heard anyone accusing either AT&T or Verizon of actually being slow so being slower than what was already faster than necessary is not really a problem if it means that many more people are able to enjoy using data more the way they want to rather than how they were being forced to.

posted on Sep 11, 2017, 5:16 PM 1

12. o0Exia0o

Posts: 903; Member since: Feb 01, 2013

I've been on Verizon for 10 plus years now and I can honestly say that I have never noticed a network slow down. My disclaimer is that i don't live in a densely populated area. Though I can say that I have noticed a slow down on the Phonearena website over the years... And the amount of ads you all are applying these days is atrocious! TONE IT BACK GUYS!

posted on Sep 11, 2017, 5:49 PM 1

13. tbacba

Posts: 134; Member since: Mar 31, 2010

Regarding the PA ads -- amen!

posted on Sep 11, 2017, 8:29 PM 2

14. RORYREVOLUTION

Posts: 3131; Member since: Jan 12, 2010

As much as they expect us to pay every month for unlimited, yeah you have every right to use it. It's yours, you pay for it and it's unlimited. Don't act like you aren't making a profit, we all know.

posted on Sep 12, 2017, 12:39 AM 1

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