FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has essentially approved T-Mobile’s Binge On program, which allows people to stream video over the network without impacting their data plans.
“It’s clear in the Open Internet Order that we said we are pro-competition and pro-innovation,” said Wheeler during the agency’s recent open meeting. “Clearly [Binge On] meets both of those criteria. It’s highly innovative and highly competitive.”
The comments more or less give T-Mobile permission to move forward with the program despite concerns over its impact on net neutrality. Customers don’t need to pay extra to stream video, and video providers don’t need to pay T-Mobile to join the service. T-Mobile has approved 24 service providers, but quality is capped at 480p.
YouTube is not among those taking part in Binge On. Consumer advocates believe T-Mobile’s customers should be able to choose which video services are zero-rated, while others charge the program may distort how people use the internet.
Wheeler said the agency will keep an eye on Binge On to see how it plays out in the market.
