I am having this issue, I have unlimited data plan and it cuts me back to 1x from full 3g.  This so called "network optimization"  is to allow others to use the tower you are using...I use 45gb a month and it does throttle me back now.. The customer service tells me that Verizon does not throttle, but they do network optimize....So, lets call it a different name and it makes it ok.  I pay for unlimited 3g coverage, not my issue that Verizon is not able to uphold the contract that they agreed to.  This started a few months ago and is getting worse.  I am disgusted with this since I have no other internet since I live in the middle of no where, limited options and the one thing that worked now does not.  Before you say go get 4g..which would be great, there is no tower for 4g within 100 miles, so a 4g phone would be a moot point.  There should be an override to this nonsense of network optimization.