## What network traffic management means

Data usage is growing in Canada and to make sure that our customers receive a consistent user experience, we manage the traffic on our wireless networks. This means that we use advanced network management technology, like reduced speeds for the Unlimited Data add-on and video experience optimization.

Our Koodo network traffic management policies are explained below:

<div class="collapsible">
  <h3> Unlimited Data  </h3>
</div>
<div class="content">

__If you're using wireless data and have Unlimited Data as a Koodo plan perk or a purchased add-on,__ we may reduce or “control” your speeds when your data usage exceeds a specific range of use or threshold. 

## FAQ

__1. Why is Koodo implementing reduced speeds after my plan reaches its full-speed data threshold?__

Unlimited Data allows you to use as much data as you like while in Canada without being charged data overages. After your plan’s full-speed data bucket is exhausted, Koodo will reduce the maximum speed for the remainder of your bill cycle. This allows us to minimize the impact on the experience of our overall customer base of a small number of users with uncharacteristically high usage. As a result, Koodo can maintain an exceptional network experience for all of our customers. 

__2. How does it work?__

When your total data usage exceeds the full-speed data bucket included in your rate plan during your bill cycle, your data speeds will be reduced to a maximum of 512 Kilobits per second (Kbps) for downloads and uploads for the remainder of your bill cycle. Your data speeds will be reset to full speed on the first day of your next bill cycle. 

__3. Who does reduced speeds apply to?__

All existing customers who have a Koodo Unlimited Data add-on or plan perk and who reach their full-speed data threshold during their bill cycle will experience reduced speeds for the remainder of that bill cycle.

__4. What is the impact of reduced speeds?__

Reduced speeds should not affect any applications that require less than 512Kbps of download bandwidth or 512Kbps of upload bandwidth, but it could affect the performance of applications that normally require greater bandwidth. This means you’ll still be able to browse the Internet and use email, but video quality will be reduced, and other high-bandwidth applications will take longer to load. Reduced speeds apply to all types of data traffic, except Voice over LTE (where available), and it doesn’t apply to circuit switch-based voice services (including 911).

__5. What are some activities that can trigger significant data usage?__

The following are some examples of activities that could trigger significant data usage:

- Streaming/downloading video or audio from the Internet
- Sharing your phone’s mobile data connection with a laptop (tethering, where permitted) or with other smartphones (for example, by creating a personal hotspot)
- Using navigation apps
- Uploading or sharing photos and videos through social media, email, or messaging apps
- Browsing the Internet for prolonged periods
- Using apps that automatically update or require the use of location-based services

__6. How can I manage and track my data usage?__

The following tips can help you manage your data usage:

- Connect to a Wi-Fi network when available
- Update applications over Wi-Fi
- Close and sign out of applications whenever possible

To track your data usage, you can use Koodo [Self Serve](https://www.koodomobile.com/my-account/selector?redirect_url=/my-account/usage&env=ra). 

  </div>

<div class="collapsible">
  <h3> Wireless Video Experience Optimization  </h3>
</div>
<div class="content">

## FAQ <br><br>

__1. What is Wireless Network Experience Optimization?__

In order to enhance the overall performance of our networks for all customers and provide the best possible experience when viewing web pages and streaming videos on your mobile wireless device, we’ve implemented Wireless Network Experience Optimization which improves video streaming and web page loading by encoding files to reduce their size. As a result, videos may load faster and may have less buffering. You may also use less data, which can save you money.

With Wireless Network Experience Optimization in place, you can continue to access the same range of Internet content, applications and services, subject to the general rules in our standard mobility Service Terms.<br><br>

__2. Why is Koodo implementing Optimization?__

The radio spectrum in Canada that is needed to support data use is limited and the networks that rely on this spectrum are rapidly becoming congested. At Koodo, we want to make the best use of the spectrum available to us by ensuring fair access for all customers. As a result, we’ve implemented Wireless Network Experience Optimization throughout our wireless network by managing the amount of bandwidth consumed by streaming videos. <br><br>

__3. What types of Internet content will be optimized?__

Optimization may apply to any detected streaming video that is accessed on a mobile wireless device over the Koodo network in Canada. Optimization doesn’t apply to videos or images saved or downloaded to your device, video messages, or conferencing, or videos you stream when connected to a Wi-Fi network. The level of optimization will differ if optimization by certain video content providers is more restrictive, which in turn will define customer experience.<br><br>

__4. Who does video optimization apply to and when?__

Video network optimization applies to all of our wireless customers. Any device connected to the Koodo wireless network will be optimized in order to preserve the performance of our network and ensure fair access for all customers. This includes smartphones, tablets, Internet keys, and smart hubs. 

Video Experience Optimization has been in effect since November 31, 2012. Web Image Optimization has been in effect as of April 17, 2015. 

  </div>

Network Traffic Management

Mobility

Koodo’s Network Traffic Management Policies

At Koodo, the choice is yours – even when it comes to speed. There are two speed experiences you can choose in our rate plans, based on your needs and budget: __3G and 4G__.

All Koodo plans run on reliable and award-winning 5G and 4G LTE networks. We offer the below data speeds that you can choose from. 3G speeds may reach up to 3 Mbps download speed, and 4G speeds may reach up to 100 Mbps download speed. Existing customers on 5G plans may reach up to 250 Mbps download speed, and 5G speed may reach up to 250 Mbps download speed.

The 5G network is the ‘fifth generation’ of cellular network technology (or mobile internet) that has increased speeds, reliability, and capacity, giving you a better browsing experience. If you are on a 3G speed or 4G speed plan, you may see the 5G logo on your phone, that is normal. You’re getting the reliability of the 5G network at the speed (and price) of your 3G/4G speed plan.

Network speeds vary with location, signal, environmental conditions, Internet traffic, network management, customer device and customer rate plan. Access to the 5G network requires a compatible device and rate plan. Coverage areas are approximate. Actual coverage, network services and technology can vary and are subject to change.

__Note:__ 3G speed plans are also compatible with optional add-ons like VoLTE, Wi-fi Calling, Easy Roam, Call Control, and data top-ups.

*Speed and signal strength may vary with your device, configuration, Internet traffic, environmental conditions, applicable network management, and other factors.*

## FAQs

__1. What is 5G?__

The 5G network is the ‘fifth generation’ of cellular network technology (or mobile internet) that has increased speeds, reliability, and capacity, giving you a better browsing experience. <br><br>

__2. How can I get 5G network access?__

To access the 5G network, existing customers on a [5G speed plan](https://www.koodomobile.com/en/rate-plans?INTCMP=KMNew_NavMenu_Shop_Plans) must be using a 5G enabled device, and be in an area that has 5G network coverage. Check out our [coverage map](http://koodomobile.com/en/network) to learn more. <br><br>

__3. Why can’t I choose a 5G plan on the rate plan page?__

Koodo currently does not have any 5G plans available for New Customers, but has many 4G plan offerings available that reach download speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Existing customers on 5G legacy plans will continue to enjoy 5G speeds of up to 250 Mbps unless they change their rate plan. <br><br>

__4. How do I know if I have 5G network access?__

If you are an existing customer using a 5G enabled device on a 5G speed plan, in an area that has access to 5G network coverage, then you will see the 5G icon on the top right corner of your screen.

If you are on a 3G speed or 4G speed plan, you may see the 5G logo on your phone. You’re getting the reliability of the 5G network at the speed (and price) of your 3G/4G speed plan.<br><br>

__5. What’s the difference between 5G speed plans and 4G speed plans?__

Existing customers on plans with 5G speeds may reach download speeds of up to 250 Mbps, while plans with 4G speed may reach download speeds of up to 100 Mbps, no matter what network you are connected to or the network logo you see on your device. Network speeds vary with location, signal, environmental conditions, Internet traffic, network management, customer device and customer rate plan. Access to the 5G network requires a compatible device and rate plan.

A plan with 5G speeds does not guarantee access to the 5G network. 5G network access requires a compatible device and connection to Koodo’s 5G network, where available. However, even with a 4G capable device and a connection to the 4G LTE network, you can still get a plan with 5G speeds.<br><br>

__6. Why has my data/internet connection slowed down?__

Mobile data throttling (slowed data connection as a result of being pushed down to a lower speed) occurs when you’ve used up the data on your account. Note that if you are an existing customer with the Unlimited Data perk on your account, it allows you to use as much data as you like while in Canada and never be charged data overages.  

However, after your plan’s high-speed data is used, your maximum speed will be reduced to a maximum of 512 Kbps for the rest of your billing cycle. This means you’ll still be able to browse the Internet and use email, but video quality will be reduced and other high-bandwidth applications will take longer to load. For more info, check out Koodo’s Network Traffic Management Policy at koodo.com/NTMP.1


Network

 Speed experience in rate plans

__Learn how to get more full-speed data until the end of your billing cycle with Fast Passes.__

If you need more full-speed data until your next billing cycle, Fast Passes are add-ons available to existing customers who are on a [Pick Your Perk](https://www.koodomobile.com/en/pickyourperk?CMP=KNCKDO0428Google_Koodo-ROI_Google_631195788156&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Koodo-ROI&utm_content=631195788156&gclid=Cj0KCQiA54KfBhCKARIsAJzSrdqgnsXrROjPK0Cm4duW9l_bhPzbXu8RPJYUvyob6mmMz0WSXq1eXvEaAh0sEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) plan with the Unlimited Data perk.

You can add a Fast Pass at any time in [Koodo Self Serve](http://koodo.com/selfserve). Once you’ve logged in to Self Serve, from the “Self Serve” dropdown, select __Usage__ and follow the instructions on the Fast Pass banner at the top of the page.

You'll also be able to add Fast Passes by replying to SMS data notifications. 

__Note:__ Fast Passes can’t be purchased through a Koodo rep.

| Fast Pass               | Price | Included data |
|-------------------------|-------|---------------|
| Fast Pass - 5 GB top-up | $20   | 5 GB          |

__Good to know__

- Fast Passes can be used only by existing customers on Pick Your Perk plans with the legacy Unlimited Data perk.
- Once a Fast Pass is added, it’ll be available until the end of the current billing cycle and won’t carry over to the next billing cycle.
- Once the Fast Pass has been completely used, you’ll experience reduced data speed until your next billing cycle or your next Fast Pass purchase.
- You can purchase a Fast Pass up to 3 times within each billing cycle.


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