Sprint Hangs Up on Throttling Policy

Sprint said it would end a policy of slowing video speeds for unlimited-data customers, after an outcry over the practice undermined the carrier’s attempt to promote a new phone plan.

The company said it has engaged in practice known as throttling for two years, but only recently began disclosing it more prominently after the US implemented new network neutrality rules that took effect June 12. When the carrier unveiled a new $80-a-month plan offering unlimited talk, text, data and a smartphone, some customers complained about a footnoted caveat that video speeds would be delivered at lower speeds. When the company said it was ending the throttling, Chief Executive Marcelo Claure said “We heard you loud and clear.”