Netflix Nags Another New Partner, Blaming Verizon for Slow Streams

In April, Netflix signed a Web traffic deal with Verizon. Now it is telling some of its customers that Verizon’s pipes -- and, presumably, other Internet service providers as well -- aren’t up to snuff.

Vox Media designer Yuri Victor tried watching Netflix on his MacBook and ended up seeing this message from the streaming service on his browser, blaming Verizon for slow speeds:

“The Verizon network is crowded right now.” Netflix spokesman Jonathan Friedland, via Twitter, described the messaging as a way to “keep members informed.” Via email, he said the wording was a “test that advises members when their network is congested,” and that it isn’t specific to Verizon. “We’ll see whether they think it is valuable or not.”

Verizon PR representative Robert Elek responded: “This is a PR stunt. We’re investigating this claim but it seems misleading and could confuse people.” This messaging is much clearer, and Netflix is delivering it directly to its customers: There’s a problem with your picture. Blame the guy who owns the pipe.