Verizon is lifting data restrictions on HI first-responders after CA firefighters complained of throttled speeds

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In the wake of a customer-service backlash involving CA firefighters, Verizon is apologizing for slowing down the data speeds of first-responders — and says it will begin offering emergency workers a new unlimited data plan to avoid future mishaps. The telecom company also said it will refrain from imposing mobile data speed restrictions on first-responders on the entire West Coast for now as they continue battling some of the worst wildfires in the region’s history. The company extended the same measure to emergency workers in Hawaii on Aug 23, as Hurricane Lane dumped 31 inches of rainfall on parts of the state.

Verizon’s moves are aimed at soothing mounting outrage sparked by the Santa Clara County Fire Department recently, which said that Verizon had throttled the data speeds of firefighters struggling to contain the Mendocino Complex Fire — what has become the largest wildfire California has ever seen. “Our process failed some first responders on the line,” Verizon said Aug 24. “For that, we are truly sorry. And we’re making every effort to ensure that it never happens again.” Verizon said it often eases its policies in emergency situations. But in this case, the firefighters were told they needed to switch to a plan that cost more than double what they were currently paying before normal data service would be restored, according to court documents filed in an ongoing legal battle over net neutrality.


Verizon is lifting data restrictions on Hawaii first-responders after California firefighters complained of throttled speeds Verizon stops throttling more firefighters, plans unlimited data “with no caps” (ars technica)