It is a contract of adhesion.
If you were simply billed for $15 for each 250MB window you consumed, then this would be a much "fairer" system. The problem is you have no power to negotiate your contract.
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$15 for 2MB of data on AT&T
- Thread starter Xgm541
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It is a contract of adhesion.
If you were simply billed for $15 for each 250MB window you consumed, then this would be a much "fairer" system. The problem is you have no power to negotiate your contract.
So don't sign the contract or use a different carrier. Negotiation isn't the problem. It's being an adult and paying for the data that he used instead of trying to get out of paying for it.
This is one of the reasons why I HATE At&t. They just love to nickle and dime their customers. Why have a Data cap AND no tethering? If you're going to have a 2gb data cap allow free tethering you greedy F*cks.
I'm not thrilled to go back to At&t but my entire family is on it and I'm joining their family plan.
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That's such an asinine comment...
there is a thing called Wifi and a thought process of... I use the iPhone for it's multimedia features and apps... or maybe a person just doesn't want to pay for the 2gb plan.
lol that suks... lesson learned i guess
people like him is the reason why companies put data caps "oh i have unlimited data so i should stream netflix nonstop"
really? people like him who used 200MB?
Cell phone companies are like drug dealers. First they get u hooked on unlimited data (if you notice in the beginning everybody had it and forced it on to you). Then after everybody is hooked on it, they take it away and charge u. That actually brings up another good point. Why is it that if u are getting a smartphone you must sign up for data plan? what happens if i want to use wifi? My dad would love to get a smartphone but verizon doesn't let him without charging him $30 a month for the privilege even though he has wifi at work and at home.
This type of treatment of customers is the reason why i'm on sprint. I have unlimited data for now and even though I don't use it most of the time its nice to not have to worry if I will go over if i need to use it.
It's funny, that "normal rate" is apparently $30 for 400MB, yet someone on a different plan pays $25 for 2GB. And in fact I pay $30/month for unlimited data.
AT&T is obviously milking it. If they wanted to charge fair prices, they would have bumped Xgm541's father up to the 2GB plan for a month... essentially charging him an extra $10 for 1.8GB, not $15 for 200MB.
The average customer who subscribes to the 200MB plan obviously expects to use less than 200MB each month; if they wanted 400MB worth of data they would buy the 2GB plan for less money. So, why does AT&T automatically charge them for an additional 200MB? They obviously don't want it! Why doesn't AT&T offer a $15 for 200MB + $0.20 for each MB thereafter plan? Or why doesn't AT&T offer to temporarily bump you up to the 2GB plan for $10. ...I think the answer is obvious: they're milking it.
And yes, it's in the contract. So? Unfair policies can and should be challenged. It's not like there are a plethora of options out there.
Geez, it's like saying execution is a just punishment for shoplifting, as long as it's written in the law books.
*removes grumpy hat*
Well you have to remember there is a lag between data usage and when it is posted to your account. It could be up to 3 days. Normally it is with in 24 hours but there is still the lag time. Problem is he went over limit during that lag time. He might of already crossed it by the time he got the 90% alert.
A few people in this thread have brought this up, and while I agree the OP's dad should not have used the 200MB if he didn't need, I can sympathize (my dad is the same way). But anyway, everyone wants to keep harping about how the texts lag behind from 1-3 days and how since the OP's dad signed the contract, it's essentially his fault. But where in the contract does it say AT&T has up to 3 days to warn a user about data usage. I believe the contract terms state that they will let you know when you reach a certain level. They don't say they will let you know a few days after you reach the level.
So playing devil's advocate, if the OP's dad turned data completely off after receiving the 90% warning, I don't think he's entirely at fault, as it is not advertised by AT&T that they may take a few days to let you know you reached the certain amount of data.
While I agree that OP's dad should just man up and pay the $15, this is a pretty good point. Certainly if this is the case people have gone over by more than just 2MB in however long it takes AT&T to send out the warning texts. I'd hope AT&T would make adjustments in these scenarios...
Except such a warning is all over their site.
From their site:
Important: There are delays in reporting and processing call or data records. It may take up to two to five days for usage on the AT&T wireless network to show up in any Voice & Data Usage category. Additional delays may occur due to technical difficulties. Further delays may apply to roaming usage, which is based on call records received from other carriers. A delay of a minimum of two to ten days for roaming usage is usual and up to 60 days or longer is possible. During the time your invoice is being processed, you may not be able to view your usage or you may experience additional delays in reporting of usage. Minutes used in excess of those available will either be deducted from available Rollover or from another category of usage for which that call is eligible. Minutes "Used" may reflect airtime for unanswered voice mails, administrative calls, and other calls for which you are not billed. Data usage information (including text messages, picture messages & Internet usage) may also be delayed based on the same reasons mentioned above. This usage information is only an estimate and, regardless of what is shown, your next invoice will be determined by the information contained in our billing system, not this usage information. Hawaii Text/Data Users: The time stamp for your unbilled data usage may be off by up to 4 hours.
Your dad sounds hilarious. Similar to my dad perhaps. Streaming a radio station just to use up the data that he's paying for?
This may be accurate, but I fine-tooth combed a friends AT&T contract with a tiered data plan and this is mentioned in that contract whatsoever. I am not trying to create an argument, I am just pointing out that AT&T should make it a priority to inform customers directly (not through their website, as many don't peruse it), that they will not receive these notifications for days at a time.
Also, that message doesn't word very accurately. I'm just saying they should make clear that the warning texts they are sending to help consumers may not be very helpful at all.
It's funny, that "normal rate" is apparently $30 for 400MB, yet someone on a different plan pays $25 for 2GB. And in fact I pay $30/month for unlimited data.
AT&T is obviously milking it. If they wanted to charge fair prices, they would have bumped Xgm541's father up to the 2GB plan for a month... essentially charging him an extra $10 for 1.8GB, not $15 for 200MB.
The average customer who subscribes to the 200MB plan obviously expects to use less than 200MB each month; if they wanted 400MB worth of data they would buy the 2GB plan for less money. So, why does AT&T automatically charge them for an additional 200MB? They obviously don't want it! Why doesn't AT&T offer a $15 for 200MB + $0.20 for each MB thereafter plan? Or why doesn't AT&T offer to temporarily bump you up to the 2GB plan for $10. ...I think the answer is obvious: they're milking it.
And yes, it's in the contract. So? Unfair policies can and should be challenged. It's not like there are a plethora of options out there.
Geez, it's like saying execution is a just punishment for shoplifting, as long as it's written in the law books.
*removes grumpy hat*
I know it is so unfair, I don't feel like paying any of my bills either but I do.
You don't like their data packages or rates or contract you signed then switch instead of whining.
Looks like his attempt to stick it to the man worked out great
Always buffer yourself with anything, Data, or minutes by using a tad bit less than your plan states, I have tried this as well with my Wife's iPhone 4 but decided just to go to the 2GB plan because one month she will use 100MB, then next month 210MB, so wasn't worth the hastle.
I do understand what you dad is trying to do, but in the grand scheme of it all, it as your dad now knows, just never works out that way.
I do understand what you dad is trying to do, but in the grand scheme of it all, it as your dad now knows, just never works out that way.
I know it is so unfair, I don't feel like paying any of my bills either but I do.
You don't like their data packages or rates or contract you signed then switch instead of whining.
Looks like his attempt to stick it to the man worked out great
I don't see it as him trying to "stick it to the man" he was just trying to get all that he paid for. When you go out to eat and you have leftovers you take it home (well some people do), why? Because you already paid for it and don't want it going to waste.
The guy only "ate" half his meal and wanted the other half and At&t has a no take home policy.
Why? You should stay under 200. I am a heavy user and rarely go over 200 since I am on wifi most of the time. I have an unlimited data plan.
It's funny, that "normal rate" is apparently $30 for 400MB, yet someone on a different plan pays $25 for 2GB. And in fact I pay $30/month for unlimited data.
AT&T is obviously milking it. If they wanted to charge fair prices, they would have bumped Xgm541's father up to the 2GB plan for a month... essentially charging him an extra $10 for 1.8GB, not $15 for 200MB.
The average customer who subscribes to the 200MB plan obviously expects to use less than 200MB each month; if they wanted 400MB worth of data they would buy the 2GB plan for less money. So, why does AT&T automatically charge them for an additional 200MB? They obviously don't want it! Why doesn't AT&T offer a $15 for 200MB + $0.20 for each MB thereafter plan? Or why doesn't AT&T offer to temporarily bump you up to the 2GB plan for $10. ...I think the answer is obvious: they're milking it.
And yes, it's in the contract. So? Unfair policies can and should be challenged. It's not like there are a plethora of options out there.
Geez, it's like saying execution is a just punishment for shoplifting, as long as it's written in the law books.
*removes grumpy hat*
What about responsibility of the consumer to stick to the commitment they make? Why is it AT&T's job to come up with a cheapest way to charge overages rather the the most simple. Everyone gets the same contract. If you don't like their terms, there are two other carriers that would love your business.
Let's say for a second AT&T uses your suggestion of charging $.20 per mb. At what point are you going to suggest they just upgrade you to the 2gb? And if they automatically upgrade you to the 2gb plan, you expect them to return you back to the 200 mb for the next billing cycle? I wonder how many people would then come back here and complain that AT&T breached their own contract for changing the agreed upon data plan. God forbid a company in this country make a profit anymore without people calling them greedy
Consider it a $15 experiment and contribution to the forum. Now we know what not to do.
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How much did you pay for that straight talk sim? I read where you have to use $200 ST phone from Wal-Mart, and you don't get 3G! Would be worthless on the road. Maybe I'll use it on my retro iPhone 2G though- thanks for the info.
Well with that thought process they actually DID go out of their way to charge you more rather than have an auto tier system they would rather insure that they charged their loyal customers an extra $15 for 200mb rather than just auto bump them to the next plan (2gb) for $10 more.
Look...we are the customers, with out us there is no AT&T and I see no reason why they shouldn't shut off our data at the predetermined allotment/plan and give us an option to agree to additional charges for continued use or wait till the next month when our plan starts over.
Not doing so on their own is just a tactic to overcharge and starts more government intervention to protect the consumers.
People select the 200MB data because they don't want to spend the money for the bigger plan. Letting them go over when there is no real means (real time) method of seeing how much data you have used is just wrong!
Company's that put their customers first will always win in the long run!
Not doing so on their own is just a tactic to overcharge and starts more government intervention to protect the consumers.
People select the 200MB data because they don't want to spend the money for the bigger plan. Letting them go over when there is no real means (real time) method of seeing how much data you have used is just wrong!
Company's that put their customers first will always win in the long run!
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So when he goes to an all you can eat buffet, does he eat until they have to take him out on a stretcher?
I live in America... have you seen some of the people at the All you can eat Buffet? They already do!
The thing is the man didn't pay for an "unlimited" (all you can eat) plan... he payed for a foot long sub and ate 6 inches of it.
That's exactly what he was trying to do if read his post.
Use up the whole 200mb.
Well looks like AT&T stuck it to him instead
That's exactly what he was trying to do if read his post.
Use up the whole 200mb.
Well looks like AT&T stuck it to him instead
Yeah... they did stick him for sure. Though... he could have just popped up the the plan to the 2gb from att.com (you can retroactively change your plan to the first day) and saved 5 bucks. I wish At&t would just do that automatically. They're like the cities that have "street cleaning days" twice a week in hopes of writing parking tickets for people who forget about the cleaning days. Los Angeles is one of those cites.