In densely populated areas, Verizon employs several strategies to manage network overload, including throttling data for heavy users and building new facilities to provide additional capacity[1][2].
Strategies Verizon uses to handle network congestion:
* Data Throttling Verizon may slow down data speeds for the heaviest data users during periods of network congestion[1]. This practice targets the top 5% of data users who consume more than 2GB of data per month[1]. When these users are in a congested cell site, Verizon may reduce their data speeds for minutes or hours until the congestion subsides or they move to a less crowded area[1].
* Capacity Expansion Verizon integrates new facilities to relieve overloaded sites, especially in densely populated suburban and urban environments where handling calls and data transmissions is a growing concern[2]. These new cell sites are designed to balance geographic coverage with the capacity to support usage within that footprint[2].
* Network Optimization Verizon uses network optimization techniques that address coverage gaps, reduce latency, and enhance data capacity to handle increasing mobile data traffic[8].
* Strategic Cell Site Placement Verizon strategically places cell sites to improve coverage and increase capacity in areas with service gaps[2][3]. These sites offload traffic from overloaded sectors, providing a dedicated signal to improve service in targeted areas[2][3]. Factors such as terrain and foliage are considered when determining the location and design of these facilities[2].
* Prioritization In crowded areas, Verizon may prioritize its postpaid customers, potentially dropping users with lower priority from the network when the tower is overloaded[4].
Citations:
[1] https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/did-you-know-verizon-also-throttles-unlimited-data-service/
[2] https://www.stow-ma.gov/conservation-commission/files/verizon-rf-report
[3] https://www.cit-e.net/chester_ny/uppages/VERIZON%20RF%20ZONING%20REPORT%206-18-18.PDF
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/Visible/comments/17ykhlz/psa_visibleverizon_drops_you_from_towers_in/
[5] https://community.verizon.com/t5/Other-Network-Discussions/LTE-Data-Network-overloaded-in-my-area/td-p/1012343
[6] https://www.lightreading.com/oss-bss-cx/verizon-s-4g-network-one-of-the-most-congested-in-the-world-analyst
[7] https://www.verizon.com/about/our-company/network-management
[8] https://techlevated.com/techterms/mobile-network-optimization/