Sprint slams on the brakes for top 5% of data users in congested areas

Sprint's pledge of unlimited data is looking increasingly less sustainable, as the carrier maneuvers to rein in network traffic generated by its heaviest data users and ensure quality of service for the majority of its customers.

Postpaid as well as prepaid Sprint customers, including those on its Virgin Mobile USA and Boost Mobile sub-brands, have begun receiving notices alerting them to new data "prioritization management" the operator will employ to prevent network congestion. Prioritization can include a reduction of throughput or speed for those targeted users connected to congested sites.

The approach "will enable us to provide more customers with a high quality data experience during heavy usage times," Sprint said. "Once the customer is no longer connected to a congested cell site, or the site is no longer congested, speeds will return to normal."