CA Fire Dept. Says Verizon Throttled Data Speeds During State’s Largest Wildfire

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — Verizon Wireless is accused of drastically reducing internet speeds for the Santa Clara County Fire Department, during the 350,000 acre Mendocino Complex Fire.

Officials say even though Verizon was made aware of the emergency, the carrier throttled firefighters’ data speeds, and said higher speeds would only be available, if a data plan costing more than twice as much was purchased.

Santa Clara County Fire Chief Anthony Bowden says in a sworn statement — part of a broader effort to restore Obama-era net neutrality requirements — that the cap “severely interfered” with their ability to function.

However, Verizon claims the situation was a customer service error, and has nothing to do with net neutrality.


Aaron Abeytia

Aaron Abeytia anchors afternoon newscasts on News/Talk 580 & 105.9 KMJ. Read More…

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