• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Now worth $200 million, Sarah Jessica Parker credits being ‘one of eight kids that struggled financially’ for her hunger, ambition, and work ethic

2

MacKenzie Scott alone accounted for one-third of America's $19.2 billion in megagifts last year

3

Amazon's record Prime Day masks a darker truth: Americans are spending more and getting less

1

Now worth $200 million, Sarah Jessica Parker credits being ‘one of eight kids that struggled financially’ for her hunger, ambition, and work ethic

2

MacKenzie Scott alone accounted for one-third of America's $19.2 billion in megagifts last year

3

Amazon's record Prime Day masks a darker truth: Americans are spending more and getting less
TechYouTube

YouTube, T-Mobile Battle Over Video Throttling

By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Down Arrow Button Icon
December 23, 2015, 1:04 PM ET
People pose with mobile devices in front of projection of Youtube logo in this picture illustration taken in Zenica
People are silhouetted as they pose with mobile devices in front of a screen projected with a Youtube logo, in this picture illustration taken in Zenica October 29, 2014. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic (BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - Tags: BUSINESS SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS LOGO) - RTR4C1AKPhotograph by Dado Ruvic — Reuters
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Alphabet’s (GOOG) YouTube is in a war of words with T-Mobile.

YouTube has accused T-Mobile (TMUS) with intentionally throttling its video traffic. A company spokesperson said in a statement to Fortune on Wednesday that while T-Mobile’s attempts at “reducing data charges can be good for users,” the practice does not “justify throttling all video services, especially without explicit user consent.”

At the core of YouTube’s argument is Binge On, a program T-Mobile unveiled last month. Binge On allows T-Mobile customers to watch videos from 24 different services, including Netflix (NFLX), Hulu, and HBO Go, without eating into their data limits. While T-Mobile CEO John Legere touted the move as a game-changer in the mobile industry, there are some caveats. For one, video is streamed at DVD quality with 480p resolution. Since many devices come with higher-resolution displays, it was somewhat disappointing to those who desire better-quality visuals. For T-Mobile, it’s a way to downgrade video quality to save on data consumption.

MORE: T-Mobile Is Poaching Verizon Customers With the Promise of Free Hulu

At launch, YouTube was not included in the Binge On list, and is still not part of that program. However, YouTube argues that T-Mobile has placed the same data-throttling limits on its high-definition videos. What’s worse, the company argues, T-Mobile is allegedly doing so without getting customer consent.

T-Mobile has acknowledged that through the Binge On program, “almost all other video streaming is optimized for mobile.” In other words, the company is downgrading video quality even on the services that aren’t part of its free program. T-Mobile says the move allows customers to “watch three times more video” with their data plans. Only the 24 companies that have met T-Mobile’s “technical criteria” won’t use up data.

A T-Mobile spokesman pointed to a tweet from Legere on Tuesday. Oddly, the tweet, which the T-Mobile spokesman called a response, did not mention YouTube’s charges, and only touted the Binge On program.

“Our customers [love] Binge On, streaming video without hitting their data bucket and complete control to turn it on/off at will,” Legere tweeted. Indeed, T-Mobile explicitly says on its website that video-quality downgrading can be turned off at any time, allowing users to resume higher-quality access.

SIGN UP: Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s daily newsletter about the business of technology.

That has done little to quell unrest over the Binge On program. The Internet Association, an organization that acts on behalf of Internet companies to push public policy, issued a statement on Tuesday, saying that “T-Mobile’s new ‘streaming optimization’ program appears to involve throttling of all video traffic, across all data plans, regardless of network congestion.” Google is one of The Internet Association’s member companies.

“Reducing data charges for entire classes of applications can be legitimate and benefit consumers, so long as clear notice and choice is provided to service providers and consumers,” the organization said in its statement. “However, a reasonably designed zero-rating program does not include the throttling of traffic for services or consumers that do not participate.”

The Binge On program has also caught the Federal Communications Commission’s eye. In a letter to T-Mobile dated Dec. 16, the FCC requested more information on the program to determine whether T-Mobile is treating all services fairly.

WATCH: For more on T-Mobile’s Binge On program, check out the following Fortune video:

“As you may be aware, concerns have been expressed about the Binge On program,” the letter reads. “For example, some have argued that the technical requirements of the Binge On program may harm innovation by making certain video apps more attractive than others. Others have asserted that the reduction of video quality has harmed some users.”

The inquiry is part of a broader concern over net neutrality. While the topic has been debated for years, in February, the FCC adopted rules that require Internet Service Providers, including cellular networks, to treat all traffic fairly and not discriminate against certain services. Those rules also ban selectively throttling traffic on certain types of applications, including video.

In its letter to T-Mobile, the FCC acknowledged that T-Mobile believes “that Binge On is not a network neutrality problem,” and last month, FCC chairman Tom Wheeler told a reporter that Binge On does not violate any net neutrality rules.

“It’s clear in the Open Internet Order that we said we are pro-competition and pro-innovation,” Wheeler said. “Clearly this meets both of those criteria. It’s highly innovative and highly competitive.”

T-Mobile has been asked to respond to the FCC by Jan. 15. In its statement, The Internet Association said that it “applauds the FCC for seeking information on this practice and its potential harm on consumers and online applications and services.”

About the Author
By Don Reisinger
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Tech

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Tech

Sundar Pichai
SuccessCareers
Google CEO tells graduates to stop obsessing over first jobs because ‘very few moments are make or break’ in life—a lesson he learned in Vegas
By Preston ForeJune 25, 2026
1 hour ago
Softbank CEO dismisses Elon Musk’s extraterrestrial data center idea in favor of maximizing Earth-side construction now: ‘He who strikes first wins’
AITech
Softbank CEO dismisses Elon Musk’s extraterrestrial data center idea in favor of maximizing Earth-side construction now: ‘He who strikes first wins’
By Marco Quiroz-GutierrezJune 25, 2026
1 hour ago
VivaTech entrance in Paris.
NewslettersEye on AI
Europe’s AI wake-up call: cybersecurity threats, sovereignty fears, and a growing demand for ROI dominated VivaTech
By Beatrice NolanJune 25, 2026
2 hours ago
Digital transformation technology strategy, IoT, internet of things. Businessman using smart phone with AI and Digital Icons design.
AICFO Daily
Top CFOs warn AI success depends on training employees, not just buying technology
By Sheryl EstradaJune 25, 2026
3 hours ago
Samin Menon (left) Neil Movva (right)
Startups & VentureVenture Capital
Exclusive: A former Apple engineer thinks AI infrastructure is built for the wrong future. Investors just gave him $80 million to fix it
By Lily Mae LazarusJune 25, 2026
4 hours ago
Lux Capital cofounder Josh Wolfe’s limited-odds, high-stakes 2027 predictions
NewslettersTerm Sheet
Lux Capital cofounder Josh Wolfe’s limited-odds, high-stakes 2027 predictions
By Allie GarfinkleJune 25, 2026
6 hours ago

Most Popular

Now worth $200 million, Sarah Jessica Parker credits being ‘one of eight kids that struggled financially’ for her hunger, ambition, and work ethic
Success
Now worth $200 million, Sarah Jessica Parker credits being ‘one of eight kids that struggled financially’ for her hunger, ambition, and work ethic
By Orianna Rosa RoyleJune 24, 2026
1 day ago
MacKenzie Scott alone accounted for one-third of America's $19.2 billion in megagifts last year
Success
MacKenzie Scott alone accounted for one-third of America's $19.2 billion in megagifts last year
By Sydney LakeJune 25, 2026
9 hours ago
Amazon's record Prime Day masks a darker truth: Americans are spending more and getting less
Retail
Amazon's record Prime Day masks a darker truth: Americans are spending more and getting less
By Nick LichtenbergJune 24, 2026
1 day ago
Ray Dalio just finished a 10-day trip to China. He says global leaders know America ‘doesn’t have what it takes to fight to maintain its empire’
Asia
Ray Dalio just finished a 10-day trip to China. He says global leaders know America ‘doesn’t have what it takes to fight to maintain its empire’
By Nick LichtenbergJune 24, 2026
1 day ago
After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup
Success
After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup
By Orianna Rosa RoyleJune 23, 2026
2 days ago
Trump’s international student crackdown kicked off a domino effect that could shave nearly $500 billion off the economy
Economy
Trump’s international student crackdown kicked off a domino effect that could shave nearly $500 billion off the economy
By Tristan BoveJune 24, 2026
22 hours ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.