T-Mobile has received criticism recently from YouTube and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), arguing that the nationwide carrier is using its Binge On feature to throttle streaming video. The company's CEO John Legere responded to those claims in a new video on January 7, Thursday.
Legere argued that certain groups and Google are trying to confuse T-Mobile customers. He also claimed they are using the net neutrality as a means of making headline news, arguing that claims of Binge On using throttling are "bull****."
T-Mobile's CEO defined throttling as slowing down data and also taking away customer control. He points out that Binge On does not subtract any data from a customer's plan, according to TmoNews.
Legere explained that most mobile customers usually do not need full video files. Therefore, T-Mobile developed video-optimizing tech that streams at a bitrate that boosts mobile data usage.
The major carrier also addressed the issue about whether Binge On should be opt-out instead of opt-in. It refers to a BTIG Research report about the feature, which point out that the company should not prevent customers from enjoying compressed videos while saving money.
TmoNews notes a few big issues. EFF reported that T-Mobile admitted Binge On decreases bandwidth to stream videos. In addition, all T-Mobile customers were added to the program instead of being offered a one toggle opt-in.
Legere also tweeted a video on Thursday afternoon in which he blasted EFF. He questioned why the organization was causing trouble, and implied the organization was receiving financial support to criticize T-Mobile, according to Wired.
Legere's cantankerous video followed a question tweeted by EFF during a Q&A session about whether or not T-Mobile changes or limits bandwidth for its Binge On video streams. EFF is a non-profit advocacy group that is funded by corporations and individuals.
T-Mobile also recently announced that it has added 14 Binge On partners that will offer free streaming videos. They include A&E, HISTORY, Kidoodle TV, Lifetime Movie Club, and PlayStation Vue.
In 2013 T-Mobile started to rebrand its company as the "unCarrier." Since then it has taken steps such as ending two-year contracts.