AT&T to throttle streaming video quality by default in 2017

AT&T on Friday announced Stream Saver, an upcoming "data-saving" feature that automatically reduces high-resolution streaming video content to standard definition DVD quality for mobile service subscribers, including those with unlimited data plans.

According to AT&T, Stream Saver saves on data by scanning incoming data streams and capping detected high definition content to 1.5 Mbps, roughly the equivalent of DVD video, or about 480p. The service will be turned on by default for new and existing customers when it launches in early 2017.

Depending on how content providers deliver video streams, Stream Saver in some cases might not be able to detect and optimize video, AT&T says.

Stream Saver affects all postpaid rate plans, including Mobile Share Advantage, AT&T Unlimited Plan, Mobile Share Value, Mobile Share, AT&T 1GB Tablet Plan, AT&T 1GB Car Plan, Unlimited Data plan and others. It will also be applied to certain AT&T GoPhone plans, excluding those that serve connected vehicles.

AT&T is spinning Stream Saver as a positive for consumers; a free, value-added feature that helps customers avoid overage fees.

"We know our customers love to be entertained while mobile, and Stream Saver lets them enjoy more of what they love, whether it's video or something else," said David Christopher, chief marketing officer at AT&T Entertainment Group. "And, they are in control - it's their choice on how to use this innovative feature."

Though the feature is switched on by default, subscribers have the option of turning it off — and on again — at no extra cost via myAT&T, Premiere, or by dialing 611 from a smartphone.

AT&T says it will notify customers by text message when Stream Saver goes live.

23 Comments

jtalbert 15 Years · 4 comments

About 8 years ago

I wish streaming services would easily let you modify streaming data rate. I am happy about this. especially with a daughter who loves to stream movies. Don't need full 1080p to watch video. Any way AT&T can help I am good with. ESP with the crappy service I have just browsing the net. If they can free up there network some. I am all for it.

jfc1138 12 Years · 3090 comments

Default on or off at least there's a choice. Personal control is nice.

dunestock 11 Years · 9 comments

imperialforces said:

Here it comes. With the handful of progressives in Washington out of the way, it's open season on consumers.

Nice! You took an informative article and turned it into a us vs them political diatribe. You get a trophy.

sirlance99 11 Years · 1301 comments

imperialforces said:

Here it comes. With the handful of progressives in Washington out of the way, it's open season on consumers.

At least you have a choice to turn on or off this at will and it's not forced one way.

snookie said:

Of course he's right. The republicans, including and especially Trump are about to bend us all over. Some of you were dumb enough to ask for it. Not that Hillary was a prize but at least it would have been status quo,

Which has precisely zero about an internet service provider offering their customers a way to modify their downloads to fit their devices. At. The. Customer's. Discretion.