the only thing we can do is make a big stink?
how?
verizon doesn't even let us, its customers report problems to its own customer support via e-mail, as far as I can tell.
to comlain, i must call the level1 tech support and explain why their network isn't working.
i've been in IP networking for 20 years and i can't tell them exactly why, not that they would listen anyway.
i'm sure they'll tell me to clear my cache and restart my router :)
the fact that i wrote code for IP routers and other IP equipment for many years will not impress them, they'll still need me to install internet explorer :)
what i suspect is happening is some genious at Verizon wanted to same money (always a good idea) and deployed some network optimization / video caching equipment.
it could be a solution from someone like bytemobile, flash networks, etc. who knows?!
obviously there are times where this equipment doesn't quite work as advertized.
possible reasons are plentiful. misconfiguration, overload, etc.
when it fails to work, youtube stalls to a grinding halt for me.
what do I do?
i just try a few open proxies and usually i can find one in a few minutes that works well.
then i go ahead and download everything i need (say a few episodes in advance) using youtube downloader.
then i watch using something like mplayer without having to worry about the stupid flash or html5 player that's trying to "optimize", smart network gear that's trying to "optimize" and all this other "just in time" and "improve end user experience" mumbo jumbo that is about as reliable as windows 95 on a rainy day.
service provides always want to provide . . . hmm . . . "service". see that guy on the right that's supposed to answer your troubles? the flashy robot fella? that's SERVICE!
and consumers always want just connectivity and no **bleep**.
eventually consumer wins, one way or another, but it will probably take centuries in the US, as this market is essentially a regulated duopoly.
what can I do?
i can remain on the lowest possible plan and not upgrade.
every time verizon wants me to pay more to upgrade I ask them . . . will my youtube actually work any better if i upgrade or will I still have to search for open proxies and jump through hoops?
ok. i'm not upgrading, thank you very much. let me know when you fix youtube and then i might consider it.
same goes for other "service" providers.