Is there any way around Verizon data throttling/"network optimization"

[Scoops Bolling]

I use a lot of data; we're talking well in excess of 100 GBs per month. While I had occasional data issues with my old Thunderbolt, they were fairly infrequent (once every 3-4 months) and even then only when I was really using a ton of data (like streaming Netflix through my Xbox while also surfing the web on my laptop, all through my hotspot). I got a new Moto X on Friday, which I purchased retail so as to keep my unlimited data plan, and today I've already found myself being throttled hard all day, way harder than ever occurred with my Thunderbolt. We're talking no data at all, I can barely even use the internet on my phone, let alone use my hotspot. I can tell this is something Verizon is doing, because if I restart the phone, or switch between LTE and 3G, I get a couple minutes of full speed data before it suddenly evaporates again.
 
I'm going to call Verizon tomorrow to ask about this, but I'm not expecting much of anything to come from that. Is there any other workaround to be able to keep the data stream flowing? I know with my old Thunderbolt it was pretty much always on a 3G connection even though it was supposed to be a 4G phone, so I don't know if that would help somehow. Any hints or suggestions would be appreciated, because this shit just isn't going to work.

 

[Silverdude2167]

Not a helpful comment, but 100+ GB a month. Damn.

 

[Fratboy]

My understanding was the unlimited data was really 5 gig. Why so much? That's like streaming 24/7.

 

[wutang112878]

I dont think you are going to get much satisfaction calling Verizon.  My guess is that they direct you to their 'Network Optimization' strategy and/or just read this off to you like a script.
 
However, I wonder if contacting the FCC might help.  I remember a little while back they had a hearing with Verizon on this exact policy.  The FCC took them to task because they claimed 'unlimited data' should be exactly that, unlimited and not 'network optimized' even for the 5% that Verizon cites.  I forget if there was any resolution or actions that came out of those hearings, but its probably worth a phone call to the FCC because they might really be able to help you out.

 

[mt8thsw9th]

This is why we can't have good things.

 

[Monbo Jumbo]

Were you using a 3g hotspot for your home internet connection?

 

[jayhoz]

I used to stream about 20 minutes of video a night on 4G on top of my normal usage and would typically run up 9 - 11 gigs per month.  I can see how pumping Netflix and the like can get you to 100 gigs.

 

[SumnerH]

Yeah, I do less than 500 MB/month on my phone, but I probably burn 60+ GB at home.  One of the main reasons for low phone data usage is that I'm always on wifi; if you use the phone as the hotspot for all the home internet, you're reversing that in a major way.
 
Plans aren't set up to allow that.  It's shitty, but unlimited really means "as much as we want, and no more", and using the phone as a hotspot without paying through the nose for that "privilege" (laughable after they marketed it as unlimited data without restrictions in the advertising) violates most TOSes.  Go vote (or at least comment--today, the 15th, which is the deadline for FCC feedback) for net neutrality.

 

[Scoops Bolling]

Were you using a 3g hotspot for your home internet connection?

 
Yes, pretty much. The way my house is built is pretty much death for Wifi. There's only one place the company (Cox) was able to run a router to, and it's the most remote area of the house resulting in the network barely covering half the house, and even then coverage is spotty at best. My phone however has perfect coverage throughout the house, so using its hotspot gave me complete coverage without fail.
 
Having just had Verizon deactivate the new Moto X, and return me to the Thunderbolt, it would appear that the mistake was going to them in the first place...because now I'm having the same issues on the Thunderbolt. I must have slipped under the radar over the past couple years somehow, and now I'm in their crosshairs.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

Why not just build a proper wireless network in your house?

 

[Scoops Bolling]

Why not just build a proper wireless network in your house?

Because I rent and the landlord would laugh at me if I asked him to have the house rewired for better internet coverage?

 

[jayhoz]

http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Powerline-Wireless-Extender-PLWK400/dp/B0087O6AQE

 

[Scoops Bolling]

http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Powerline-Wireless-Extender-PLWK400/dp/B0087O6AQE

Have one (well, a network extender, not that particular model). Doesn't solve the problem.

 

[jayhoz]

Have one (well, a network extender, not that particular model). Doesn't solve the problem.

 
Do you have an extender that picks up the wifi and boosts it or one like the linked above?  The linked one uses your power lines to transfer data to other rooms and then broadcasts a wifi signal.

 

[Scoops Bolling]

 
Do you have an extender that picks up the wifi and boosts it or one like the linked above?  The linked one uses your power lines to transfer data to other rooms and then broadcasts a wifi signal.

Probably the former? IIRC, it only cost like $40.

 

[crystalline]

Have one (well, a network extender, not that particular model). Doesn't solve the problem.

 
This is an option:
http://www.cyberguys.com/product-details/?productid=48018&sk=MC71419&gclid=Cj0KEQjw7vmgBRDdnLPZp7aBlroBEiQA7_NmV_OKOZKdsFW2L-R0p1LuVtys_y5BJzVirz-Em2wcJj8aAoig8P8HAQ
 
It's incredibly powerful and you can run it in wireless repeater ("bridge") mode.  At $80 a pop you can put two in the house if you need.  However to set it up you need to know a little about networking (or be able to read and follow instructions in their forums).
Or use the powerline adapters mentioned in the other threads.

 

[Time to Mo Vaughn]

You'd have been screwed anyway:http://www.droid-life.com/2014/09/29/verizon-unlimited-data-throttling-october/

Go for one or a couple of the power line adapters.

 

[Scoops Bolling]

You'd have been screwed anyway:http://www.droid-life.com/2014/09/29/verizon-unlimited-data-throttling-october/

Go for one or a couple of the power line adapters.

http://www.theverge.com/2014/10/1/6882339/verizon-calls-off-throttling-unlimited-lte-data
 
And on the "well...isn't that quite the coincidence" front, the problem cleared up during a call with Verizon where I started the call by saying I'd be following up with a call to the FCC. They kicked me up the chain to some supervisor who claimed I wasn't be optimized and they didn't know what the problem could possibly be...and then all of a sudden the flood gates opened and the data started flowing again. Hasn't been a problem since.