AT&T ending grandfathered data plan with iPhone 6?

[Primejimbo]

I still have my AT&T unlimited plan and so does my wife. Most we ever used combined is 5GB except that one time I tried Pandora. My daughter will be getting a iPhone at the end of the year and we'll probably switch to the new family plan and get 10GB plan.

I have T-Mobile for work and I am so glad I got to test them out like this. I get the same signal at home, but everywhere else is horrible for them. I was going to switch to them because they are cheaper, but what's the point saving money if I it doesn't work for me.

 

[SpyderBite]

For those who still clutch on to their unlimited plans because of their heavy usage; it's time to ask yourself why you do not have access to wifi at home, school or place of work.

 

[barkomatic]

For those who still clutch on to their unlimited plans because of their heavy usage; it's time to ask yourself why you do not have access to wifi at home, school or place of work.

Well, I think most people who use a lot of data on unlimited plans have already thought of that. Do you really think it's because they just don't realize there are wifi networks available? I assume you've got wifi at home, at work and many places in between -- but understand that's not the case for everyone.

 

[MattMJB0188]

For those who still clutch on to their unlimited plans because of their heavy usage; it's time to ask yourself why you do not have access to wifi at home, school or place of work.

Maybe its time YOU ask why AT&T ONLY offered the unlimited plan when most of us signed up with AT&T. In case you are not aware, there were no other plans to choose from.

 

[OneMike]

So target worker told you somebody told them?

That should've set off an alarm right there.

 

[I7guy]

Well, I think most people who use a lot of data on unlimited plans have already thought of that. Do you really think it's because they just don't realize there are wifi networks available? I assume you've got wifi at home, at work and many places in between -- but understand that's not the case for everyone.

I was recently up a hotel that actually charged for wifi. A few bucks for slow wifi and a few more bucks for faster wifi.

My unlimited data with tethering came in very handy for the week I was there. This is one reason why I'm not dropping my old plans anytime soon.

 

[TECHNOLOGE]

The rep and/or their supervisor are making an assumption and passing it off as fact. There have been employees at all kinds of outlets that have said this at every upgrade cycle since the unlimited plans ended.

AT&T has stated they will never force people off unlimited. However, what *may* happen is that will refuse to subsidize your iPhone or allow you to make payments on the Next program. Meaning you would need to pay full price up front -- which would effectively force people off.

I argree with that, if they where trying to get there customers off the plan.

I left ATT was paying $136.00 a month for my Grandfathered plan. I pay 74.00 a month through T-Mobile for Unlimited/Un Throttled LTE, Data and Text.

How is your T-Mobile Coverage where you are? I've never been happier.

I would of kept that unlimited data plan with ATT, wether you use it or not. In my book i would rather have it, and dont need it, then need it and dont have it. Especially if its not being offered any more.

No I stand behind it, I used 7 GB last month and my internet never changed.

Also as of the link that famoussasjohn posted with the the link to the Unlimited data plan throttling policy. There is a key thing you Bobby are missing, if you read the policy it says they "MAY" slow down your speeds, comming from a logical stand point, going over the 5GB once in a while ok, but doing it every month will get you throttled you know.

I work for ATT and can say we haven't heard that, and I don't see that happening, but I also don't see much use for many people in the "unlimited" category any more. Don't get me wrong, it's still great for some people, but not all.

Maybe so if they dont use data alot, but at the same time what is the point of having a smartphone, when the brain (Data) is slowed down after a certain amount of it is used?

Ask Verizon how they got passed that then. If you still have unlimited data and upgrade with a 2 year agreement, they force you to a newer data plan.

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TMO coverage outside isn't terrible here in NYC but inside, it's unusable for me. No service in my house. I bought a pre-paid SIM and tested it out. 🙁 I really hope it gets better because I'd love to move over to TMO. Maybe once iOS 8 is out and this Continuity thing works, I'd be able to.

I actually get a discount from my AT&T FAN acct so total incl taxes on my grandfathered plan is $91 so it's not terrible but I like TMO's pricing structure w/ the free intl roaming too.

TMobile coverage in New York City is very very good, iam actually suprised on how good it is in New york City, they have improved there network VS what it was before and i have seen a huge imporovement,

There LTE network is as fast as a home internet is New York City.

Also ATT has alot of network congestion, mainly due to the contract ATT had with apple for the iPhone exclusivity deal for 5 years.

Concerning the ATT taking people off the unlimited plan.

Never believe a authorized dealer, they dont have ties to ATT, at most they get information the day before, as regular ATT employees, they dont know anyting in advanceds because they work with authorized dealer support.


ATT is not going to cut anyone off there Unlimited Smart Phone Data plan, they may implement the conditions that Verizon did to get customers off, but there not going to just say get off the plan and change immediately. If that was the case they would of cut people off on June 7th 2010 when they first stopped offering it.

You have to understand before these big decisions are made, it has to go through alot of people, meetings are done etc. So rest assured before ATt stopped offering the Unlimited Plan, they talked about these possibilities.

1.Grandfathering existing customers in.
2.How can we maintain good quality network performance with Unlimited Data users. (Thats where Throttling come into place)
3. How many users use over 2GB of data ( To see if a law suit might come if enough people will come together in order to do it, because of the throttling)
4.How do we handle those customers when they call it (thats when a call center script is issued, to say the customers).
5. How many Corporate contracts we have that have the unlimited and if they decide to cancel what can we do to keep them, if not can we afford the hit.

ETC.......

These decisions is not just made one day and then the next day its into effect, no its goes through channels.

These are some of the reasons why i dont see ATT kicking existing customers off the plan.

So people should not take a "TARGET SALES REP" serious, because they dont know for fact also, think logically you know, some of these reps dont know what there talking about.

 

[mantan]

Maybe its time YOU ask why AT&T ONLY offered the unlimited plan when most of us signed up with AT&T. In case you are not aware, there were no other plans to choose from.

Let's at least tell the whole story here. Apple forced AT&T to provide unlimited access as one of the requirements being the exclusive carrier of the iPhone.

A whole has changed since then. The amount of data consumed per user has mushroomed. The amount of users has mushroomed. AT&T is no longer the exclusive carrier. The networks are significantly faster than they were just a couple of years ago.

I think it's naive for users to expect lifetime access to unlimited bandwith based on a contract Apple forced AT&T to offer when the cell world was significantly different. Apple was able to convince most users to move as part of their family plans or for other features. But there still the 'out of my cold dead hand' users who frantically cling to their unlimited plan in fear they have to pay an extra $10 a month.

 

[MacGod]

Funny thing is: Original question was simply about hearing a rumor that AT&T was going to end their grandfathered unlimited data plans with the release of the iPhone 6.

All of a sudden, it turned into a Holy War for carriers - give it a rest people. If you are an AT&T customer AND have an unlimited data plan, then the question has merit. Otherwise, those offering their opinions and saying TMO is awesome or faster or Verizon is this, or whatever... just amusement for the rest of us and chatter.

😱

 

[617aircav]

Think again.

Customer bought unlimited with phone model "x". ATT still honors it. Will forever honor THAT contract.

But - if you want that with some other phone - well - new contract.


Personally, I held onto two unlimited plans for a few years and now kick myself for doing so. I could have been paying less and been fine. The new 4 phones with 10gb and hotspot for $160 a month is way cheaper and great!

Excuse me is there WiFi in your car, and various places. You can't use your usage to judge others.

For those who still clutch on to their unlimited plans because of their heavy usage; it's time to ask yourself why you do not have access to wifi at home, school or place of work.

 

[I7guy]

...
TMobile coverage in New York City is very very good, iam actually suprised on how good it is in New york City, they have improved there network VS what it was before and i have seen a huge imporovement,

There LTE network is as fast as a home internet is New York City.
....

I was just reading another thread about tmobile coverage in NYC said it wasn't that good.

And how Verizon coverage in Brooklyn is terrible, yet when I was there, obviously in one part of the borough) I got a 30/6 speed test...which I consider okay.

That is why the service has to be evaluated and never taken at face value.

 

[Bobby Corwen]

Let's at least tell the whole story here. Apple forced AT&T to provide unlimited access as one of the requirements being the exclusive carrier of the iPhone.

A whole has changed since then. The amount of data consumed per user has mushroomed. The amount of users has mushroomed. AT&T is no longer the exclusive carrier. The networks are significantly faster than they were just a couple of years ago.

I think it's naive for users to expect lifetime access to unlimited bandwith based on a contract Apple forced AT&T to offer when the cell world was significantly different. Apple was able to convince most users to move as part of their family plans or for other features. But there still the 'out of my cold dead hand' users who frantically cling to their unlimited plan in fear they have to pay an extra $10 a month.

Its not naive because you're not framing it from the context of the consumer.

We use internet for almost all the apps we have on our phone, it is THE most important element of communication in our communication devices, (which is why we have them)

So the internet being limited means the whole experience is messed up.

Unlimited data is everything, THE most important thing. It changes the way you think of using your device. If you hesitate to use it, or have to worry or keep track; well that diminishes the experience.

I don't care what the deal used to be with the status of the congestion, Im telling you what I need.

Theres nothing naive about it and that comment came across as a bit imperious.

 

[MattMJB0188]

Let's at least tell the whole story here. Apple forced AT&T to provide unlimited access as one of the requirements being the exclusive carrier of the iPhone.

A whole has changed since then. The amount of data consumed per user has mushroomed. The amount of users has mushroomed. AT&T is no longer the exclusive carrier. The networks are significantly faster than they were just a couple of years ago.

I think it's naive for users to expect lifetime access to unlimited bandwith based on a contract Apple forced AT&T to offer when the cell world was significantly different. Apple was able to convince most users to move as part of their family plans or for other features. But there still the 'out of my cold dead hand' users who frantically cling to their unlimited plan in fear they have to pay an extra $10 a month.

Nope, doesn't matter! Fact is... they offered it as their only data plan. the consumer shouldn't give a s*** on why they had to offer it. How is it naive for users to expect it for a lifetime? With today's technology we should be going forward, not backward with limited data.

And DO NOT pull that wifi is everywhere crap. I always laugh at that argument, if that's what its even called.

I will continue to enjoy unlimited amounts of data on AT&T. I also figured out a way to have truly unlimited data and I will NOT be sharing!

 

[Truefan31]

I argree with that, if they where trying to get there customers off the plan.




I would of kept that unlimited data plan with ATT, wether you use it or not. In my book i would rather have it, and dont need it, then need it and dont have it. Especially if its not being offered any more.



Also as of the link that famoussasjohn posted with the the link to the Unlimited data plan throttling policy. There is a key thing you Bobby are missing, if you read the policy it says they "MAY" slow down your speeds, comming from a logical stand point, going over the 5GB once in a while ok, but doing it every month will get you throttled you know.



Maybe so if they dont use data alot, but at the same time what is the point of having a smartphone, when the brain (Data) is slowed down after a certain amount of it is used?

Ask Verizon how they got passed that then. If you still have unlimited data and upgrade with a 2 year agreement, they force you to a newer data plan.

----------





TMobile coverage in New York City is very very good, iam actually suprised on how good it is in New york City, they have improved there network VS what it was before and i have seen a huge imporovement,

There LTE network is as fast as a home internet is New York City.

Also ATT has alot of network congestion, mainly due to the contract ATT had with apple for the iPhone exclusivity deal for 5 years.

Concerning the ATT taking people off the unlimited plan.

Never believe a authorized dealer, they dont have ties to ATT, at most they get information the day before, as regular ATT employees, they dont know anyting in advanceds because they work with authorized dealer support.


ATT is not going to cut anyone off there Unlimited Smart Phone Data plan, they may implement the conditions that Verizon did to get customers off, but there not going to just say get off the plan and change immediately. If that was the case they would of cut people off on June 7th 2010 when they first stopped offering it.

You have to understand before these big decisions are made, it has to go through alot of people, meetings are done etc. So rest assured before ATt stopped offering the Unlimited Plan, they talked about these possibilities.

1.Grandfathering existing customers in.
2.How can we maintain good quality network performance with Unlimited Data users. (Thats where Throttling come into place)
3. How many users use over 2GB of data ( To see if a law suit might come if enough people will come together in order to do it, because of the throttling)
4.How do we handle those customers when they call it (thats when a call center script is issued, to say the customers).
5. How many Corporate contracts we have that have the unlimited and if they decide to cancel what can we do to keep them, if not can we afford the hit.

ETC.......

These decisions is not just made one day and then the next day its into effect, no its goes through channels.

These are some of the reasons why i dont see ATT kicking existing customers off the plan.

So people should not take a "TARGET SALES REP" serious, because they dont know for fact also, think logically you know, some of these reps dont know what there talking about.

I'm glad we have unlimited iPad data plans. Never throttled.

 

[ron7624]

Jumping ship

I pay for 3 phones and 3 data iPads. Unlimited on the iPhones.
By switching to a 20gb share plan I'll have all that I 'used' data wise and then some and I'll be able to have unlimited talk. I've only got 700 minutes now.
I will save 70 dollars a month.
Because ATT throttles after hitting 5 gigs, and slows all the phones down, I'm thinking of jumping. The ATT unlimited data on the iPhone isn't all that great. Very limiting talk wise and data wise. Att is making it attractive to give up the phone plans.

 

[stoney05]

If AT&T eliminates the the subsidized upgrades like Verizon big deal, the unlimited plan makes up for it.

AT&T hasnt been throttling my data even when i pass 5GB so its YMMV.

 

[aneftp]

Let's at least tell the whole story here. Apple forced AT&T to provide unlimited access as one of the requirements being the exclusive carrier of the iPhone.

A whole has changed since then. The amount of data consumed per user has mushroomed. The amount of users has mushroomed. AT&T is no longer the exclusive carrier. The networks are significantly faster than they were just a couple of years ago.

I think it's naive for users to expect lifetime access to unlimited bandwith based on a contract Apple forced AT&T to offer when the cell world was significantly different. Apple was able to convince most users to move as part of their family plans or for other features. But there still the 'out of my cold dead hand' users who frantically cling to their unlimited plan in fear they have to pay an extra $10 a month.

Ha ha. You've fallen for ATT (and other carriers) reasons for getting rid of unlimited data. Let's revisit ATT history ok?

Back in August 2009, ATT starting mandating (requiring) all smartphone users be put on UNLIMITED DATA. Read please:

http://bgr.com/2009/08/21/att-to-require-smartphone-data-plans-starting-september-6th/

"We want our customers to have the best possible experience with their Smartphones. A predictable bill is a key factor in customer satisfaction, "

For consumers back in 2009, there was only one choice $30 unlimited data plan. There wasn't any other option. Corporate users paid $45 for unlimited data plan. So before the mandate if you had a smartphone, you could opt out of data. You could have opted out of iPhone data plan altogether. You had two choices, unlimited data or no data (put a data block on). Pretty simple stuff. The iPhone didn't have anything to do with data requirements. Just a money grab by ATT.

So ATT back in 2009 starting forcing any smartphone user to be put on unlimited data. Because they wanted to give users a "better experienced with predictable bills with unlimited data".

It's just a money ploy back in 2009. Once they realize they couldn't make any more more off data users on unlimited data. They started using "tiered data" as another money maker.

So when they switched to tiered data, they tried to blame heavy data users for congesting their network. You see they no longer use the "predictable bill excuse when they switched to tiered data". But it's been proven over and over again, heavy data users don't use much of their data during peak times. Most heavy data users are using it at off peak time.

So each time, ATT's lame excuse falls on its face. And yes I am an ATT shareholder.

The bottom line is ATT needs to show revenue to shareholders. Don't believe the excuses they make.

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I pay for 3 phones and 3 data iPads. Unlimited on the iPhones.
By switching to a 20gb share plan I'll have all that I 'used' data wise and then some and I'll be able to have unlimited talk. I've only got 700 minutes now.
I will save 70 dollars a month.
Because ATT throttles after hitting 5 gigs, and slows all the phones down, I'm thinking of jumping. The ATT unlimited data on the iPhone isn't all that great. Very limiting talk wise and data wise. Att is making it attractive to give up the phone plans.

You sure you are saving $70 a month. Are you losing your subsidy with this? Do you have to pay full price for your next phone?

 

[GoCubsGo]

I'm not confident they'll totally remove grandfathered unlimited, that might lose a lot of customers.

They did it on Verizon and Verizon survived.

 

[mkjj]

The US costs for phone plans is scandalous!

Wow you guys pay a lot, i'm on my grandfathered iPhone plan (600mins, unlimited text and data) for £21 GBP ($35) 😀

 

[aneftp]

They did it on Verizon and Verizon survived.

Verizon needed to remove unlimited data. Unlike att or sprint. Verizon is not allowed to throttle lte data per block c band 13 agreement with the FCC.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Verizon needed to remove unlimited data. Unlike att or sprint. Verizon is not allowed to throttle lte data per block c band 13 agreement with the FCC.

Need or want, they survived. AT&T will too. People will jump ship but AT&T will not care nor will they suffer much.

 

[0970373]

That's disappointing to read. I live in the city and was thinking of switching to TMO in a few months -- but I need coverage inside buildings.

It definitely depends on what part of town you're in. I live in Brooklyn in the Garden apt so while AT&T is better indoors, it's not by much. I def suggest using their pre-paid service for a few days to see if it works for you because it's much better than my AT&T service out in the city.

 

[jnappleseed]

I took my daughter to Target to upgrade her broken iPhone 5 to a new 5S. While chatting with the rep, who suggested I trade my 4 in as well, I told him I would be waiting for the iPhone 6 so I could get the bigger screen, and besides, I am on a grandfathered data plan and would need to upgrade through AT&T. He told me his AT&T rep told him they will not allow grandfathered data plans with the 6, and in September they will start moving everyone who is grandfathered out of unlimited data whether they want it or not. Has anyone else heard this or have any more information to share?

I think everyone is talking bad about the target rep and are not noticing the target rep is saying what their att rep told him

 

[lordofthereef]

Well, I think most people who use a lot of data on unlimited plans have already thought of that. Do you really think it's because they just don't realize there are wifi networks available? I assume you've got wifi at home, at work and many places in between -- but understand that's not the case for everyone.

I think there is a mix. I suspect there are a large number of heavy data users that either completely avoid buying home internet or that simply don;t connect to wifi because often times their LTE is actually faster than their at home internet. The counterargument is often that these folks are paying for unlimited and so they should be able to enjoy unlimited. I don't necessarily disagree, but the compnay also doesn't have to continue offering it forever. They could even stop it mid-contract so long as they allow the customer to terminate services without fees.

Of course there are those folks who legitimately don't have the wifi at work, or wherever they spend a lot of time.

Either way, I doubt that unlimited data plans will last forever. They kept them around while they worked on converting folks and grabbing new customers. Now, the vast majority of their users are on tiered plans. They wouldn't shed a tear if every single one of their unlimited users bailed, I don't think.

 

[Carlanga]

For those who still clutch on to their unlimited plans because of their heavy usage; it's time to ask yourself why you do not have access to wifi at home, school or place of work.

Yeah because all work places have WIFI and all work places are the same and all work places are just like yours and all work places want you to be underproductive and all workplaces are hipster places and all workplaces have people working in a specific desk and all workplaces don't have people treating people in different building different floors and all workplaces are spyderbite.

Last month I did 8GB on unlimited. IMO you sound like someone that is hurt of not having unlimited. 😱

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I think everyone is talking bad about the target rep and are not noticing the target rep is saying what their att rep told him

lol at how you believe that the att rep told him this 😉