AT&T to Throttle Unlimited Data Plan Customers Starting in October

[MacCheetah3]

I did read it... a few times, in fact, and coupled with their statement about 98% of their smartphone users using under 2GB, I think it speaks fairly clearly that they WILL throttle at, or below, the 2GB mark since only 2% of their users generally pass that number and they're going after the top 5%.

Y-e-a-h...All that... But you do realize the 98% figure was from more than a year ago, correct? AT&T Announces New Lower-Priced Wireless Data Plans to Make Mobile Internet More Affordable to More People

 

[Reimer]

That won't happen. Once they get it so that nobody uses more than 3-4 GB, they won't throttle anyone, and by then most everyone will be on a tiered plan, aka paying for what you use, instead of me paying for what you use.

This is the kind of thinking that AT&T wants from their consumers. The very purpose of traffic shaping/throttling is supposed to be for providing quality of service. What they're actually doing here is using it as a sort of economic ITMP. By degrading the service a customer pays for, they want to try to shift them on to a different plan.

You give the reason quite clearly here

For the rest of us, ATT charges $10 more the second you hit 2GB.

If it were truly about maintaining the network, traffic shaping should be applied to peak usage and/or specific protocols such as video streaming, not on the aggregate usage of a user.

 

[cameronjpu]

If it were truly about maintaining the network, traffic shaping should be applied to peak usage and/or specific protocols such as video streaming, not on the aggregate usage of a user.

Since that kind of traffic shaping is ILLEGAL, I doubt that would happen. Sorry, this is the only way, and it is a very fair way.

Call your congressman if you want ATT to be able to punish one type of traffic over another.

 

[Reimer]

Since that kind of traffic shaping is ILLEGAL, I doubt that would happen. Sorry, this is the only way, and it is a very fair way.

Call your congressman if you want ATT to be able to punish one type of traffic over another.

If true, since I don't live in the US and not sure of the net neutrality laws, I stand corrected on throttling through protocol. I disagree that punishing based on aggregate usage is fair since it does not mitigate congestion which is supposed to be the entire point, or so they say.

 

[cyks]

Y-e-a-h...All that... But you do realize the 98% figure was from more than a year ago, correct? AT&T Announces New Lower-Priced Wireless Data Plans to Make Mobile Internet More Affordable to More People

Yup, I know.... and posted that.

About a year ago, AT&T said that 65% of AT&T smartphone customers use less than 200MB of data per month and 98% of it's users use less then 2GB a month on average.

Let's assume, that because of their capped plans, that those numbers haven't changed.

...and then it was pointed out that they are, in fact, still using and pushing those numbers.

They are still claiming that. http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/plans/data-plans.jsp

So essentially they can throttle all "unlimited" users before they pass the 2GB limit.

 

[MacCheetah3]

Yup, I know.... and posted that.

Touché. I obviously overlooked that, sorry.

...and then it was pointed out that they are, in fact, still using and pushing those numbers.

Hhhmmm... I don't have much I can say to that. Stupid move by AT&T for being lazy and continuing to use those figures, when I'm guessing they're inaccurate.

My only other comment would be; I doubt they use those stats in their throttling warning, but I could be mistaken. And that would also be why it's stupid for them to reuse those dated percentages.

 

[globol]

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Here's the bull ****. If everyone with unlimited data uses only 950mb a month and top 5% uses only 1000mb. Those in the top 5% will be throttled. Here's another thing. What makes a person in fall in the 5%? Only way to know is when the billing cycle is over. But once it's over isn't everyones data cycle reset? So do they say "Hey, last month you were in the top 5% so we're going to throttle your speed" but really on what ground? Because of the last month bill? Sorry AT&T it's a new month. You can't throttle my speed..? No way they can throttle the top 5% there's no way of calculating the 5% until the billing cycle is over. Wait. AT&T has a time machine perhaps? I say starting October 1st. Everyone with unlimited data should use as much data as possible. That way it raises the data ceiling for everyone. If everyone uses 10 gb a month and so that becomes the average consuming rate.

If everyone with unlimited downloads 1mb, yes 1mb. And the top 5% downloaded 2mb, yes 2mb as in megabytes. Does that mean they will be throttled? According to AT&T's new policy, yes. Every month there will ALWAYS be a 5% who uses more than other doesn't matter the amount.

Again. There's no way to say who's in the top 5% until the billing period is over. Then the new billing period starts and everyone so has a clean slate. *** u AT&T.


Edit: sorry, I'm a little tipsy. But I'm sure you get what I'm saying in my rambling .

 

[cyks]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8G4 Safari/6533.18.5)
What makes a person in fall in the 5%? Only way to know is when the billing cycle is over. But once it's over isn't everyones data cycle reset? So do they say "Hey, last month you were in the top 5% so we're going to throttle your speed" but really on what ground? Because of the last month bill? Sorry AT&T it's a new month. You can't throttle my speed..? No way they can throttle the top 5% there's no way of calculating the 5% until the billing cycle is over. Wait. AT&T has a time machine perhaps?

...except that, at any given time, they can tell you how much data you've used so far that month (no time machine needed).

Not to mention, since everyone doesn't have the same billing cycle, they'd probably just go by the last 24 hours use and throttle accordingly.

Again, people can claim semantics on calling it unlimited and wanting unlimited, for me, I just want to know where that magic usage number is... not some arbitrary percent that can easily fall well below the 2GB mark (and does according to the information they present).

 

[thetoad30]

Fortunately, the problem that you and others like you cause for the other 95% of us will end very soon no matter how much you whine about it.

Unfortunately, the life lesson of being a good neighbor will have to be learned elsewhere. But make no mistake, you do have to learn it. Maybe it will be not abusing a bowl of free mints at a restaurant, when the girl you're on a first date with looks at you with disgust when you empty the bowl into your bag. Maybe it will be in August when you're watering your lawn every day, screaming "I PAY MY WATER BILL YOU COMMIE!" as the cop writes you a ticket during a drought. Maybe it will be in McDonalds as you fill up your bottle of heinz at their "unlimited" ketchup dispenser and the manager kicks you out.

I wish i could be there when that lesson does actually hit home.

So now you're going to also tell me how much gas per year I get to use, how many gallons I get to use on a trip, and that I now have to drive a hybrid, right?

Sorry. If I paid for it, I use it how I like. Period. It's none of your business how I use it. You don't like it? Tough. The good neighbor you speak of is an entirely different thing. This is a business ripping me off. If I use 10 GB or 1 MB I pay $30 a month. It's my RIGHT to use the data, and if I have a legitimate use for it and choose to stream Netflix over 3G (which is a BENEFIT according to the marketing of AT&T) then that's what happens.

And again, if I'm on the East Coast my DL has nothing to do with your speed on the West Coast. Stop saying these people slow the network down. They don't. It's the amount of USERS slowing the network down because AT&T way oversubscribed their capacity.

Yep, and ATT picked a rate that forces the many to subsidize the few. Thankfully in this case, the few are almost always jerks, so removing their subsidy feels very good for the rest of us.

You might want to practice saying things slowly, because it looks like your days of streaming your world over video to your website with your unlimited 3G connection are over. When throttled, it might be a lot harder to understand your rantings for your massive audience.

First, I don't stream. So you can can the attitude.

Second, once they implement these throttles, do you really think you're going to be paying less for your 2GB? Are you that dense that you don't really think AT&T is just going to pocket your cash, regardless of how much you use? If you were really subsidizing the usage, don't you think your bill wouldn't be constant? And you'd be getting constant rate increases?

Come on. Use that gray matter between your ears. It wouldn't matter if AT&T had 10 customers or 10million, you'd be paying the same price. THEIR price.

You'll learn it someday. Apparently not here, but it will hit you eventually.



Yep, because only 5% of the users probably use as much data as the other 95% combined. So kicking those 5% off will double the available pipe for the rest of us.

First, I'm not sure exactly how you think that if you pay for something, it's okay to not give it. I'm sure that lesson will hit YOU one day. I'm sure you've promised many a thing and never delivered, and quite frankly that's why this country is in the trouble it is today. Too many broken promises, and not enough real action. But that's your generation, I'm sure.


Second, NO, the pipe will just be filled by more users. Time and time again the limited bandwidth will be filled up by other people. So you can download faster now? You will. It's once again going to get filled.

Changing a 2 lane road to a 5 lane road doesn't take the cars off the road - they just fill the space. Ask any civil engineer who designs interstates. It's a universal constant.

30 for unlimited. The other is feasible, deliverable, and possible.

"Unlimited" is not an amount, so by definition, unlimited is an absurd amount. Quite a few posters here have demonstrated nicely what absurd usage looks like. Not for long

Just because it's absurd for you not to have unlimited means everyone else must follow your data usage? Again, the world does not revolve around YOU. Just because YOU don't use the data, doesn't mean someone else doesn't. And Unlimited means you can use what you want. So it IS deliverable. It's been proven. But you're the one paying only $5 less for a very limited, compared to unlimited, plan. Just because you have a communist attitude doesn't mean everyone else should. TOO BAD for you if you didn't get the unlimited plan, and GOOD for you if you only use what your plan allows. Guess what? So am I on my UNLIMITED plan since that's what I PAID FOR.

Fortunately, the problem that you and others like you cause for the other 95% of us will end very soon no matter how much you whine about it.

Unfortunately, the life lesson of being a good neighbor will have to be learned elsewhere. But make no mistake, you do have to learn it. Maybe it will be not abusing a bowl of free mints at a restaurant, when the girl you're on a first date with looks at you with disgust when you empty the bowl into your bag. Maybe it will be in August when you're watering your lawn every day, screaming "I PAY MY WATER BILL YOU COMMIE!" as the cop writes you a ticket during a drought. Maybe it will be in McDonalds as you fill up your bottle of heinz at their "unlimited" ketchup dispenser and the manager kicks you out.

I wish i could be there when that lesson does actually hit home.



Yep, and ATT picked a rate that forces the many to subsidize the few. Thankfully in this case, the few are almost always jerks, so removing their subsidy feels very good for the rest of us.

You might want to practice saying things slowly, because it looks like your days of streaming your world over video to your website with your unlimited 3G connection are over. When throttled, it might be a lot harder to understand your rantings for your massive audience.


You'll learn it someday. Apparently not here, but it will hit you eventually.



Yep, because only 5% of the users probably use as much data as the other 95% combined. So kicking those 5% off will double the available pipe for the rest of us.



30 for unlimited. The other is feasible, deliverable, and possible.

"Unlimited" is not an amount, so by definition, unlimited is an absurd amount. Quite a few posters here have demonstrated nicely what absurd usage looks like. Not for long



50% of unlimited?

You're so childish. WAAAA! Explain this!



Yep, and you just want more money because you don't want to pay for your fair usage.

Most things in the world come down to greed. Unfortunately when two parties tussle over the same dollar, neither of them gets to claim that the other is greedy.

I'm childish? I'm not the one resorting to personal insults. Can your argument not stand on its own?

And where did I ever say I wouldn't pay per GB? Never. As long as it's reasonable (no, $25 for 2GB and $10 for an extra 1GB is not reasonable).

But that's not what I'm talking about in this thread. I'm talking about the fact that my contract says UNLIMITED, yet someone turns around and limits it. That's it. Period. It's WRONG. It's UNETHICAL. Just because it's not happening to you doesn't make it right.

It's people with thinking like yours that end up at these companies and cause these kind of issues...

I'm not sure how this is really a big deal. Put it this way: it doesn't affect 95% of all unlimited users. Moreover, you really have to try hard to be in the top 5%. That is A LOT of video watching -- hours a day. You are not going to get to the top 5% by casual web surfing, streaming music for a couple hours a day, and maybe a short streaming video now and then. The only people truly affected by this are the abusers.



Not only do I think it, I experience it every day, and I live in a major city.

You aren't experiencing an overall network bandwidth issue. You're experiencing the fact that the individual cell towers have bandwidth issues, which is the same as having too many users per cell tower. Throttling the users isn't going to fix this issue.

at first I thought "that sucks". I am NOT an unlimited user...I use between 400mb - 1500mb per month.

BUT then I thought those Top 5% are actually screwing over 95% of the other users on ATT. Think about that. 95% of people on ATT WILL NOT be negatively impacted, rather they might get better service.

All those whining, grow up you still have unlimited data...just might be a bit slower.

So if you slow it down enough, it limits data...

Actually the number of devices does matter....as the TOS is very clear that unlimited data is for your phone over.

I would bet a significantly amount of the 5% are people who tether their devices in violation of their TOS....but will still want to beat their chest about their rights they have under that same contract they violated themselves...

I'm not speaking to the TOS and whether or not tethering violates it. It does.

But tethering DOES NOT INCREASE THE DATA USED if you're maxing the conntection 24/7. Doesn't matter if you have 100 devices or 1. Stream Netflix on the phone vs on the computer - same data. Think about it...

If you need the data, then it shouldn't be a problem to pay more. $10 per GB isn't terrible. Would it be nice to be cheaper? Of courses, yes.

Anywho... I don't think people are complaining so much about what you use data for, though, some of us wonder how certain users can consume tons and tons of GBs; however, it's more of an argument that some who use 5, 10, 15, ... GB per month feel they are entitled to an endless free ride.

It's not a free ride. It's $30 per month. And that's what I pay. So yes, it IS terrible if I have to pay extra per GB on an unlimited plan.

 

[SFStateStudent]

I'm not worried b/c my wife and myself use maybe 2GB combined, but my son and his wife (on our family plan) use about 9GB between the two of them! Are they gonna' throttle-down the entire Family Plan?

 

[thetoad30]

And that's what I am as well. A small business owner who runs my company on my iphone. I have an exchange server to sync my email contacts and calendar, i stream internet radio while I walk my dog most days, and I use the web on my phone a TON of research problems all throughout the day. And my average usage over the past 24 months on ATT has been under 800 MB.

The people who are bitching are people who don't know the value of the dollar and think that they are owed something by the world. Thankfully, those people always end up losers in the end.

You really have your wires crossed.

We DO know the value of a dollar. That's why we paid $30 for an UNLIMITED plan. Where is your logic circuit?

And I'm not owed anything by the world. I'm owed what I pay AT&T and other companies for.

What would happen if I wanted out of my contract, or every time I dropped a call or had to reboot my phone I took a bit of money off the bill? Do you think that would fly? No. Stop trying to change a CONTRACT that is IN WRITING just because you think it should be that way.

Throttling SHOULD begin at 2GB, but it probably won't. For the rest of us, ATT charges $10 more the second you hit 2GB. Why should users who were lucky enough to be abusing the system for years now be granted a more privileged position? OK, so you pay $30 a month instead of $25. I'll give you the extra 20% and say the fair start for the slowing is at 2.4 GB.

Unlike the vast majority of users, your $30 will continue to buy you far more than $25 or even $35 will buy the rest of users. Is that fair? Why should you get more for less?

We weren't "lucky enough"... WE PAID FOR IT. HELLO! IT WAS THE ONLY PLAN AVAILABLE AND WE CHOSE TO KEEP IT. How is that abuse? Just because YOU didn't get an original iPhone doesn't mean YOU get to push your screwed up plans on us. Grow up.

And we get more for less because that's what AT&T CONTRACTED. It's really not rocket science here people. AT&T AGREED TO THIS. IN WRITING.

You say "look at" it, but you clearly didn't. Here's what ATT says about the people they will throttle:

All you whining babies who think ATT and the other paying users owe you a favor, and that ATT is planning on throttling users right at 2GB and even below that, read that quote from ATT above again.

They don't "owe me a favor". They owe me what they agreed to in the contract. Again. In writing. And you, as a paying customer, don't owe me anything. Except to use your brain and seriously fix your logic. Don't blame me for what AT&T contracted with me for.

 

[ghostlyorb]

I went into an AT&T store to look at the Infuse 4G.. and the guy flat out told me to root it and all. Says he uses 50+ Gbs a month. Too bad for him.. he'll have slow speeds!

 

[maverikv]

Has anyone else noticed that the only technology that doesn't decrease in cost over time is technology whose supply is controlled by oligarchical companies in industries with massive barriers to entry and/or industries that are un-policed and allowed to implement monopolistic policies to diminish the impact of competition?

I really hope that this allows me to get out of my AT&T contract. I'm grandfathered in under an unlimited plan. I only use about 1GB a month, but when I go visit my family in rural washington, where there is no internet, I use about 10GB that month. I use 44GB less than the 5GB soft cap for the other 11 months of the year; I should not be punished for exceeding it one month of the year by 1/9 of that.

It's totally reprehensible to blame your network problems on heavy data users. Upgrade your infrastructure. If they really cared so much about the people who use less data they wouldn't charge $15 a month for a 200mb data plan.

 

[SolRayz]

I have unlimited internet at this time and if they start throttling me when I go over 5GB, it will be OK. If they do it right above 2GB I will change to the theirs 2GB plan.

And that is exactly what AT$T wants all of us to do. CONFORM to less service for more money....

We weren't "lucky enough"... WE PAID FOR IT. HELLO! IT WAS THE ONLY PLAN AVAILABLE AND WE CHOSE TO KEEP IT. How is that abuse? Just because YOU didn't get an original iPhone doesn't mean YOU get to push your screwed up plans on us. Grow up.

And we get more for less because that's what AT&T CONTRACTED. It's really not rocket science here people. AT&T AGREED TO THIS. IN WRITING.

I coudn't agree with you more...you are spot on.

Cameronjpu falls into a category of iPhone users who seem to be suffering a sort of loser-ish jealously. If they can't have it, no one can.

 

[cameronjpu]

So now you're going to also tell me how much gas per year I get to use, how many gallons I get to use on a trip, and that I now have to drive a hybrid, right?

Sorry. If I paid for it, I use it how I like. Period. It's none of your business how I use it. You don't like it? Tough. The good neighbor you speak of is an entirely different thing. This is a business ripping me off. If I use 10 GB or 1 MB I pay $30 a month. It's my RIGHT to use the data, and if I have a legitimate use for it and choose to stream Netflix over 3G (which is a BENEFIT according to the marketing of AT&T) then that's what happens.

And again, if I'm on the East Coast my DL has nothing to do with your speed on the West Coast. Stop saying these people slow the network down. They don't. It's the amount of USERS slowing the network down because AT&T way oversubscribed their capacity.

You paid for it in the past, but that ends Oct 1. No matter how much you complain. Good luck finding a carrier that will give you unlimited data without throttling, because ATT was the only one that still does that in the states.

First, I don't stream. So you can can the attitude.

Second, once they implement these throttles, do you really think you're going to be paying less for your 2GB? Are you that dense that you don't really think AT&T is just going to pocket your cash, regardless of how much you use? If you were really subsidizing the usage, don't you think your bill wouldn't be constant? And you'd be getting constant rate increases?

[Personal attack removed] It wouldn't matter if AT&T had 10 customers or 10million, you'd be paying the same price. THEIR price.

Of course not. I don't expect to pay less, but I do expect it to work more reliably once all the cheats are off the network.

Just because it's absurd for you not to have unlimited means everyone else must follow your data usage? Again, the world does not revolve around YOU. Just because YOU don't use the data, doesn't mean someone else doesn't. And Unlimited means you can use what you want. So it IS deliverable. It's been proven. But you're the one paying only $5 less for a very limited, compared to unlimited, plan. [Personal attack removed] TOO BAD for you if you didn't get the unlimited plan, and GOOD for you if you only use what your plan allows. Guess what? So am I on my UNLIMITED plan since that's what I PAID FOR.

And guess what Mr. All Caps. You won't be abusing the system after Oct 1! I love it!

So if you slow it down enough, it limits data...

So wait, let me get this straight. If the data is slowed down enough, that moves it from unlimited to limited. Right? So if the speed is capped at, say, 100k, your limit of use in a day is 8,640,000k per day (just doing some simple math). If the limit is 200k, it's twice that. If ATT's network can only deliver 400k, isn't your data use still limited to just 4x the 8xxxxxxxx amount above? Isn't your data always limited by time multiplied by speed? So your data never was unlimited, and now ATT has just changed the speed. Sorry!

[Personal attack removed]

We DO know the value of a dollar. That's why we paid $30 for an UNLIMITED plan. Where is your logic circuit?

And I'm not owed anything by the world. I'm owed what I pay AT&T and other companies for.

What would happen if I wanted out of my contract, or every time I dropped a call or had to reboot my phone I took a bit of money off the bill? Do you think that would fly? No. Stop trying to change a CONTRACT that is IN WRITING just because you think it should be that way.

You're free to get out of your contract. Since you already violate your contract, in which you agree to reasonable usage restrictions, I don't think you really want to show up at a lawyer with your contract in hand. ATT already has determined that changing this policy will not violate your contract. And if you wish to cancel, I'm sure ATT will happily open the door for you and wish you luck in finding a new carrier that meets your needs for a subsidized price for your extraordinary usage.

We weren't "lucky enough"... WE PAID FOR IT. HELLO! IT WAS THE ONLY PLAN AVAILABLE AND WE CHOSE TO KEEP IT. How is that abuse? Just because YOU didn't get an original iPhone doesn't mean YOU get to push your screwed up plans on us. Grow up.

And we get more for less because that's what AT&T CONTRACTED. It's really not rocket science here people. AT&T AGREED TO THIS. IN WRITING.

Again with the caps. I did get an original iPhone and I did have unlimited data. Because I didn't abuse it, I never had a reason, or an occasion, to use more than 2GB in a month, so I stopped paying the extra fee for it.

You did get more for less, and you won't be after Oct 1. Period.

They don't "owe me a favor". They owe me what they agreed to in the contract. Again. In writing. And you, as a paying customer, don't owe me anything. [Personal attack removed] Don't blame me for what AT&T contracted with me for.

I'm not blaming you, I'm just telling you it's going to end, and I'm glad that it is.

If you can show me "in writing" as you love to repeat, where ATT promised you that you would get ATT's highest speed at all times, 24/7/31, I'll concur that you're right. Since we both know that ATT never promised that, nor did you ever sign a contract that did, we know you won't find that. What you signed was an agreement where ATT promised to deliver you service to the best of its ability while allowing ATT the flexibility to manage the performance of its network. Sorry, but the contract you signed gives ATT the right to do just what they're doing. Oh wait, you didn't read the contract? I'm shocked. Shocked!

Good luck finding another carrier who is willing to take on an abusive user.

 

[MacCheetah3]

So yes, it IS terrible if I have to pay extra per GB on an unlimited plan.

But you're not paying per GB on the unlimited plan, it's still unlimited, AT&T has just enforced a speed limit on what was once the autobahn.

that's what AT&T CONTRACTED. It's really not rocket science here people. AT&T AGREED TO THIS. IN WRITING.

I concur, but so did you.

From 1.3 Can AT&T Change My Terms And Rates?

We may change any terms, conditions, rates, fees, expenses, or charges regarding your Services at any time.

From 4.1 What Are The Limitations On Service And Liability?

WE DO NOT GUARANTEE YOU UNINTERRUPTED SERVICE OR COVERAGE. ... AT&T MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SUITABILITY, ACCURACY, SECURITY, OR PERFORMANCE REGARDING ANY SERVICES

From 6.1 What Are The General Terms That Apply To All Data And Messaging Plans?

The absolute capacity of the wireless data network is limited

P.S. Too bad anyone with something nice to lose fully read contracts, or have their attorneys do it at the very least; I want a free Ferrari or Porsche. A Carrera GT would be pretty sweet.

 

[cameronjpu]

I coudn't agree with you more...you are spot on.

[Personal attack removed]

I've had iPhones since V1. I had unlimited data, and I kept it for a while after the transition. But I looked at my data usage and saw that I never once went over 2 GB, any only a couple times went over 1 GB. So I switched, and I put that $5 in a little charity for people who just can't stop whining. Hopefully that will help some people in need some day.

 

[carlos33018]

This has nothing to do with spectrum or data consumption. It is just another attempt for AT&T to push everyone into a Tiered data consumption plan with a monthly limit. The days of all you can eat are over, not because of spectrum or capacity but because to the carriers DATA is the next cash cow, and they need to be as efficient as possible when milking it. What really concerns me is how these companies do whatever they want and consumers just stand and watch. Example, taking this lack of capacity / spectrum theory to be true you would think AT&T / Verizon would love you for not adding data to your iphone, but it is required, their line " the phone NEEDS data to work." This is NOT true (jailbreak your iphone, bring it to T-Mobile and do not add the APN for t-mobile's network and you will see the phone DOES WORK,no data, but wifi works, voicemail works, etc), but everyone buys that line. Then look at their tiered data prices :

200 MB for $15.00
2Gigs for $25.00

What kind of pricing structure is that ?? Of course verizon AKA the me too company has similar "deals" so again don't think for a second these carriers are looking out for the consumers, its all about the shareholders and their pocketbook. Trust me, this wont be the end of it, prices will continue to increase, and this acquisition of T-MOBILE WILL HAPPEN, because according to AT&T lack of competition benefits everyone
/end sacasm.
/Flame Suit ON

 

[bruinsrme]

I'm not worried b/c my wife and myself use maybe 2GB combined, but my son and his wife (on our family plan) use about 9GB between the two of them! Are they gonna' throttle-down the entire Family Plan?

If you look at your bill it states data usage is measure by line not by plan. So hopefully they won't punish my wife an son if I go over whatever limit ATT imposes on thei unlimited customers

 

[skinned66]

AT&T have been being customer hostile for over 100 years. The only way they could surprise me is if they did something opposite.

 

[SolRayz]

I've had iPhones since V1. I had unlimited data, and I kept it for a while after the transition. But I looked at my data usage and saw that I never once went over 2 GB, any only a couple times went over 1 GB. So I switched, and I put that $5 in a little charity for people who just can't stop whining. Hopefully that will help some people in need some day.

So what's your point...Because you have no insight on the full capabilities of the iPhone, everyone else has to be like you? You really are a jealous head case, admit it buddy.

 

[mantan]

I'm not speaking to the TOS and whether or not tethering violates it. It does.

But tethering DOES NOT INCREASE THE DATA USED if you're maxing the conntection 24/7. Doesn't matter if you have 100 devices or 1. Stream Netflix on the phone vs on the computer - same data. Think about it...

That assumes the original user would maximizing or (even using the same amount of data on their device.) If I let me kids tether their iPod touches in the car while I'm driving, they are using data I wouldn't use....in essence MORE data. Or if I'm tethering my work laptop I'm likely using data that I wouldn't be using on my device at that time.

"think about it. "

 

[cameronjpu]

So what's your point...Because you have no insight on the full capabilities of the iPhone, everyone else has to be like you? Personal attack removed

You nailed it!

The OP said I didn't have a valid point because I hadn't had the iPhone at the beginning so I couldn't have had unlimited data. And yes, I know the full capabilities of the iPhone - I run a computer business and help my clients with their iphones weekly. I also help with droids, blackberries and the rest. As such, I could teach you a few lessons about what each phone does best and worst. I also have my old 3GS which is jailbroken, which I use when traveling abroad. So yeah, I know what I'm talking about, and I also know people pretty well, which is how I know what kind of person you and the others are.

 

[thetoad30]

Of course not. I don't expect to pay less, but I do expect it to work more reliably once all the cheats are off the network.

Then you really have no clue how networks work.

So wait, let me get this straight. If the data is slowed down enough, that moves it from unlimited to limited. Right? So if the speed is capped at, say, 100k, your limit of use in a day is 8,640,000k per day (just doing some simple math). If the limit is 200k, it's twice that. If ATT's network can only deliver 400k, isn't your data use still limited to just 4x the 8xxxxxxxx amount above? Isn't your data always limited by time multiplied by speed? So your data never was unlimited, and now ATT has just changed the speed. Sorry!

You are technically correct. However, a "max speed" that AT&T has isn't considered a limitation in the contract. An artificial speed is. That's not hard to figure out, but apparently for you it is.

You're free to get out of your contract. Since you already violate your contract, in which you agree to reasonable usage restrictions, I don't think you really want to show up at a lawyer with your contract in hand. ATT already has determined that changing this policy will not violate your contract. And if you wish to cancel, I'm sure ATT will happily open the door for you and wish you luck in finding a new carrier that meets your needs for a subsidized price for your extraordinary usage.

Using as much data as I want on an unlimited plan is not abuse, and is not unreasonable. Period. You can put all the gray you want into a contract, and the more vague it is, the more on the side of the signing party it is. If you don't spell it out, it's not valid. That's how contracts work.

And no, it's not subsidized. Again, if all these unlimited users leave, do you think your price is going to go down?

Was Verizon having the same problem on their network? Not that I heard about. But somehow they rolled out tiered plans too... could it possibly be because there's no reason to compete if all companies have the same plan?

I really don't see how your mindset can be so narrow.

Again with the caps. I did get an original iPhone and I did have unlimited data. Because I didn't abuse it, I never had a reason, or an occasion, to use more than 2GB in a month, so I stopped paying the extra fee for it.

You did get more for less, and you won't be after Oct 1. Period.

So what if I use all caps? It's to make sure slower people get the point. Obviously it's not working here though.

And GOOD for you. You changed, sacrificed your unlimited plan, to save a few bucks. Okay. GREAT. That's what YOU wanted, and what fit into YOUR life. Some people decided to stick with the unlimited plan because that's what fit into THEIR life. For you to open your mouth and force them to mold to YOUR plan and YOUR lifestyle is wrong. Period. You are not the only person on the planet. Neither are the unlimited users. That's why there are multiple plans, for multiple people. What's next? You'll be telling everyone that using anytime minutes on plans with 1000+ is hurting your network too, and they should all be forced onto the 450 minute plan because you're subsidizing them too?

I'm not blaming you, I'm just telling you it's going to end, and I'm glad that it is.

If you can show me "in writing" as you love to repeat, where ATT promised you that you would get ATT's highest speed at all times, 24/7/31, I'll concur that you're right. Since we both know that ATT never promised that, nor did you ever sign a contract that did, we know you won't find that. What you signed was an agreement where ATT promised to deliver you service to the best of its ability while allowing ATT the flexibility to manage the performance of its network. Sorry, but the contract you signed gives ATT the right to do just what they're doing. Oh wait, you didn't read the contract? I'm shocked. Shocked!

Good luck finding another carrier who is willing to take on an abusive user.

I do read my contract, and I know it's full of fluff. The only thing really solid in there is the ETF. They do that why? Because they want to make sure that no matter why you end your contract, you pay. Duh.

And I never said I'd get their highest speeds 24/7. I said I should get their FULL service 24/7, and yes that may fluctuate based on signal strength and user load on the tower you're at. Artificially limiting my speed is where the problem comes in.

And keep up your thinking. You'll just keep bending over and grabbing your ankles, until one day it does affect you, and then no one will really care...

I'm done arguing with you. It's obvious you have no sense of reality or legality, much less any sense of the fact that other people have different lifestyles that require something other than what you have. Nor do you get the whole idea of delivering what you promised, much less if it's in writing.

You nailed it!

The OP said I didn't have a valid point because I hadn't had the iPhone at the beginning so I couldn't have had unlimited data. And yes, I know the full capabilities of the iPhone - I run a computer business and help my clients with their iphones weekly. I also help with droids, blackberries and the rest. As such, I could teach you a few lessons about what each phone does best and worst. I also have my old 3GS which is jailbroken, which I use when traveling abroad. So yeah, I know what I'm talking about, and I also know people pretty well, which is how I know what kind of person you and the others are.

Really? You know what kind of person I am? Do tell.

Quite frankly I wouldn't be surprised if you know everything about everything.

I've based my views on the facts and what the contract states. You've just said that somehow you subsidize heavy users without any proof and that unlimited doesn't mean unlimited. What kind of person does that make you (besides the obvious)?

That assumes the original user would maximizing or (even using the same amount of data on their device.) If I let me kids tether their iPod touches in the car while I'm driving, they are using data I wouldn't use....in essence MORE data. Or if I'm tethering my work laptop I'm likely using data that I wouldn't be using on my device at that time.

"think about it. "

So that's more than YOU would use. Maybe not more than what others would. So what's your point?

But you're not paying per GB on the unlimited plan, it's still unlimited, AT&T has just enforced a speed limit on what was once the autobahn.

I concur, but so did you.

From 1.3 Can AT&T Change My Terms And Rates?


From 4.1 What Are The Limitations On Service And Liability?


From 6.1 What Are The General Terms That Apply To All Data And Messaging Plans?


P.S. Too bad anyone with something nice to lose fully read contracts, or have their attorneys do it at the very least; I want a free Ferrari or Porsche. A Carrera GT would be pretty sweet.

What you don't understand is that by changing the terms, they nullify the contract, regardless of what it says.

If you're renting an apartment, and they decide, mid-year, to raise your rent or to limit the amount of people inside, you don't have to agree to it, and you can end your contract penalty free, or, alternatively, you can sue to prevent it.

I never agreed to any change in my contract, merely that they can try to change it at anytime, with the understanding that if I don't agree to the new terms, I can terminate. That's how it works...

Personal Attack Removed

I love how once I pointed out you were making actual personal attacks, that you now think everything pointed your way is one... You seriously need to grow up, man. I do feel sorry for you.

 

[cameronjpu]

Really? You know what kind of person I am? Do tell.

Quite frankly I wouldn't be surprised if you know everything about everything.

I've based my views on the facts and what the contract states. You've just said that somehow you subsidize heavy users without any proof and that unlimited doesn't mean unlimited. What kind of person does that make you (besides the obvious)?

You said you were done arguing with me? Then 120 seconds later you failed at that Poor self control. ATT's going to teach you some real soon

You have to learn that your needs are not everyone's needs. Stop projecting your crazy amount of free time and love for streaming video on everyone else please. And start working on that self control!

No more arguing with me, cmon you said it. Show that you can stick to your word like you are demanding that ATT do

I love how once I pointed out you were making actual personal attacks, that you now think everything pointed your way is one... You seriously need to grow up, man. I do feel sorry for you.

Whoops, your poor self control failed again Cmon, you said you stopped arguing with me, so stop arguing with me!

MAYBE I SHOULD SAY IT IN CAPS?