The carrier may slow its wireless network for its top 5% of users.
By Kim Peterson on Thu, Feb 3, 2011 1:06 PM

Verizon's (VZ) unlimited-data plan for the iPhone doesn't exactly mean unlimited. A memo on the company's website says it will throttle speeds for wireless customers who go whole hog on data usage.

"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," the company says. That adds some perspective to the unlimited-data plan Verizon is touting as a big advantage over that of AT&T (T), the carrier whose exclusive lock on the iPhone ends this month.

How much is an "extraordinary amount"? Verizon isn't saying, and most users won't be affected by the cap at all. Verizon is just putting the warning out there: If you go overboard with your downloading, streaming and online gaming, the company will respond.



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I didn't think this was going to impact the users who already have an unlimited data plan. Thought it only applied to new customers. Too bad that Verizon sends voice and data over the same signal and can't multitask like AT&T does (talk and email).