Last week, Spectrum started to contact customers to inform them of an upcoming change to how their mobile network will handle video. Starting in December 2023, Spectrum will default all video from 720p to 480p on mobile devices for its wireless customers connected to its network. This move will impact customers on Spectrum’s Unlimited Plus Mobile plan.
This was first spotted and reported by The Sunday Brief, who received a copy of the notice. Customers who stream on WiFi will be able to default to whatever resolution their device uses. But on mobile devices connected to Spectrum’s network, it will default to 480p to help reduce the load on Spectrum.
The change will take effect on December 12, 2023. Customers will still be able to manually change the resulting to a higher rate but by default, when starting a video, the network will limit the video to 480p.
This move will likely help reduce the load on Spectrum’s partnership with Verizon, which supplies the wireless network, helping them to lower costs. The exact terms of Spectrum’s contract with Verizon have not been disclosed, but if they have to pay Verizon for the amount of data used, this move could help reduce costs.
Reducing video quality on mobile is not new, especially among prepaid wireless services. Comcast also limits customers on its Intro Unlimited plans to 480p. You will need a Plus or higher plan if you want to stream video at 720p with Xfinity Mobile.
Cord Cutters News has reached out to Spectrum for comment and will update our story when we learn more.