YouTube claims that the new “Binge On” program from T-Mobile degrades video quality for viewers, even if they are not part of the program, according to the Wall Street Journal.
In November, “Binge On” was announced, allowing T-Mobile users to stream videos from certain services such as Netflix, HBO, and Sling TV in DVD quality (480p resolution), without counting against their monthly data limit.
T-Mobile users can toggle “Binge On” on and off. Turning it OFF will allow higher quality video streaming at up to 4K, but the data used to stream the extra resolution will still count against their data. However, what needs to change with YouTube on T-Mobile is that videos are automatically downgraded to 480p without users’ consent, while still relying on the data plan users have set up.
“The reduction of data charges is positive for users, but it does not justify the downgrading of all video services, especially without the explicit consent of the user,” said a YouTube spokesperson to the WSJ.
While T-Mobile did not immediately respond to accusations of YouTube, the Internet Association, an advocacy group whose job it is to protect internet freedom and maintain net neutrality, claims that Binge On “appears to throttle all videos, across all data plans, regardless of network congestion.”
During the Q&A session after the announcement for Binge On, T-Mobile USA CEO John Legere said he wants the YouTube network to be part of Binge On, but “at this moment the technical specifications are not being met or / and the desire to exist”.
According to the WSJ, the YouTube block (for now) appears to be software-related. “The software that scans streaming videos to exclude them from data limits can’t always identify YouTube videos that are coming in. T-Mobile has said the companies may be talking but will need more cooperation to resolve the issue,” the article claims.
The Federal Communications Commission recently sent letters to T-Mobile, AT & T and Comcast to learn more about how their networks essentially place certain providers on whitelists, with the aim of offering their users free data.
