Verizon has tacitly admitted to throttling video for its customers during network testing efforts. Following an initial report from The Verge that noted an apparent drop in speeds for Verizon customers using Netflix, a Verizon representative told the outlet it had been “doing network testing over the past few days to optimize the performance of video applications.” According to Verizon, the slowdown didn’t target any particular application. More here.
Speaking of Verizon, the carrier is making more moves in the telematics space, working alongside Globetouch to launch upgraded network solutions that will be used by General Motors in connection with the continued global expansion of OnStar’s industry-leading connected vehicle services.
Globetouch will reportedly integrate its open platform GControl with OnStar to enable reliable connectivity and regulatory compliance for OnStar services. Verizon Telematics will bring scale and network expertise to the solution.
“We are working directly with Verizon Telematics to take the complexity out of carrier and agreement management, enabling Globetouch to focus on building custom solutions that fit the needs of automotive OEMs around the world,” Globetouch CEO Riccardo Di Blasio said. “By providing a single point of integration for GM and other automotive OEMs, Globetouch ensures a world-class experience for end customers.”
T-Mobile is bringing its spam-blocking technology to MetroPCS customers. The Un-carrier’s Scam ID and Scam Block solutions will be rolled out to MetroPCS users starting July 25 at no extra cost.
Spam ID screens incoming calls and alerts users when an incoming call is likely spam with an on-screen notification that says “Scam Likely.” Scam Block takes things a step further and immediately blocks “Scam Likely” calls on the network level so customers’ phones never even ring.
AT&T has been chosen to deploy a universal network solution for Omnicom Group that will unify all of the latter’s 78,000 employees in 100 countries on one network.
“AT&T is a global expert when it comes to network technology. Putting IT abilities in their hands lets Omnicom’s IT organization focus on technology strategies that provide differentiation in our industry and for our clients,” Omnicom Group Global CIO Craig Cuyar said. “As we move toward a new operating model, we continue to replace many disparate systems with a single, flexible, and highly secure network which will lay the foundation for further digital transformation and future growth.”
AT&T reports it will use its FlexWare software VNF platform, and NetBond for Cloud and Threat Manager solutions to help build flexibility and security into Omnicom’s network capabilities.
In a fun piece of separate news, AT&T also reports it is boosting cellular coverage in a number of prime viewing areas ahead of next month’s total solar eclipse. The carrier said nine cell-on-wheels (COWs) rigs and one cell-on-a-light-truck (COLT) have been deployed in Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky.