FCC Chairman: T-Mobile 'Binge On' Does Not Violate Net Neutrality

When T-Mobile last week announced its new Binge On perk, which lets you stream video on your mobile device without it eating into any of your allotted data, advocates for an open Internet were quick to voice concerns.

Now, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler has weighed in, and it turns out he has no problem with Binge On. In fact, he actually supports it.

"It's clear in the Open Internet Order that we said we are pro-competition and pro-innovation," Wheeler said during Thursday's FCC meeting, according to Ars Technica. "Clearly this meets both of those criteria. It's highly innovative and highly competitive."

Wheeler added that the FCC will keep the program on its radar to ensure it doesn't violate the commission's net neutrality rules.

The FCC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

When announcing the program, T-Mobile CEO John Legere said Binge On "is not a net neutrality problem" because any company can participate, even porn providers. Critics, however, worried that certain services might be able to finagle a better experience than others on T-Mobile's network.

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With Binge On, T-Mobile Is Compressing Its Competitors

The service launched this week with support for 24 different streaming services, including Netflix, HBO Now, HBO GO, Hulu, Sling TV, WatchESPN, Showtime, Starz, Crackle, Encore, Fox Sports, Fox Sports Go, MLB, Movieplex, NBC Sports, Sling Box, and more. T-Mobile customers still need to pay for a subscription to Netflix, HBO Now, or whichever streaming service they use, if they charge, but won't have to worry about using up data while watching.

For more, check out 5 Things You Need to Know About the FCC's Net Neutrality Plan.