BGR points us to a PDF of a Verizon corporate memo describing plans to throttle heavy data users. They write:
To help achieve this, if you use an extraordinary amount of data and fall within the top 5% of Verizon Wireless data users we may reduce your data throughput speeds periodically for the remainder of your then current and immediately following billing cycle to ensure high quality network performance for other users at locations and times of peak demand.
Essentially, if you download a lot, your speed will be cut at various peak times. They’re calling it VZOptimization, a delightfully Orwellian term. Interestingly, this is the exact opposite of what Mozy just did and, in truth, it makes perfect sense for Verizon: don’t punish the little guys because someone wants to grab an 8GB BD Rip.
Here’s the full text:
Verizon Wireless Service Information http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=48102724&access_key=key-184cel4ccij5cid5d8ho&page=1&viewMode=list
Document PDF