Exactly it's self imposed. Of course it really doesn't make sense because they call IPDSLAM, FTTC VDSL2, and FTTH UVerse. IPDSLAM can't reach the speeds of FTTC VDSL2 lines yet they have no problem calling both UVerse. So why make the distinction on the other end by crippling their FTTH lines?
I'm sure there's a crazy reason that senior management has come up with to justify this.