Last week, T-Mobile was accused of downgrading video streaming quality on YouTube. This is said to be some kind of data throttling because quality of videos playing are automatically displayed on low-res setting (mostly 480p). The issue actually started after the new “Binge On” program was launched. The idea of the service was video streaming data won’t be counted against the consumer’s data limits.
Perhaps to allow things at the lowest cost possible, T-Mobile just decided to stream videos in low-res. There really is no proof but YouTube thinks this is the case. No complaint was filed but the discussions led to T-Mobile being called by the FCC. The mobile carrier said it’s not data throttling but just “downgraded” or “mobile optimized”.
By that, T-Mobile means it’s just making video streaming easier and faster for most mobile users. There’s nothing wrong on using a lower resolution on default because it makes everything faster. No throttling is happening says T-Mobile. Data throttling is such a heavy word and the mobile carrier refuses to use it to describe its services.
It’s clear that T-Mobile is aware of the FCC rule against throttling. There should be no further problem because the company already mentioned that it can be disabled. The issue isn’t totally over yet. Let’s wait and see how YouTube or the FCC will respond to the latest T-Mobile explanation.
VIA: DSLReports
