yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Networking] Classifeeds:
I have been getting throttled by Three since Friday. The same as you guy's I've been getting around 6-10kbps.

I called them on Friday and was told it was my phone playing up, so having gone through all the checks and reboots the guy admitted to the new policy.

I've called them everyday and have got nowhere, although on Saturday I spoke to CS and mentioned when I was on PAYG I had the £15 all you can eat pack and was told there was a 80gig cap on it.

Anyway since Jan I've been on £25 AYCE sim only and when I put it to the guy about PAYG'S 80gig cap, He said "exactly! stay under 80gig and this will never happen again." BTW April was the only month I went over 60gig. (92gig for April)

After reading all of your comments I guess he was just fobbing me off (Not the first time from Three's CS)

Anyway (again) I've just spoke to Ofcom who told me not to complain by phone but to keep a paper trail of all queries/disputes I'm having with Three.

Shame really because the 'One plan' blitzed every price plan in the UK. FACT.http://xdaforums.com/images/icons/icon9.gif
[Networking] HarrowingLife:
How do you know this Hands0n and if this is the case why did I get hit on the lightest week of usage I've had in a long time. Around 15GB before it it during 3PM-12AM.

Also Three have refused to publish a post I made on the 3Blog, will post screenshot of it later when I'm enjoying #allyoucannibble
[Networking] Hands0n:
I don't agree entirely :)

So, absolutely, yes, we do need to know what the precise parameters are for TS to kick in. Good advice is needed to help people understand how to avoid becoming one of the 5%'ers. I do believe that if we had that little bit of advice that much of the issue would be mitigated, at least in part.

Next issue is the speed reduction that occurs. Presently the value is too low to be at all usable. That is a massive boo boo. I believe that is a genuine mistake on Three's behalf - and one that is entirely remedial.

What value they should set it to is open for debate, but my vote would be 2Mbps to at least fit in with the UK Government's Broadband Britain where 2Mbps is the stated (mandated?) minimum.

The actual expression, and meaning, behind All You Can Eat is thereby preserved. I do not believe that it was ever Three's intention that AYCE meant without limit to speed at which you could consume. Speed being one of those entirely variable things in all things mobile networking.
[Networking] cirian75:
If it had been 2Mbps this thread would have died long ago.
[Networking] Hands0n:
Thinking about your usage - the measurement will be based on a period of time. Liklihood is that TrafficSense has been collecting network measurements for some time before being placed. So by the time is it turned active it already knows who the 5% are.

But in the absence of empirical information that is speculation and reasoning for now. By your own admission you are a heavy user, and have been for a while :)

---------- Post added at 02:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:28 PM ----------

Yes mate, I entirely agree. And it would have had the desired effect/benefit on the network too.
[Networking] jonmorris:
I asked @threeUK on Twitter this morning what I believe is an important question - are people on a mobile broadband tariff, paying for a fixed amount of data, capped in any way?

The response was:

"It's best to take a look at our TrafficSense page (link)"

Now that doesn't make it clear at all.

I actually think I can see why Three is doing this and, to be honest, as someone who is contemplating switching from ADSL to Three broadband permanently (as my download speed is a little faster and the upload speed is 3-5x faster) I think it's okay if people are killing the speeds for file sharing. As long as legal services like Netflix aren't made totally unusable by ridiculous speed caps as being mentioned here, or else it's no longer possible to ditch ADSL.

That sould suggest to me that Three no longer cares about mobile broadband, which would be mad seeing as it probably makes Three a lot of money. After all, 90-95% of its usage is data, not voice.

The One Plan with unlimited data and tethering is the one open to abuse, so if they could only restrict the speed for these users, those people who pay for 1, 3, 5, 7 or 15GB would be fine. After all, if I've paid for 15GB and choose to fileshare - I'll simply use up my allowance quicker and have to pay for more data. Three are going to make a LOT of money from me having to pay more, either as another top-up or with per megabyte run on charges.

So, why can't they confirm if this applies to everyone or not?

THEN, there's the fact that since last week I'm no longer enjoying the same high speed downloads. In fact, my connection at home and nearby is now topping out at around 3.5Mbps - which is less than half what I've been getting (8-9Mbps). And that's at any time of the day.

So, is Three actively (or accidentally) reducing the speed for all users?

If that it is happening, why are they bothering to roll out an upgrade to DS-HSPA+ with speeds of up to 42Mbps?

I will finish by saying that I am sure the other networks won't make too big a deal of this and try and score points because ultimately they're going to be in the same situation and need to impose restrictions in various ways in the years ahead.

Perhaps Three should have looked to how it does things in other countries, like Sweden, where you can enjoy full speed for xxGB and then it drops. You can either pay to restore the speed, or just accept a slower speed until your allowance restarts the following month. No extra costs, and a way to attack the abusers in a fairer way. What they've done is similar, but done in a really haphazard way - with people unable to know if they'll reach some unknown threshold that could change any day.
[Networking] cirian75:
Three T&C's

http://www.three.co.uk/ThreePortal/...goBlobs&blobwhere=1223567519695&ssbinary=true

That seems to me if three let you out, you keep the phone

Not return it as the Exec who talked to me insisted
[Networking] casdavies:
some people here seem to be missing the point.

Three have marketed heavily recently and presumably have had lots of signups, each of which is a new revenue stream. If people then start using the service that they've paid for and it reaches capacity, then all Three have to do is use these increased revenue streams to increase the capacity of the network. If they went from 2 million customers to 4 million customers then they've got twice as much load on the network, but twice as much revenue to ensure the network runs as it did previously.

Second of all there's a philosophical/discrimination issue here. Why does someone who uses a network less have a greater right to speed at a given time than someone who uses it regularly? Surely everyone (assuming they pay the same amount) has the same right to speed and access at all times.
[Networking] Classifeeds:
The air-raid sirens have started and I'm being throttled BUT I'm now getting 180kbps instead of 6kbps. Wooot!:mad:
[Networking] ToyGun123:
LOL My connection trottled for 6 days now same stupid time each day. :mad:
[Networking] MilanoChris:
I normally get around 9Mbps at home, today it's less than 1 and I'm getting 0.01Mbps upload.

I called up Three and they insist I'm not one of the 'heavy users' and shouldn't be affected by any traffic policy.
[Networking] ahmadcentral:
Just to update people, i've used around 600mb in the last hour streaming. No cap here.

(famous last words^)
[Networking] cirian75:
Not the first person to say that

---------- Post added at 04:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:37 PM ----------

3.8 is perfectly good, 3.5mbps = 720p flash video with out caching the video.

Why can't Three lower everyone, and I mean everyone from 16.00 to 22.00 to 3.8mbps, and the real mick takers get 1.5 mbps

would ease the strain massively and would be fair, and could be truly called "All You Can Eat"
[Networking] drachers:
Like many have said, a variant of Virgin's model would apply well here, use a certain amount in peak time = knock us down to half a meg. Which is still perfectly useable for 360p youtube, which I think should be the benchmark of mobile internet.

Youtube is civilisation! We need to look at videos of bulldogs chewing tennis balls in a comedic way! At any time of day!
[Networking] Simon5451:
This may be useful information for some. I received it after badgering them on twitter.

Hi*there

Thanks for getting in touch via Twitter. In the situation where one of our customers is in the top 5% heaviest users of data there are really only two choices.

If you want to remain on the network then you need to modify your usage to off peak hours i.e not between 3pm and 12am, if this is done you can continue to download as much as you find necessary at speeds you are used to.

If you start to use less data during peak hours this will also bring down your average and could lead to you dropping out of the top 5%.

If however, you have no intention of modifying your data usage then we will continue to manage your traffic. If you wish to cancel your contract free of charge due*to this, we will allow this*subject to return of your handset.

So, to clarify the options you currently have are to modify your data usage so you fall out of the top 5% or if you are not willing to do this we will cancel your contract free of charge on return of your phone.

Thank you and I hope I've explained your current situation.
[Networking] cirian75:
http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=26752706&postcount=232

No you don't have to return the phone.
[Networking] mardon85:
Yeah i'll cancel the contract. The help desk people on twitter wont add me so I can DM them and get the ball rolling. I've been giving them some serious but polite and factual stick for the last 2 days.

A manager hasn't called me back ether what gives.

Shame if I have to give the phone back as I have a perfect ONE X.

#allyoucannibble
[Networking] flyingcat:
This is sharp practice by Three, the speedy offer to allow contract cancellation says it all.

It is also the classic politicians trick of claiming something is only affecting a minority, and that said minority are somehow responsible for it themselves anyhow.
[Networking] mardon85:
I'm only 3 months in but had to pay an extra £90 to swap my One S for a One X. If they want the phone back and I walk away thats fine but do I get that back?
[Networking] lohtse:
someone made a point earlier.... They now have too many users and can't cope with it...

When I rang them to ask what the limit is before throttling they said they didn't have the figures!!! So how can they make a judgement then if they have no figures that they could hand out to help matters!?Which in turn helps us make better use etc...But if give no figures then they can claim we are all heavy users as and when they choose!

Another point... they even asked me what my phone was to help with an answer to throttling!!!! huh how does that make a difference?

Anyway I have found that threeuk will never give you the truth and will always blame the users!!

I have rang them several times over past months as due to site issues and speeds and here's a list of reasons why I was having issues! And before I list them..I have both a work phone(has t-mobile sim in it) and personel phone and always check the sim in both phones, and clear caches etc before calling.

There are no masts within 1mile of you! hence data issues(one is 300ms away and two more within 1mile!!!)

It's an issue with your phone, reflash and try againing(even after explaining tried in two phones and even partners phone)

It's telephone wires

It's the room you are using the phone in.(funny as never affected before)

It's the house as must have thick walls.. Hmmmmm same as above.

It's your PC/Laptop

Upgrade you phone for better connections

On one occassion after explaining no matter where I was I had poor connection speeds they told me to take down EVERY postcode I pasted through and give them the list to look into it.I explained I was based 70miles from home and that it was bad regardless of where I was they still insisted I had to do it...

and yes there are more!!!!

I have sent 6 written letters and done the online thing 4 times and have NEVER had a reply!

If only they listened and was more honest with people..It would make a difference..

regards

Lohtse

PS I suspect throttling has been going on far far longer than they would ever admit!!
[Networking] Shiftone:
I assume this via DM - could you possibly post a screen grab so that they can't deny it. I'm struggling to get the offer of a no charge cancellation.
[Networking] Simon5451:
Actually this was an email they sent me. Tell them on twitter that people are being offered cancellations and that you want to know your options.They should then ask you to DM your email address. Or you could try emailing them directly. Here is the address that contacted me .SocialMediaCare@Three.co.uk. Hope this helps. Im still waiting for someone to successfully cancel and keep their phone.
[Networking] Shiftone:
another email fired off.

I'm not that fussed about my phone - its a desire and I'm 16 months in. I'll do my best to keep it though.
[Networking] blair287:
are people 100% sure you dont have to return the phone by law?
[Networking] Daveoc64:
The way they see it, the terms and conditions state that your connection may be traffic managed. They also state that the policy may change at any time and is posted online (all true)

That's all they're doing - it's entirely within the terms of the contract.

The offer to let you terminate the contract early is merely a goodwill gesture - as a condition of you accepting that gesture, they're making you give the handset back. This goodwill gesture is beyond the scope of the contract.
[Networking] cirian75:
section 2.3

This agreement does

not cover:

(a) any products or services you buy while using Three Services; or

(b) the supply of your Phone or Dongle. The manufacturers of Phones or Dongles are not related to us. Any terms relating to Phones or Dongles will be given to you separately.

The phone is nothing to do with the contract, 3 cant play it have it ways.
[Networking] Daveoc64:
If you want to stick so rigorously to the contract, then you'd have to accept that the contract clearly states the product is traffic managed and that the policy can be varied at any time.

As I've said, what Three is offering goes beyond their contractual and legal obligations. This goodwill gesture is nothing to do with the contract or the device.
[Networking] cirian75:
Catch 22

Ok then, I want my £50 I paid, plus the difference between my contract with phone vs the same version sim only 24month contract back for the 7 months I've been a 3 customer.
[Networking] swukjay:
I can assure you 100% you DO NOT have to reurn the handset whatever they may tell you! if your not sure go see a lawyer under the 30 min free consultation!

The handset is not part of the agreement as stated in their own term and conditions on the website! The throttling is punishment and its only fair we return the favours so lets screw them for the handsets (punishment) for throttling and thanks very much ;-)

---------- Post added at 07:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:19 PM ----------

Absolute garbage... Do you work for three? Legally a product has to do what it states and be fit for purpose and as described... Stop trying to scaremonger and back three up with a argument that you well know wont stand up in court! Fearmongering...one of my pet hates... another is people trying to rip other people off and use bull**** to baffle brains!
[Networking] cirian75:
I say he's a Three spy
[Networking] Daveoc64:
What are you basing this on?

Three has successfully used this policy before (like when they stopped offering roaming on Orange's 2G network in some areas) and I've not seen a successful legal challenge. You might be able to complain to them and get them to make an exception for you, but other than that I don't see an alternative.

The contract sets out several facts:

-You own the device as soon as you receive it (i.e. you are able to do whatever you want with it)

-The service offered may be subject to the traffic management policy on the Three website

-That policy may change at any time

-There is no provision for early termination if the traffic policy is changed

-There is a provision for the contract to be terminated early if both parties agree

Taking that last point further, if both you and Three agree that it would be fair and reasonable for you to terminate the contract for reasons not listed in the contract itself (i.e. a change in policy that is exceptionally detrimental), then you can both agree to terminate the contract. In this case, each side might make additional requests.

In this case, Three is making the request that you give the device (yes, the one that you own) to them. If you don't give them the device, then they won't agree to end the contract early.
[Networking] cirian75:
Right!

TrafficSense is when is engages on someone for the day because they are spanking the network and ruining it for others to restrict them a curtails them till midnight

Then that its is managed traffic and what the T&C's mean

How ever when its for 7 days and sub dial up speeds 15.00 to 00.00 restricting usage

THIS IS WHEN POINT AT WHICH IT

STOPPED

BEING MANAGED TRAFFIC AND INSTEAD BECAME A VERY HARSH

FAIR USE POLICY

Understand !
[Networking] swukjay:
IF THREE ASK YOU TO RETURN THE HANDSET GET THEM TO CONFIRM IN WRITING WHERE IN THE AGREEMENT THIS IS STATED IN THE T&Cs

YOU WILL BE WAITING LONGER THAN IT TAKES FOR A WEBPAGE TO LOAD USING THEIR SERVICE AS I CAN ASSURE YOU 100% YOU DO NOT HAVE TO RETURN THE HANDSET SO STAND YOUR GROUND AND DONT GIVE IN!!
[Networking] Daveoc64:
I'm a new member here, but if you take a look around I use this same name (Daveoc64) on quite a lot of different sites and have done for years.

That unfortunately means that I can only post every 5 minutes, so my replies might seem a little slow.

I don't work for Three, nor have I ever worked for them or any other mobile network.

I'm here because I'm a slightly concerned Three customer, wondering if these changes are enough of a problem to make me leave (I'm on a 30 day contract).

My posts are merely based on what has happened in the past (particularly the Orange 2G fallback debacle)

I don't agree with the traffic management policy. In principle I think it's ok, but the speed restriction is simply far too low.
[Networking] swukjay:
WHAT AM I BASING THIS ON? THE CONTRACT THEY MADE AND THEIR OWN T&Cs. im not even going to listen to your waffle as its complete and utter garbage.. AND THE REASON IT NEVER GETS TO COURT AS YOU OBVIOUSLY WELL KNOW IS BECAUSE YOU AKA THREE DONT WANT A CASE PRECIDENT. SO GO TELL YOUR MASTERS THAT I WILL KEEP ADVISING EVERYONE OF THEIR RIGHTS AND I ADVISE THEM TO DO EVERYTHING IN WRITING AND TO GET 30 MINS OF FREE ADVICE FROM ANY SOLICITOR WHO WILL CONFIRM WHAT I SAY..WHY ..BECAUSE ITS THE LAW!
[Networking] Daveoc64:
Let me get one thing straight:

I don't work for Three

Most of Three's staff are not based in the UK

Those that are aren't based here in Bristol

I don't think I'd want to work for them.

You can disagree with my arguments, but to dismiss them just because it's not what you want to read is just silly.
[Networking] swukjay:
WHAT AM I BASING THIS ON? THE LAW AND THEIR OWN T&Cs. AS FOR STATING IF BOTH PARTYS AGREE THE WHOLE REASON FOR TERMINATION IS A PRODUCT UNFIT FOR PURPOSE. YOU ARE TRYING TO CONFUSE PEOPLE BY MIXING UP THE ISSUES WHICH ARE COMPLETELY SEPARATE, A COMMON LEGAL TACTIC THAT WONT WASH WITH ME!

PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE ABOVE WAFFLE IT WONT STAND UP IN COURT! AND BELIEVE YOU ME THREE WONT WANT TO GO TO COURT AS THAT WOULD SET A PRECEDENT FOR FUTURE CASES, A COMMON CORPORATE TACTIC! STAND YOUR GROUND AND DO NOT GIVE THAT PHONE BACK AS THE OP STATED ITS YOURS! YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GIVE UP YOUR PROPERTY TO END THE CONTRACT AND THAT COULD BE SEEN AS BLACKMAIL OR EXTORTION! CERTAINLY A SHADY PRACTICE AND NOT ONE A JUDGE WOULD TAKE KINDLY TO!
[Networking] cirian75:
What he said :)
[Networking] Daveoc64:
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see:

a) People leaving without having to give the phone back or pay any other fee

or:

b) A legal challenge

Either option should provide a lot of information about both the traffic management system and the impact it is going to have on the network and its customers.

If a lot of people leave, they might reconsider the policy.

A legal challenge could decide a lot of questions that have been lingering for years about traffic management policies.
[Networking] swukjay:
now your using the "its not what i want to hear argument" ....gag alert...he admits he is in bristol but doesnt work for three..i smell bull**** and not a farm for miles lol...........please ............spare me the cack and come back when you have your llb
[Networking] lohtse:
Finally some sense from you:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
[Networking] cirian75:
I need a beer, alas the house is dry.
[Networking] swukjay:
WRONG YOUR MIXING THE ISSUES

A: IS THE PRODUCT WHAT YOU WERE SOLD AND FIT FOR PURPOSE AND AS DESCRIBED...and we are not talking soga here but tort which I prefer for misrepresentation (which is a nice legal term for CONNED)

B: CAN THREE FORCE YOU TO HAND OVER "YOUR OWN PROPERTY" OR THEY WONT END THE CONTRACT?

I THINK I KNOW THE ANSWER TO BOTH AND IM NOT GOING TO ARGUE THE POINT WITH YOU ANYMORE AS

A: YOUR NOT THE JUDGE

B: YOUR ARGUMENT IS POINTLESS

C: I REST MY CASE M`LARD
[Networking] lohtse:
Should point out to you, some of the suspicion for your three loyalty would stem from the fact all your posts are only in THIS THREAD...

My partner used to work for Phones4U and shes read this thread and said you must work for them or are a sales rep in a Phone shop!!!

And must admit it really sounds like you are...

ANYWAY lets get the topic back on track and back onto THREEUK and the underhanded tactics regarding throttling EVERYONE regardless of what you do and without informing you in writting and or sending a text with a link to the NEW T&Cs online and other information which they are obligated todo by LAW!!!