AT&T and Verizon End Run Net Neutrality Rules By Giving You (Some) Free …
The debate over Net Neutrality (that's the idea that Internet Service Providers should not interfere with the free flow of network traffic for financial gain) has remained contentious ever since the FCC issued rules in 2010 that prohibited ISPs from …
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Facebook traffic may have plateaued but profit potential is looking up
What Nielsen does not know is the size of the overlap between app users and website visitors, which means it cannot give an overall traffic number. Despite previously doing so, Facebook did not break out how many US-only users it has when it reported …
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Survey Finds Streaming Responsible For 40% of European Web Traffic
It was found that video and music services were at the top of the Internet usage charts in Europe, with streaming-specific platforms including Netflix accounting for 40% of peak-time traffic, while non-streaming video platforms are also performing well …
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Popular Questions
How do AT&T and Verizon end-run net neutrality rules by giving customers some free data?
AT&T and Verizon can offer selected content without counting it against a subscriber’s monthly data allowance, a practice commonly called zero-rating or sponsored data. The carrier or content provider may cover the cost of that data instead of treating all online traffic identically. This approach can make certain services appear free while still giving the provider control over which content receives preferential treatment.
What is the net neutrality concern with AT&T and Verizon giving you some free streaming data?
The concern is that free or exempted data can favor large companies that can afford sponsorship fees. Smaller websites, independent publishers, and competing services may receive less exposure if their traffic counts against customers’ data caps while preferred content does not. Consumers should check which services are included, who pays for the exemption, and whether the offer limits their choices.
Does free data from AT&T and Verizon mean all internet use is free?
No. Under these AT&T and Verizon offers, only specified apps, videos, or other participating content may avoid data charges. Other websites and services can continue to use the customer’s regular allowance and may trigger overage charges or slower speeds after the cap is reached. Review the plan’s terms before assuming that browsing, streaming, or business-related traffic is covered.
How can customers evaluate AT&T and Verizon’s net neutrality workaround before accepting free data?
Read the carrier’s eligibility rules, participating-content list, data-cap policy, and privacy terms. Compare the offer with an unrestricted plan to see whether the free-data benefit justifies any limits on available services or content. Customers who want equal treatment for all websites should ask whether the carrier permits independent services to participate on the same terms.