To answer your questions, yes, I do see fluctuations.  It looks like the last time it was bad enough to make me do a speed test was end of February. I noticed it is GETTING WORSE, meaning 2 bars instead of 5 is more frequent.

 

As I write now, it is 2 am in a low population area - do you honestly think it is congestion?

 

I have not noticed any effect on calls or texts - except between my phone and the other phone on my plan, interestingly.

 

My phone is less than a year old.  I have the unlimited plan. But it has little value if I can't get the data on the phone in a reasonable time.  Verizon takes my money, per contract, but does not perform their contractual obligation. 

 

How do I regain the value of my payments to Verizon?