T-Mobile is using semantics to take on YouTube’s accusations of throttling. YouTube claims T-Mobile has been throttling YouTube on its network since the launch of Binge On, T-Mobile’s unlimited video streaming program.
“Reducing data charges can be good for users, but it doesn’t justify throttling all video services, especially without explicit user consent,” said YouTube earlier this month.
Rather than deny the allegation outright, T-Mobile says YouTube has its terminology mixed up. “Using the term ‘throttle’ is misleading,” said T-Mobile to DLS Reports.
“We aren’t slowing down YouTube or any other site. In fact, because video is optimized for mobile devices, streaming from these sites should be just as fast, if not faster than before. A better phrase is ‘mobile optimized.’ A less flattering ‘downgraded’ is also accurate.”
Binge On limits streamed video to 480p resolution and is turned on by default. YouTube videos are available in high definition, and the company argues that T-Mobile customers shouldn’t be downgraded to 480p automatically — especially since YouTube is not part of Binge On.
The FCC has already questioned T-Mobile and other companies about zero-rated programs, such as Binge On, as they may be violating the FCC’s net neutrality principles.
