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AT&T CEO's "Only Regret" is Offering Unlimited Data Packages

DubOverdose said:
I think people are overreacting to this. All he's saying is that their unlimited data pricing model doesn't work. He's also saying that free messaging services are wiping out the existing pricing model.
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Macboy Pro said:
Actually, he knows his industry and his comments reflect it well. He should not have offered unlimited data because at the time, they could not support it. No company can keep up. They can't even rollout a platform before its outdated with the next greatest thing.
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Bravo. It's good to read some adult comments.

SpectatorHere said:
I don't think the guys is even right about the past. What if ATT hadn't given unlimited plans? People would have still been constrained by slow protocols and inefficient mobile hardware to use much bandwidth. That's all changing.
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Before the iPhone came along, a lot of us were using 3G smartphones on uncrowded cells, with basically unlimited data plans.

For example, even though Verizon's plan at the time said 5GB max, they almost never enforced the limit. And unlike AT&T with its restrictions, Verizon's TOS even explicity stated that streaming home TV was allowed. It was a freely known secret that people could Sling their home TV over their phones all month long without worry.

As for data being super cheap, someone still has to pay for those undersea cables and all the other worldwide backhaul installation and maintenance. Nothing is free.

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mdntcallr said:
Bs, that amount ought to go down monthly on a prorated basis, instead it is used as a flat amount penalty to keep people in contracts or make them Pay to leave
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ETFs DO go down on a montly prorated basis.

At least, on Verizon and AT&T and Sprint. What carrier are you on that does not?
 
Tones2 said:
AT&T is building infrastructure and selling phones. It's not a service. Jeez.:rolleyes:

Again, I think the AT&T signal sucks in my area, but I also think that Apple holds back technology to make future profits. And Apple makes triple the profitability. They both suck, really. But you fanboys are always too blind to see how Apple is gouging us for profitability because they CAN. Now THAT"S greedy, Open your eyes.

This is no different than ANY company really, though. It's just that Apple holds no special place in that world and are no different than AT&T.
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We'll see what's up with Apple with their next iPhone. I'm kind of pessimistic about them, sadly. I'm sure the next iPhone will be better, but I doubt real innovation.

Not to mention that it's late as is. That Samsung Galaxy III offers a far better screen (much bigger, much easier to see outside), it truly multitasks [Edit: I don't know this, only going on the intro vid where they showed a windowed movie able to be dragged around "inside" other apps.], it has hdmi out, isn't made of glass on both sides, it's LTE, and I think, expandable storage.

The iPhone will still have more reliability (that's a BIG deal in my book), but I'd be surprised if Apple is ready to ditch LCD for some sort of oled. I'd be shocked if they offered hdmi out, and there is little hope for an external memory to upgrade. Multitasking is anyone's guess, but if they stick to a smallish screen it won't much matter I suppose.
 
Measuring Bandwidth

What's really near criminal in my book is how these providers charge you for data, but are so reluctant to let you see how much you've been billed for.

Comcast took forever to do this, and it's still hard to find on your accounts page. ATT does have an app but it only updates usage on a daily basis while they manage to bill me instantly...lmao.
 
The profane language in this thread and overreaction to what he said is noteworthy. All he said is that the all you can eat tariff and decrease in SMS-based revenue may hurt AT&Ts business substantially. This guy, unlike most of us here, has a responsibility towards his stockholders and emlpoyees.

I can also only applaud to the poster who wrote that when Apple makes a huge, unethical profit off their lifestyle products everyone is clapping their hands. Is that crazy or what. Apple seems to be only company where people respond with standing ovations when they just ripped you off.
 
He knows charging Text Messaging as a separate service from Data is greedy business model, since they're essentially redundant and he isn't even shy about admitting it.

I hate to use such strong language, but seriously... f*%k that guy! It's this kind of attitude that makes me want to switch to Sprint for my Unlimited Data package. I can't believe he's so open about his unethical business practices.
 
Down with the system

That's right, this is about the business model, which is based on "why should the customer keep any money when the few of us can have it all." Apple tried to show you ways to be prepared for the inevitable demise of the current model of mobile network. Mobile networks and cable/sat TV operators are the greediest most deceptive services out there.
 
realmike15 said:
He knows charging Text Messaging as a separate service from Data is greedy business model, since they're essentially redundant and he isn't even shy about admitting it.

I hate to use such strong language, but seriously... f*%k that guy! It's this kind of attitude that makes me want to switch to Sprint for my Unlimited Data package. I can't believe he's so open about his unethical business practices.
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Yep, I'm really not sure he understands that we all know what a scam text messaging is. It costs them practically nothing to deliver an SMS message. Even still, the 160 byte message can be delivered via the data connection if there's any concern about SMS delivery cost.

What a piece of ****. The whole point of iMessage is to call you out on an awful business practice AT&T.
 
kryca said:
The profane language in this thread and overreaction to what he said is noteworthy. All he said is that the all you can eat tariff and decrease in SMS-based revenue may hurt AT&Ts business substantially. This guy, unlike most of us here, has a responsibility towards his stockholders and emlpoyees.

I can also only applaud to the poster who wrote that when Apple makes a huge, unethical profit off their lifestyle products everyone is clapping their hands. Is that crazy or what. Apple seems to be only company where people respond with standing ovations when they just ripped you off.
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He was saying that, but that's not all he is saying.

He's also saying it was a mistake to offer unlimited data.

Where would ATT be now if they didn't have an unlimited data? Some other company would have done the same and then ATT would have eaten some losses in people who saw it as justification to spend 80 bucks a month on a wireless bill they had been paying 45 to 50 for. In the end ATT would still be offering unlimited data by now, just further behind and with fewer customers.

Unlimited data was no mistake, although ATT may not be able to be as profitable...SMS per message pricing is the most insane thing still out there. If I were ATT I'd probably be crying about losing that golden goose.

...Nah, actually, I'd be thankful dupes actually paid what they did for it for so long.

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almirramic said:
That's right, this is about the business model, which is based on "why should the customer keep any money when the few of us can have it all." Apple tried to show you ways to be prepared for the inevitable demise of the current model of mobile network. Mobile networks and cable/sat TV operators are the greediest most deceptive services out there.
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I agree completely. I think cable is still the worst with their hidden pricing schemes that jump around every few months after "introductory offers" expire. Oh, and modem rentals????? DVR rental fees? Remote rental fees???

I want to throw up.
 
It makes perfect sense. This is a business after all. But AT&T allowed unlimited data when it wasn't such a norm. Now I can see him regretting it, but how was he supposed to know this was going to blow up like this?

I am still grandfathered with the unlimited data plan and such but I'm thinking of ditching it anyways because I really dont need it and I could slim out my parents cell phone bill.
 
Quit whining

AT&T pays Apple, what, a $600 subsidy for every iPhone sold, up front, so that AT&T customers can get them cheap? HOw much does that cost to finance and how much credit risk do they take? And they build out a multi-billion dollar infrastructure with tens of thousands of employees to support it so you can have fast data anywhere you want? And then people whine because they aren't giving away data for free. Give me a break.
 
I wish they wouldn't have offered unlimited data either because I would have waited to get an iPhone on Verizon's 3G network. Not to mention I would have been able to upgrade to unlimited 4G when the 4G compatible iPhone comes out. AT&T's 4G LTE (not this HSPA+ thing which they can somehow get away as calling 4G) is a joke at best. It will be a long time before they can get anywhere near Verizons network. Granted the backup 3G network will be slower on Verizon, but I really think within 5 years it won't matter what the backup network is.
 
sk1wbw said:
I don't think so. Text messages get put on an unused section of the bandwidth, a part of the spectrum of that bandwidth that's already there.
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Yes, the text data itself (over GSM anyway) is put in a vacant area in a control packet between the cell tower and the phone. Which is virtually meaningless when it comes to cost.

It's like claming that a FedEx letter, sent by plane from the other side of the country, should be "free" just because it was put in a spare coat pocket between the truck and your front door... as if that pocket was all you paid for...while conveniently ignoring the cost of actually transporting and managing the cross-country trip.

Visually, only the -X- part below uses any spare packet bytes, and even that's bogus because of the paging, negotiation and authentication packets that are used to deliver that one "spare" packet.

sender -> tower -> message center -> inter-carrier -> message center -> tower -X-> recipient

Not to mention that there is no "spare" packet used for SMS over CDMA or LTE. So even that feeble argument is moot.

Does that make it any clearer?

fs454 said:
Yep, I'm really not sure he understands that we all know what a scam text messaging is. It costs them practically nothing to deliver an SMS message. Even still, the 160 byte message can be delivered via the data connection if there's any concern about SMS delivery cost.

What a piece of ****. The whole point of iMessage is to call you out on an awful business practice AT&T.
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What is clear, is how much some people's hate is unfortunately fueled mostly by technical ignorance. It's not your fault as much as it is the fault of bad media articles.
 
McLagman said:
AT&T pays Apple, what, a $600 subsidy for every iPhone sold, up front, so that AT&T customers can get them cheap? HOw much does that cost to finance and how much credit risk do they take? And they build out a multi-billion dollar infrastructure with tens of thousands of employees to support it so you can have fast data anywhere you want? And then people whine because they aren't giving away data for free. Give me a break.
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In this economy a CEO of a hugely profitable utility (and that's how the public sees them now) isn't going to get many tears shed no matter what.

And, why not complain? ATT is helping hold back progress.

ATT could be forward looking and innovative, talking about the crazy new speeds, unlimited data, universal coverage, and cheaper prices for customers. I don't see that sort of attitude.

The ATT attitude makes me very willing to consider leaving them whenever the opportunity presents itself.

I'd be happy if the Congress decided to invest in a private public partnership with an upstart wireless provider and dump 100 billion into improving access. Too bad ATT and Verizon own Congress. We'll still end up financing that 100 billion dollar rollout, it just won't happen as fast as it could, and we'll pay it in monthly bills rather than taxes.

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kdarling said:
Yes, the text data itself (over GSM anyway) is put in a vacant area in a control packet between the cell tower and the phone. Which is virtually meaningless when it comes to cost.

It's like claming that a FedEx letter, sent by plane from the other side of the country, should be "free" just because it was put in a spare coat pocket between the truck and your front door... as if that pocket was all you paid for...while conveniently ignoring the cost of actually transporting and managing the cross-country trip.

Visually, only the -X- part below uses any spare packet bytes, and even that's bogus because of the paging, negotiation and authentication packets that are used to deliver that one "spare" packet.

sender -> tower -> message center -> inter-carrier -> message center -X-> recipient

Not to mention that there is no "spare" packet used for SMS over CDMA or LTE. So even that feeble argument is moot.

Does that make it any clearer?



What is clear, is how much some people's hate is unfortunately fueled mostly by technical ignorance.
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You seriously can't be arguing that SMS messaging isn't insanely profitable--can you?

ATT seems to be regretting the decline in SMS.
 
This was one of the reasons I have ATT. Does he not realize a lot of people are with ATT because of unlimited data? The moment they take my unlimited data plan away is the day I switch to Verizon.
 
SpectatorHere said:
We'll see what's up with Apple with their next iPhone. I'm kind of pessimistic about them, sadly. I'm sure the next iPhone will be better, but I doubt real innovation.

Not to mention that it's late as is. That Samsung Galaxy III offers a far better screen (much bigger, much easier to see outside), it truly multitasks [Edit: I don't know this, only going on the intro vid where they showed a windowed movie able to be dragged around "inside" other apps.], it has hdmi out, isn't made of glass on both sides, it's LTE, and I think, expandable storage.

The iPhone will still have more reliability (that's a BIG deal in my book), but I'd be surprised if Apple is ready to ditch LCD for some sort of oled. I'd be shocked if they offered hdmi out, and there is little hope for an external memory to upgrade. Multitasking is anyone's guess, but if they stick to a smallish screen it won't much matter I suppose.
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A bigger screen is better? Really? Battery life is not a concern? Multitasking? Well, where it matters, the iPhone can do that, so? HDMI out you find on the iPhone as well btw. Expandable storage? You mean the little cards you loose and that go in to slots that atract dirt and sand like a magnet? In the days of free cloud storage and easy conecivity to a home NAS?
None of your points mean anything in the way of innovation, those are personal preferences, I for one did not miss any of them.

None of all that matters anyway as long as the biggest hurdle is not eliminated, the slow and limited data. Once that problem is solved one can think about other things, like if a phone like the samsung SIII is practical, not fitting in your jeans pocket.
 
Chlloret said:
A bigger screen is better? Really? Battery life is not a concern? Multitasking? Well, where it matters, the iPhone can do that, so? HDMI out you find on the iPhone as well btw. Expandable storage? You mean the little cards you loose and that go in to slots that atract dirt and sand like a magnet? In the days of free cloud storage and easy conecivity to a home NAS?
None of your points mean anything in the way of innovation, those are personal preferences, I for one did not miss any of them.

None of all that matters anyway as long as the biggest hurdle is not eliminated, the slow and limited data. Once that problem is solved one can think about other things, like if a phone like the samsung SIII is practical, not fitting in your jeans pocket.
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I agree about the data being important. And, you're dead on about battery/efficiency. So, I agree with much of what you say.

I'm not going to touch the ridiculous 3.5" screen is perfect since Apple did argument. It's dumb. You'll have a bigger phone and like it soon enough.

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McLagman said:
God help us.
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Yeah, it would suck to have all those jobs for techs and the additional competition. Oh, and who wants all that fast, cheap, data???

He's a commie!

It's much better we spend 2 billion dollars a day on the military. Go America! Defeat terror!
 
there are a lot of good points being made concerning data and the way they used the money to build the infrastructure. I'm not going to defend this guy, because he could have picked his words much better, or best yet he could have just not said anything. Why he would say such things and get people against him is beyond me. Just because we are ATT customers now it doesn't mean we will be forever. iPhone lovers have other options now, and non-iPhone users have plenty of great non ATT options as well.
 
Its called competition. If they want to compete offer better pricing or alternate services. Texting is probably the most over charged service, considering its not costing them much to implement it.
 
SpectatorHere said:
Yeah, it would suck to have all those jobs for techs and the additional competition.
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I guess it;s kind of like when the super-efficient government post office employees compete with the slackers at UPS who are always loafing around. That's what we need. It'll be Utopian. I can't wait.
 
While what he said is true and he is obligated to his company and shareholders to make a profit....I don't think saying this and letting it get out to the public was a good idea.
 
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