AT&T Replaces iPad Unlimited Data Plan with 2GB Capped Plan for New Customers

[Dr Kevorkian94]

this is the most r-tard thing ever what did they think would happen when they did this. come on there market strategist must be the biggest r-tard ever. new everything, ipad plans, iphone plans, and they are charging 20$ for tethering where in other countries its like 10$ or even free. i actualy want the iphone to go to other networks now this was the lats straw. IM DONE

 

[JohnDoe98]

Except didn't someone that had their ipad replaced lose their 3G service? They couldn't transfer it to another device?

So would this work? Is it not tied to a number on the iPad?

That BS. I bought the sim card, testing it in multiple iPads and currently am running it in my Nokia N95 handset. I'm waiting for a Wifi-N capable device and I'm upgrading it (hopefully it'll be the 4thgen iPhone jailbroken). I am fully VOIP functional and can tether to my computer but unfortunately the N95 tethers horribly slowly, hence the desire for a Wifi-N device. With Gizmo and Google voice I have unlimited data, texting, and calling in North America for a whopping 30$ a month.

 

[turbineseaplane]

We need rollover data.

I'd be OK with the 2GB cap if we got rollover data.

Some months are lower usage.

I don't get a credit when I use LESS than I'm paying for, so why should AT&T be charging me extra when I use MORE than I'm paying for?

Let's play fair here AT&T.

Give us rollover data.

Some carrier will do this, trust me.

 

[wizard]

Interesting Math.

Well after taking a few minutes to not get all wound up here is a realistic look at my situation:

2 iPhone's
1 iPad, soon to be 2 iPad's

So I'm looking at $120 a month for unlimited data on all 4 although my wife's we could probably get away with the 250.

With the new 'plan' and it does say existing CUSTOMERS keep their current plan, so even upgrading your an existing customer from what I read.

With the new setup $90 a month from $120 if I setup the Pro plan with tethering, 45 for each iPhone, drop the plan on the iPad and tether to the iPhone. I get the added bonus of tethering the Macbook and more importantly for me a backup now exists in case my connection goes out at the house.

I'd have to use 5gb per month on one device to see $120. There is no way my wife will use 2gb mostly because we work out of our house and when we're out working its together.

My bigger issue is I paid Apple $130 more for a 3G iPad and now find I don't need one if I can tether a 4G iPhone.

If this all turns out to be the case my iPad will be going back to Apple for a Wi-Fi. I've got until the 16th of June for my 30 days and I'd bet Apple will have a whole slew of people who can work a calculator wanting to return theres also.

The above makes no sense at all. You have a 3G iPad that you can start and stop the data plan at will on. Why would you get rid of that. If nothing else it is a backup to tethering or cell phone problems. Considering what the iPad is I can't imagine having one without 3G.

I am half way through my month and I've used 442mb of data. I consider myself to be a heavy user of data, I'm in Jump Desktop at least 1 hour per day, I use it to surf at lunch and dinner. I do 80 percent of my email from it.

So to me this is a good thing which could save $30 a month, I have no use for watching video or anything like that over 3G nor do I care to.

My iPhone data useage has dropped to nearly nothing since getting the iPad since I generally carry around both devices.

Now I can take back my current iPad, get the wife a wifi and save $260 for a total first year savings of $620.

While you go on and on your points are well taken. The knee jerk reaction is that the plans are bad. They actually might be for me, haven't done the math yet, but for many the new plans could be a savings. I could save $5 a month or spend $15 more.

I just can't however grasp why you think you need to return the iPad. It makes no sense to me. That 3G capability can end up being very useful, especially when it can be enabled when needed.

Dave

 

[Fly Rodder]

This is the strategy

I don't get a credit when I use LESS than I'm paying for, so why should AT&T be charging me extra when I use MORE than I'm paying for?

Like buying food in bulk, with everything electronic, more is discounted so that they can sell you more than you need or can use.

The whole point of this scam is to offer one ******** "inexpensive" plan, $15/200mb (or $13mb/$) that probably is capped just low enough so that 70-90% of their customers exceed the cap against a reasonable sounding plan, 2gb/$25 (or 80mb/$) that only a few people do.

If it was a reasonable plan, they'd offer more than one data package, at a discount for low end users. Why the heck would it cost more to deliver less data?

 

[shervieux]

Uh, I think you've got that backwards.

Given the introduction of lower data caps, I imagine most data-intensive iPad apps that were under development just imploded. You'll likely see them delayed while they re-work their app feature set to work with the restricted data models, if not scrapped entirely.

I wonder if the developers did not know. I see many that have a clause that say wifi only. Still, poor ABC who just updated their app.

Had a feeling 3g and internet everywhere was going to be too good to last.

 

[heisetax]

But where are you?

People just think about how much you use your data BEFORE bitching about these changes. Also, more than 2GB/month is nuts anyways. Try using your PC/laptop for that and it will also download much faster

If you are in a place that you can down load with your Mac/PC then you'd just connect with your iPad with a WiFi connection. Many people do not have the luxury of having that kind of connection when they are working on the road or at many customer locations. Only about 5-0% of the clients that I see in their home or office has any type of internet connection available. Then with most networks one must get logged into their network which is not always a choice.

3G are for times that you seem to think do not occur. the iPad seems to be a device that will require more data than that which is used even with the iPhone.

AT&T is just trying to protect their weak over used network. Other than for you this change is AT&T once again sticking their tongues out at their customers. How many other companies are going to such lengths to loose their customers or in this case their future new customers?

 

[bpfesq]

What is the battery life of the iPhone like while tethering via iProxy??

 

[Cander]

How does Sprint pricing work out?

Buy a HTC EVO

$30/month Hotspot feature
$59.99/month "Unlimited" usage...and most users at the EVDO forums for Sprint claim the unlimited only applies to 4G access...you are still capped at 5G/month while using the 3G spectrum.

That's $89.99/month on top of your voice/text plan?

How is this a great deal?

And lets not forget Sprint is already out there throttling people to slower speeds if they think you are being too liberal with your own interpretation of "unlimited." Direct from their own plan contracts:

Sprint reserves the right to limit throughput speeds or amount of data transferred

$89.99 INCLUDES unlimited voice and text.

 

[wizard]

They are working on it.

When will Apple get their heads out of their asses and bring these great devices elsewhere?

The problem is the incompatible carriers in the US. To go with a different carrier requires a totally different cell radio. However I'm sure they are working on something.

Especially in the context of iPad which has room to easily add alternative devices.

The only reason ATT is doing this is because the Iphone and iPad is crippling their crappy network.

Don't believe everything you read, AT&T has a pretty good network and is handling far more data than any other carrier going. More exactly they are handling more data than all of the other carriers combined in the US. That is not a sign of a crappy network.

So their plan is limit our data usage.

Well what other choices does AT&T have? Besides if you look at the plans closely, many iPhone customers will end up saving money. Certainly it depends upon how you use the machine but I suspect many will be happy to save $5 a month.

There is a possibility here that AT&T gambled that the 3G iPad would be a failure. Put simply they may not of expected the 3G device to generate the sales it did. The sales are likely translating into heavy data usage thus the caps to control network usage.

It is not an ideal solution but let's face it AT&T is limited by technology as much as anyone is. They can't squeeze more bandwidth out of a tower than is tecnically possible at the moment. All radio systems have physical realities with in which they must work even cell phone radios.


Dave

 

[ReallyBigFeet]

$89.99 INCLUDES unlimited voice and text.

Its not unlimited, I already showed you that.

3G = 5gigs/mo LIMITED usage
4G = Unlimited (until they say otherwise)

BOTH situations, Sprint reserves the right to limit your speed or total consumption at any time.

So $89.99 for their "Everything Data" plan w/900 mins
Plus $29.99 per month for Hotspot to drive your iPad
Plus $10/month surcharge for their "Premium Data" plan (this just announced)

$129.98/month for as "unlimited" data usage as they allow.

Correct?

 

[alent1234]

thumbs up to AT&T. the new tiered pricing is going to save me $20 a month. Wife and I both have iphones

 

[AnthonyCM]

thumbs up to AT&T. the new tiered pricing is going to save me $20 a month. Wife and I both have iphones

Good for you. Now go sing their praises on a thread about phone data. This thread is about the iPad, and how a lot of us are feeling screwed about AT&T and Apple advertising one thing, and then the customers soon being presented with something else.

 

[JediZenMaster]

Good for you. Now go sing their praises on a thread about phone data. This thread is about the iPad, and how a lot of us are feeling screwed about AT&T and Apple advertising one thing, and then the customers soon being presented with something else.

I dont see why your mad. You get to keep your unlimited data so whats the issue here? Or is this another case of "Lets jump on the bandwagon because it's a slow newsday"?

 

[AnthonyCM]

I dont see why your mad. You get to keep your unlimited data so whats the issue here? Or is this another case of "Lets jump on the bandwagon because it's a slow newsday"?

We were told we could use one month, cancel the next, and sign back up the following. I don't need the 3G service every month, but I will from time to time. For example, I traveled earlier this month, and needed the 3G. Well, I don't need it in the coming month, so I have no reason to pay the $30. However, now if I don't pay the $30, I'm no longer 'grandfathered' in.

It's not a slow news day, it's about a lot of us getting screwed so soon after they sold us something based on a plan they're no longer honoring.

 

[TraceyS/FL]

I dont see why your mad. You get to keep your unlimited data so whats the issue here? Or is this another case of "Lets jump on the bandwagon because it's a slow newsday"?

only if you never cancel... which isn't what was advertised when we bought. And, you only get to keep it if you sign up before the 7th. What about all those people that ordered in the last few weeks and won't get theirs until after the 7th??

 

[llurgy]

For me, I dont think it is the fact that the majority of people use less than 2Gig per month.
I think it is more that the unlimited Data plan had been advertised since the end of January 2010 ---> the iPad 3G comes out with said plan ---> said plan gets taken away barely a month after launch.

Most of us feel screwed because what was advertised and what we paid for has been taken away so quickly.

 

[essinger]

You get to keep your unlimited data so whats the issue here?

For people who bought the 3G thinking they could turn the wireless broadband on when they traveled and use it to stream video it kinda screws-up their plans.

 

[JediZenMaster]

only if you never cancel... which isn't what was advertised when we bought. And, you only get to keep it if you sign up before the 7th. What about all those people that ordered in the last few weeks and won't get theirs until after the 7th??

Well they are SOL and can send the device back. I'm glad i went with the wifi iPad.

 

[Robin4]

I dont see why your mad. You get to keep your unlimited data so whats the issue here? Or is this another case of "Lets jump on the bandwagon because it's a slow newsday"?

Do you work for AT&T? It seems like all you have done so far is defend left and right their outrageous behavior.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Wi-Fi iPad + JB iPhone with MyWi is the solution that makes the most sense.

I'm happy to actually pay for tethering, but it needs to include additional data beyond the 2GB + be able to tether over Wi-Fi like MyWi does (not just BT & USB).

As it is, just charging iPhone users $20 to "turn on the switch" on tethering is total extortion.

You could argue that it's simply a feature of the device and not the service and that AT&T has little business even butting into that arena.

 

[wizard]

A pretty accurate summation.

What they are doing is eliminating people from downloading movies over 3G which is fine with me. It's bandwidth hogging and the people who want to replace their main internet connection with a 3g connection should pay more.

Especially in the context of network hogs using a connection that can't easily be upgraded or improved. There is only so much bandwidth available from a cell tower and lnog ass downloads can severly limit a towers performance for a long time.

People need to also consider that AT&T is making it's WiFi connections free again under this plan. Most likely for the same rational, that is to put the user bandwidth onto connections that can easily handle it.

They are protecting the majority of their customers interests, it is good for the consumer and the company.

Exactly!!!! For many this will be a big win.

I wonder what the people who go over 2GB are doing? If it is such a great thing to download massive amounts of data via 3G then you must have a strong need for it and no problem paying for it.

Well this I kinda of disagree with. At least with the tone. You see I understand the technical issues any cell carrier has with data. Sometimes customer expectations are unrealistic. However at the same time there are a lot of new features and apps being promised that will only be viable to the customer if data rates are managable.

It is a double edged sword once features are available that are accepted and USED by the majority of your customers the more they will have to pay for the data to deliver those features. It is one thing to offer unlimited data when a minority makes use of that data it is another thing if everybody will be making use of that data.

What this signals to me is that AT&T is getting ready for an explosion in data usage. Most likely this means video chat/conferencing though Apple could have other compelling features up it's sleeves. This is simply AT&T telling us that they expect far more data usage out of the new iPhone than ever before.



Dave

 

[rtdunham]

The knee jerk reaction is that the plans are bad. They actually might be for me, haven't done the math yet, but for many the new plans could be a savings.

simple solution: apple and ATT should agree to allow portability--if u sell your iPad 3G with an unlimited service agreement the agreement would transfer with the device to the new owner.

results:

people pissed at the new terms can sell their iPad, probably for more than it cost Extreme users will pay a premium in order to get unlimited data. those who don't want a 3G under the new terms will have an escape route and can revert to a wifi model without being hurt financially. . and those who would save under the new plan can buy another unit and enjoy the savings under the new terms. who's left unhappy? all from one simple closed-end (limited to the number of 3G models currently on unlimited contracts) customer service gesture. I'd argue even apple and ATT would emerge winners.

 

[Journojulz]

said plan gets taken away barely a month after launch.

If you bought it - you get to keep that tariff.
If you haven't bought - you know what's in store before you buy

For people who bought the 3G thinking they could turn the wireless broadband on when they traveled and use it to stream video it kinda screws-up their plans.

Wonder JUST how many people are going to be that affected?

Really - how many?

unlimited 3G was always going to be not just unrealistic - but actually pretty irresponsible.

Do we all have to suffer crappy 3g from bandwidth hogs with no concept of finite resources?

With great power comes great responsibility. No?

If you go over the 2gb - you pay an extra $10 for another 2gb

I don't think that is an infringement of human rights.

 

[Fly Rodder]

Well they are SOL and can send the device back. I'm glad i went with the wifi iPad.

And that is great customer service. Especially for an "exclusive" partnership.

Customer service seems to have evolved to be how fast and for how long can we milk customers of their money without them bolting the milk house.

Surprised there isn't going to be a separate fee for texting photos, receiving calls, paying your bill online, receiving a bill summary (New from AT&T, just guess what your bill and if it's not enough we'll send you a letter COD asking for more!), etc.