Sprint backtracks on data speeds after backlash

Sprint said late Tuesday night that it would stop limiting data available to unlimited plan users after a public backlash.

The company introduced an unlimited talk, data and text plan this week, but said it would slow down data speeds for consumers watching video.

{mosads}That prompted blowback from some customers, causing the company to change its policies.

“At Sprint, we strive to provide customers a great experience when using our network,” said CEO Marcelo Claure in a statement. “We heard you loud and clear, and we are removing the 600 kbps limitation on streaming video.”

Claure said that “during certain times” the company “might have to manage the network in order to reduce congestion and provide a better customer experience for the majority of our customers.”

Sprint admitted earlier this month that it had stopped slowing the data speeds of some customers to make sure it was complying with the Federal Communications Commission’s net neutrality rules, which ban the practice, known as “throttling.”

The Washington Post also reported that Sprint would be ending a two-year old throttling policy for all of its customers, not just for its new unlimited plan.

Throttling has drawn the attention of the communications regulator in recent weeks.

This month, the agency announced its plans to fine AT&T $100 million for allegedly misleading customers about throttling. It is the largest proposed fine in the FCC’s history.

The AT&T case also concerns an “unlimited” plan. Customers who had unlimited plans were allowed to keep them even after they were discontinued for new subscribers. But their speeds were slowed significantly after they had used a certain amount of data.

And throttling is one of the three things banned under the net neutrality rules, in addition to blocking content and allowing content providers to pay for faster service. The FCC has yet to take any action based on those three “bright line” rules, and many wireless and broadband companies say that they already prohibit the practices on their networks.