The words data deprioritization and throttling are often used synonymously, but there are actually quite a few differences between the two, including how they affect your data speeds and how long you’ll experience reduced data speeds. Deprioritization is the temporary slowing of your data speeds during times of network congestion, whereas throttling is the slowing of your data speeds to almost unusable speeds once you’ve met your monthly data allowance.
This article will cover the primary differences between data deprioritization and data throttling to help you better understand the terms of your phone plan, as well as determine whether you’d prefer a plan with throttling or deprioritization.
What is deprioritization?
Data deprioritization is best described as the temporary slowing of your data speeds, in favor of other subscribers on the same network. This usually happens in times of high traffic or network congestion—it all depends on your plan and its agreement terms.
Because the majority of “unlimited” plans don’t truly offer unlimited data, plan pricing is largely dependent upon your deprioritization threshold—or the amount of data that can be used before deprioritization becomes a possibility. For instance, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all offers plan with completely unlimited deprioritization thresholds, while others like US Mobile offer them as high as 100GB—meaning that you may experience temporary slowed data speeds once you surpass this allotment. Keep in mind that even though these deprioritization thresholds exist, it is relatively uncommon to experience interruption that will make a noticeable difference, and your data speeds will pick back up again once the network clears up.
How is data deprioritization different from throttling?
While often confused with deprioritization, data throttling affects your data speeds in a different way. Whereas data deprioritization results in temporarily slowed data speeds during network congestion, throttling refers to the dramatic slowing of your data to the point that it’s essentially unusable. You might be lucky to access basic email, but beyond that, most data-reliant activities, such as streaming, gaming, and social media, likely won’t work. Throttling occurs because nowadays most carriers don’t cut off your data or charge overage fees once you’ve used a specific data limit indicated in your phone plan. Instead, they slow your data speeds until the next billing cycle begins.
For example, if you have a 10GB data plan, once you’ve used 10GB of high-speed data in a given month then your data will be throttled to glacially slow speeds for the remainder of the month, after which they will “reset” and return to normal. Additionally, even if you’re on an unlimited plan, some small carriers may throttle your speeds once you’ve used a certain amount of data in a given month—this is different from data deprioritization because it’s guaranteed once you’ve met a certain threshold.
Important to note:
Throttling is most often reserved for limited plans, but there are a handful of MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that offer “unlimited” plans with throttling thresholds as well.
Where to find data throttling & deprioritization information
Since most data plans include either some form of data deprioritization or data throttling, reading the fine print is an important step to know what to expect from your plan. Finding the fine print, however, is another story—as carriers typically keep this information relatively close to the chest. The information is there, though, so long as you know where to look. Below is a table showing some of the most common places to find a carrier’s information regarding deprioritization and throttling thresholds:
| Carrier | Terms | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon | “Plan Details” “Unlimited 4G LTE” (details page) | Toward the bottom sections of a given plans feature list |
| AT&T | “Data Restrictions” | Toward the very bottom of AT&T’s plan comparison sections |
| T-Mobile | “See (plan name) details” | Typically, in plain view. However, details are still written in smaller, fine print. |
Is deprioritization or throttling right for me?
When it comes to data deprioritization and throttling, your personal data needs will ultimately determine which route makes more sense for you, although there are some general things to take into consideration. For example, if you find yourself constantly running out of data, or just barely making the cut each month, throttling thresholds are likely something you’ll want to avoid. The reason for this is primarily due to how slow speeds become—you can expect roughly 2G speeds in most cases with throttling, and this is hardly fast enough to do anything at all. You’d be much better off spending a bit more for an unlimited plan with data deprioritization, even if it can occur at any time (as opposed to once you’ve used a specific amount of data that month).
Alternatively, if you can get by with lower amounts of data, plans with data throttling will likely save you some money since most carriers don’t charge overage fees. Also, depending on how much you pay for your plan (with throttling), you can oftentimes add extra high-speed data to your plan, and in some cases, still pay less than you would for unlimited plans with data deprioritization thresholds.
Which carrier has the highest data deprioritization threshold?
All three of the major carriers are tied for this with truly unlimited premium data, meaning there actually is no deprioritization threshold and your speeds will never be slowed. This feature is usually reserved for each of the carriers' most expensive unlimited plans which include the Verizon Unlimited Ultimate plan, AT&T Unlimited Premium PL plan, and T-Mobile Experience More and Beyond plans. That said, Verizon is breaking the mold here by offering unlimited premium data with its mid-tier Unlimited Plus plan.
While other carriers might not have unlimited priority data, plenty have great unlimited plans. Here are some of the most popular:
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#1
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Visible 
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#2
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Mint Mobile 
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#3
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XFINITY Mobile 
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#4
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T-Mobile 
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#5
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US Mobile 
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#6
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Verizon 
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#7
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Cricket 
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#8
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AT&T 
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#9
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Spectrum Mobile 
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#10
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Boost Mobile 
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Which carrier has the highest data throttling threshold?
Although data throttling is typically associated with limited data plans, that isn’t always the case. Carriers like US Mobile offers a data threshold of 100GB, before throttling your speeds—but remember that speeds slow to unusable speeds at that point. However, unless you’re in the small percentage of people who use over 100GB/month, you probably won’t ever reach that throttling threshold. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of lower prices while still benefitting from great coverage on the primary networks.
If you don’t need an unlimited plan with throttling, there are plenty of limited data plans with a generous amount of data. U.S. adults typically use an average of about 6GB/month of data, but even if you need more, there are affordable plans including upwards of 20GB/month.
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#1
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XFINITY Mobile
Mobile Select Plan
$0.00/mo
(for the first year of service) <br>Regular rate of $30/mo. thereafter
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#2
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Astound Mobile
Unlimited Data Plan
$0.00/mo
+ $14.99 Upfront
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#3
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Lyca Mobile
$33 High Data Plan
$7.50/mo
Pay $7.50/month for the first 6 months<br>Regular rate is $33/month
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#4
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Boost Mobile
Unlimited Plan
$10.00/mo
with AutoPay
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#5
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Good2Go Mobile
10GB Data 6-Month Plan Unlimited Talk & Text
$13.50/mo
Pay $81 for 6 months (or $13.50/mo.)<br>regular rate is $162 for 6 months (or $27/mo.)
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Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
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