Amidst pressure from regulators, Verizon Wireless today canceled plans to throttle heavy data users on 4G LTE.

"We've decided not to move forward with the planned implementation of network optimization for 4G LTE customers on unlimited plans," a Verizon spokeswoman said in a statement.

For several years, Verizon has limited the data speeds of its heaviest 3G data users, but over the summer, the carrier said it would extend that policy to 4G LTE customers on unlimited plans, beginning in October.

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler responded that he was "deeply troubled" by the move, and demanded answers about why Verizon was taking such steps.

"It is disturbing to me that Verizon Wireless would base its 'network management' on distinctions among its customers' data plans, rather than on network architecture or technology," Wheeler said at the time.

The chairman suggested that the move might violate some of Verizon's spectrum commitment, not to mention net neutrality.

Verizon didn't address those points in its statement, except to say that it has "greatly valued the ongoing dialogue over the past several months concerning network optimization."

"Verizon is committed to providing its customers with an unparalleled mobile network experience," the company said. "At a time of ever-increasing mobile broadband data usage, we not only take pride in the way we manage our network resources, but also take seriously our responsibility to deliver exceptional mobile service to every customer."

"Exceptional network service will always be our priority and we remain committed to working closely with industry stakeholders to manage broadband issues so that American consumers get the world-class mobile service they expect and value," Verizon concluded.

"I salute Verizon Wireless's decision. This is a responsible action and I commend Verizon's leadership on this issue," Wheeler said today.

In August, the FCC said it had also sent letters to AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile, asking questions about their network management practices.