Is Verizon purposely slowing down Netflix video streaming?

June 19, 2013
New reporting broaches the question:  Why would Verizon intentionally disrupt Netflix video streaming for its customers?

The report comes from GigaOM via Network World: Internet bandwidth provider Cogent has accused Verizon of deliberately slowing down its video streaming traffic in retaliation to Cogent's recent partnership deal with Netflix, a move widely viewed as a threat to video rental service Redbox, in which Verizon owns a 50% stake, as noted by analysis on Network World's Open Source Community.

More news: Verizon to use LTE small cells from Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson

See also: Reset ONT for Verizon FiOS router re-boot

"They are allowing the peer connections to degrade," claims Cogent CEO Dave Schaffer to GigaOm. "Today some of the ports are at 100 percent capacity."

Schaffer goes on to add that "Verizon told Cogent that it hasn't been fully accommodating its traffic because some of it stems from a video content streaming provider, whose name Verizon apparently elected not to specify," according to Network World's reporting. In his interview with GigaOm, Schaffer reportedly specified that Netflix "has become a big partner" with Cogent.

Full stories:Verizon accused of intentionally slowing Netflix video streaming (networkworld.com)

Having problems with your Netflix? You can blame Verizon (gigaom.com)

About the Author

Matt Vincent | Senior Editor

Matt Vincent is a B2B technology journalist, editor and content producer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in the full range of media content production and management, as well as SEO and social media engagement best practices, for both Cabling Installation & Maintenance magazine and its website CablingInstall.com. He currently provides trade show, company, executive and field technology trend coverage for the ICT structured cabling, telecommunications networking, data center, IP physical security, and professional AV vertical market segments. Email: [email protected]

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