Data usage is becoming a big issue for mobile networks, as more users are accessing websites from their smartphones. To help cope with demand, Virgin Mobile are going to start throttling back speeds of users who use an excessive amount of data.
The data limit will be set to 2.5GB – anyone who goes over that limit will find Virgin Mobile throttling back the speed of data connection, effectively leaving users with no access to 3G data until the end of the monthly billing cycle.
The plan was to introduce the throttling effect last year, but that was postponed. The implementation is now expected to be in place from the 23rd March.
Users who are at risk of having their data speeds cut will be notified by text message beforehand, when they run close to the limit. According to Virgin Mobile, only a small percentage of their customers regularly go over the 2.5GB limit. By introducing speed caps, it is hoped the network will be able to better deal with the explosion is use of the mobile internet, as more customers take advantage of the features and functionality on smartphones.