In an expansion of its zero-rating program, Verizon is now allowing postpaid customers to stream NFL Mobile content without hitting data buckets
Verizon Wireless is expanding its zero-rating of data to its NFL Mobile application, allowing customers to watch live local and prime-time games via the platform without impacting their data allotment.
The perk is available to all Verizon Wireless postpaid customers when streaming content via the carrier’s LTE network. The program does not include “other app activity,” which the carrier describes as downloads or browsing, though it does say it will offer additional data or bill credits to cover data usage for advertisements.
Verizon Wireless also allows users of its Go90 video platform to stream content without impacting their data allotments.
The move follows on the heels of AT&T zero-rate streaming video content from its DirecTV and U-verse video platforms for its wireless customers. That move is part of an update to the DirecTV application that includes a new “data free TV” option allowing for the viewing of video content without it counting against an AT&T Mobility data package. Customers must view the content through the application in order to not have the streamed content apply to their data allotment; be subscribed to a DirecTV “Select” package or higher with at least a Genie HD DVR 44 device; and have a home broadband connection.
T-Mobile US offers a similar feature through its Binge On platform, as does Sprint through a recent move, though both offerings limit the quality of the video transmission unless customers purchase a higher-tiered rate plan.
Zero-rating of mobile content has been somewhat controversial as opponents claim it allows telecom operators to favor some internet content, which is counter to the Federal Communications Commission’s Open Internet rules.
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