YouTube this week claimed that T-Mobile US’ zero-rated video service, Binge On, is throttling its traffic, despite YouTube not being involved in the programme.
Launched in November, Binge On allows customers to watch lower-quality mobile video from 24 streaming services without it counting against their data allowance. Netflix, HBO, Hulu –and even AT&T’s DirecTV and Verizon’s Go90 are included – but not YouTube.
Despite this, YouTube said in a report by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday that T-Mobile is still lowering the quality of its video, effectively throttling the service.
"Reducing data charges can be good for users, but it doesn’t justify throttling all video services, especially without explicit user consent," said YouTube, in the report.
The complaint comes less than a week after the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requested more information about various zero-rated services offered by T-Mobile, AT&T and Comcast, expressing concern that they may contravene the principles of the open Internet.
Indeed, by not charging users to access certain services, zero-rating could be seen to be undermining net neutrality by encouraging its cus tomers to favour some OTT providers over others.
