The controversial T-Mobile Binge On service picks up new customer control options
T-Mobile US is looking to make its controversial Binge On video service less controversial by increasing consumer options in controlling their use of the service, as well as announced more content providers to the platform.
The carrier said customers can now use short codes sent from their device to check or change their Binge On settings. Customers can send the #BNG# code to check settings, #BOF# to turn the service off and #BON# to turn the service on.
In addition, the carrier said it has “streamlined” online access to Binge On settings in customer accounts and is rolling out an update to its T-Mobile application to provide further customization options. The app update is set to begin rolling out today to “a small group of Android customers, expanding to more over the next several week,” with Apple iOS users set to receive the update sometime next month.
T-Mobile US has drawn fire from consumer groups and some content providers for the Binge On service’s data throttling, which testing has shown when active limits video streaming to 1.5 megabits per second, or a video quality of around 480p. T-Mobile US has admitted the service does indeed limit the speed and quality of video services, but notes the quality difference is minimal on smartphone screens. The carrier also argues consumers have full control over using the service and that those choosing to enable the service are not dinged for data usage from approved video content providers and use two-third less data for those unapproved video content providers.
The Federal Communications Commission has also sent a letter to T-Mobile US seeking additional insight into the Binge On service. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler initially stated he did not think the Binge On service violated current net neutrality or recently instituted Open Internet provisions, indicating the offer was “highly innovative and highly competitive.”
T-Mobile US has stated that in the three months since it launched the service, customers on qualifying data plans – those with at least 3 gigabytes of high-speed data access – are watching more than twice the video content than before the service launch. The carrier also claims one of its video content partners has witnessed a 79% increase in daily viewers, while another content providing not included in the free offering has seen a 33% increase in hours watched.
T-Mobile US also announced the addition of Amazon Video, Fox News, Univision Now and WWE Network to its partner program, which now includes more than 40 streaming video services customers can access via their cellular connection without impacting their data allotment.
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