Verizon: We're throttling broadband. FCC: WTF? Verizon: Lol, jk!

Verizon is going back on its vow to throttle broadband for some of those on unlimited data plans. The telco said it will not punish heavy users of its network by crippling their LTE speeds.

Verizon said in July that it will implement the policy, which would have cut throughput rates for the top five per cent of LTE users, in terms of data downloaded, when their devices are connected to particularly busy towers.

At the time, the company defended the plan, saying it was the same policy it has used on its 3G broadband network. Now, however, Verizon is changing its tune on the matter.

"We've greatly valued the ongoing dialogue over the past several months concerning network optimization and have decided not to move forward with the planned implementation of network optimization for 4G LTE customers on unlimited plans," the company said in a statement.

While Verizon didn't say exactly who or what convinced the company to pull an about face on the throttle plans, it's likely the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had more than a little bit to do with the decision.

Shortly after Verizon made its plans public, FCC chairman Tom Wheeler condemned the policy, calling it "deeply troubling" and told the company that network management was "not a loophole designed to enhance your revenue stream."

After Verizon said it would abandon its plan, Wheeler had faint praise for the firm.

"I salute Verizon Wireless's decision," the FCC boss said in a statement.

"This is a responsible action and I commend Verizon's leadership on this issue." ®