Break Verizon Fios contract over netflix throttling?

[slackerinabox]

We're on Verizon's 2nd highest tier (75/75) and Netflix streaming has just been atrocious. I'm aware it's due to Verizon's completely shitty practices and not a bandwidth issue, and I'm just about tired of trying to work with them on the issue. We're getting sub-SD streaming (I'm thinking the 768k/stream) and even then it buffers every 5 minutes.

I'm currently under a 2 year contract (about a year left) but the problem continues to get worse, not better. Is it possible to break the contract over their shady practices? Is there anything I can say to them to avoid an ETF? Other than email, netflix and hulu are the only things we really use our connection for...So right now we're paying for very speedy gmail access and sub-DSL netflix viewing..

 

[PliotronX]

If you do go that route, keep us posted. This is the forefront of net neutrality issues that most people don't know about. Prompted me to join Netflix even though I really don't use it.

 

[JujuFish]

Wow, Netflix paid Verizon to stop throttling and it's still happening? These ISPs need a wake up call.

 

[mnewsham]

Tell them that through using a VPN you can get better speed to netflix and that without a shadow of a doubt proves they aren't offering you the service you are paying for. They will still likely deny you, but that's probably your best bet.

 

[PliotronX]

Wow, Netflix paid Verizon to stop throttling and it's still happening? These ISPs need a wake up call.

You've got that right! This is what happened when Netflix informed its customers that Verizon was engaging in intentional anti-competitive practices. They actually went soft on Verizon by saying they were "congested."

 

[Genx87]

So did Netflix tell Verizon to get bent?

 

[DesiPower]

We are all corporation's b1tch, aint nothin you can do, suck it up, bend over and spread... If you cancel you contract, where will you go? It's the same everywhere. Same demons, different names.

 

[Printer Bandit]

Tell them that through using a VPN you can get better speed to netflix and that without a shadow of a doubt proves they aren't offering you the service you are paying for. They will still likely deny you, but that's probably your best bet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vs3QhEx_3w

 

[slackerinabox]

We are all corporation's b1tch, aint nothin you can do, suck it up, bend over and spread... If you cancel you contract, where will you go? It's the same everywhere. Same demons, different names.

Time Warner's evil but at least they rank higher on Netflix's ISP's list... And they're offering a free laptop for signing up.. Hmm..

Now that I just threatened to quit the verizon rep told me to reset my modem and any "congestion" will be solved. I'm at work so I can't test it yet. Let's see. Magical, if you ask me..

 

[DesiPower]

Time Warner's evil but at least they rank higher on Netflix's ISP's list... And they're offering a free laptop for signing up.. Hmm..

Now that I just threatened to quit the verizon rep told me to reset my modem and any "congestion" will be solved. I'm at work so I can't test it yet. Let's see. Magical, if you ask me..

Wait till TWC's acquisition is complete, they will R@p3 everyone.

 

[Newell Steamer]

I guess you could try filing a complaint with the BBB? Provide screen grabs, etc. Because an ISP's canned reply will be "ran diagnostics, everything seems to check out". Give a few examples.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

What is your other option? I have comcast and <gasp> they've actually been really great for our internet needs. Will be switching back to their cable service if I can get a good deal. But the only other option I have is clearwire for internet and from what I've heard, their internet is slow.

 

[squarecut1]

Instead of streaming, get dvds from Netflix. Adapt to the situation.

 

[irishScott]

Wow, Netflix paid Verizon to stop throttling and it's still happening? These ISPs need a wake up call.

Not exactly. When Comcast made a deal with Netflix, they'd been working together/connecting their networks for months even before the exact monetary terms had been hashed out. So once the financials were settled all they had to do was flip a switch. Verizon had no such preliminary work completed, and are just started to work on it. So good Netflix performance is coming next year.

It's still unimaginably shitty of them, but my advice for the time being is to use a fast VPN.

 

[Blackjack200]

I don't know much about the technical process of connecting networks, but it seems like it would be a pretty straightforward process of plugging netflix servers directly into the Verizon network?

 

[Rakehellion]

Verizon is a bag of dicks. They got tax breaks from NYC to install FiOS citywide. They ended up breaking the contract and kept the money anyway.

 

[slackerinabox]

What is your other option? I have comcast and <gasp> they've actually been really great for our internet needs. Will be switching back to their cable service if I can get a good deal. But the only other option I have is clearwire for internet and from what I've heard, their internet is slow.

Time Warner. You know, I had them for years and it wasn't really that bad even though people call them the antichrist. Verizon's tv is clearer and their internet generally faster, my wife just is really into house of cards and orange is the new black, and I'm tired of apologizing for Verizon

 

[irishScott]

I don't know much about the technical process of connecting networks, but it seems like it would be a pretty straightforward process of plugging netflix servers directly into the Verizon network?

Pretty much, but we're talking data-centers here. A direct connection with a previously unconnected network requires specialized equipment to manage said connection on both sides. Given how massive the Verizon and Netflix networks are, setting up such equipment takes some time.

Better explained here:
http://arstechnica.com/information-...solve-its-netflix-problem-as-soon-as-comcast/

Besides design, traffic analysis, and capacity planning, both Comcast and Netflix ordered the necessary data center equipment ahead of time, the source said. This was described to us as "router infrastructure, optical backhaul infrastructure, core router infrastructure, and long haul optical infrastructure."

 

[Brovane]

I don't know much about the technical process of connecting networks, but it seems like it would be a pretty straightforward process of plugging netflix servers directly into the Verizon network?

Actually it would be plugging in the provider for Netflix. Netflix isn't a ISP and they have providers for there Data Centers. You would need to look at the tiering connections between (for example) L3 and then Verizon.

Here is a article that explains this better. http://blog.level3.com/global-connectivity/verizons-accidental-mea-culpa/

 

[ViviTheMage]

http://blog.level3.com/global-connectivity/verizons-accidental-mea-culpa/

there are a few other articles about it that have surfaced in the last few days too, just goooog it.

 

[ultimatebob]

I guess you could try filing a complaint with the BBB? Provide screen grabs, etc. Because an ISP's canned reply will be "ran diagnostics, everything seems to check out". Give a few examples.

I wonder if a complaint to your local Attorney General would work. Most of them are looking for a big corporation to fight to make a name for themselves on the way up to Governor or Senator.

 

[mnewsham]

Before VPN

After VPN

 

[TwiceOver]

Contract? You have a contract with your cable company? WTF is this shit?

 

[poofyhairguy]

Before VPN

After VPN

Wow that is sad.

Watching the internet be ruined before our very eyes because of greed.

Yet another time the industry goes out of its way to make piracy the easiest option.

 

[ImpulsE69]

It is getting harder and harder to give a shit about anyone running a business these days that is for sure.