Word got out yesterday that the AT&T variant of the Galaxy S5 is missing Download Booster, one of the touted features of the device that allows one to download files faster using both a Wi-Fi and LTE connection simultaneously. Well, it turns out that the feature is missing from the Verizon and Sprint variants as well, with both carriers confirming they have opted to remove the feature. No reason has been given for the move, though it likely has something to do with the carriers wanting users to limit their use of LTE data, or perhaps to make them use more mobile data rather than offloading parts of a download to a Wi-FI connection.
T-Mobile is the only major US carrier that hasn't removed Download Booster, going as far as promoting the feature as one of the phone's highlights, though that isn't surprising considering all the pro-consumer moves the carrier has been making recently. But in case of the other three carriers, this is yet another example of how they continue to make decisions that affect users negatively, and is a good reason why buying devices unlocked and off-contract is something consumers should consider.
