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

[hqz]

I can agree with all who are making arguments against AT&T's business practices and so on, but isn't this ultimately about the consumers? I'd prefer it if many people can get good/great service if that means very few people can't stream youtube/pandora on their phones 24/7 (or as long as their batteries last ). I am not sure if this is actually true always, e.g., it probably depends on how congested the connection is in a particular area, etc. But overall, I can't help but feel that better service for more people is a good thing for customers at large, apologies to those who have unlimited notwithstanding.

 

[iPadThai]

I love the whiners in these types of threads. I consider myself a heavy data user, and if I break 1GB per month, it's a lot. I will have the unlimited plan from the beginning, and will keep it as long as I can, but jeez, if your using more than that, or over 2GB per month, you need to get a freakin' life. Get off the damn phone\internet and go out and breath the air, LOL.

what the hell are you talking about? Just because you don't use your phone when you paid for it doesn't make it OK to fk with other customers who do use their devices for legitimate reasons.

So you like to pay for service you don't use? I hope u didn't pay for your finance education.

 

[rufhausen]

I'm still on the unlimited plan and I'm sure I'm not near the top 5%, so this really doesn't affect me. HOWEVER, would this be the kind of unilateral terms of contract change that can be used as a loophole to get out of a contract with AT&T without a financial penalty?? I like that.
I know people have used changes like this in the past to do such a thing, but I don't know if it's still doable with today's contracts.

 

[MacDarcy]

No it isn't. The tiered plan was put in place to help combat the few that take advantage of a good thing. This is the way of life that a few take advantage of something and ruin the experience for the whole. Directly targeting the problem is the best solution. This isn't going to effect 95% of their customers and will only target the few that take advantage of their service.

HOW can one "take advantage" of an UMLIMITED plan? Huh? Pleaaaaase tell me that. I'd really like to know.

People such as myself paid UP for the so called privalege to have unlimited data on our ipads. Personally, i only use 3G in emergencies....so i doubt i come close to the top 5%....

But still. We pay a premium for a service called UNLIMITED. If they are going to punish ANYONE who pays for this service, they have to STOP calling it unlimited.

Basically, i think they just want to force people to drop their unlimited service, because once they do, they lose it forever. I think its all part of their plan to get rid of this service completely.

I havent read the fine print, but i get the feeling they legally cant cap data for those grandfathered in on the unlimited plan....and this is the only way they can affect service. I believe it is their goal to frustrate those with unlimited plans where they cancel their plans and lose it forever.

 

[OrangeSVTguy]

I wonder if this has to do with LTE/4G maybe possibly being in the next iPhone 4s/5?

My service already feels like it's being throttled. I don't have the unlimited either.

 

[ratzzo]

What's up with all the people complaining? Granted it's not all that ideal if you are a current unlimited data user, but this was to be expected, really. Besides if you don't fall within the 5%, it's not going to influence your data service.

It's AT&T's way to tackle people who abuse their network. Regardless, at least they still allow you to keep going instead of completely shutting you down (read: verizon). Instead of complaining, one should be grateful they have unlimited data when they scrapped off this option quite some time ago. Here in Europe, I get 300 MB with 10 euro, so go figure.

 

[thetoad30]

No it isn't. The tiered plan was put in place to help combat the few that take advantage of a good thing. This is the way of life that a few take advantage of something and ruin the experience for the whole. Directly targeting the problem is the best solution. This isn't going to effect 95% of their customers and will only target the few that take advantage of their service.

If you want to directly target the problem, then go after the company. They're the ones making BILLIONS of dollars while simultaneously complaining that they can't afford the network costs. GIVE ME A BREAK.

And for those who say use your home internet/wifi - THOSE have caps now, too.

If I PAID for UNLIMITED data, then DON'T LIMIT IT. A speed limitation is STILL A LIMIT.

It's complete and utter crap how these companies are putting the brakes on innovation and internet usage in America. I've seen places where 100mbit connections are like $20 a month. You can't tell me we don't have that ability here in the US - the difference is these companies don't want to cut into their profits. This is why I'm paying $70 a month for unbundled *******-a$$ internet, but for the same price I can "bundle" three different services which use exponentially more data bandwidth. It's not that the companies can't do it, it's that they WON'T do it because no one pressures them to. And how can we? In my area I have only one company to choose from for internet, because that's what the cities have "negotiated".

Now, if you're downloading Blu-Ray movies illegally, then fine. You're a problem. But if you're going about your business, streaming Netflix (which I pay for as well), using the networked and interactive features of all connected devices, then I have paid for the right to use that data. If you don't like it, don't be in the telecommunications industry. Medialess is the new way - and no, Apple didn't pioneer it. Microsoft has been doing it for ages with their technet subscriptions. ISO files are the new way to distribute software. People purchase digital content because they want it NOW, not in 7-10 business days. All these telecommunication companies are really hindering the way people do business and lesiure.

Buck up, fix your network, and stop blaming your customers for your ******* planning and greed.

 

[mehware]

Welp... I thought I was grandfathered in to the Unlimited data usage for being a loyal customer. Boo!

 

[MikhailT]

HOW can one "take advantage" of an UMLIMITED plan? Huh? Pleaaaaase tell me that. I'd really like to know.

People such as myself paid UP for the so called privalege to have unlimited data on our ipads. Personally, i only use 3G in emergencies....so i doubt i come close to the top 5%....

But still. We pay a premium for a service called UNLIMITED. If they are going to punish ANYONE who pays for this service, they have to STOP calling it unlimited.

Basically, i think they just want to force people to drop their unlimited service, because once they do, they lose it forever. I think its all part of their plan to get rid of this service completely.

I havent read the fine print, but i get the feeling they legally cant cap data for those grandfathered in on the unlimited plan....and this is the only way they can affect service. I believe it is their goal to frustrate those with unlimited plans where they cancel their plans and lose it forever.

You still have the unlimited data usage, you just can’t use up all the bandwidth to do this. You’re not paying for the speed, you’re paying for the data usage.

 

[kresh]

These companies get away with this because all of you tech addicts let them get away with it. The world survived all this time without mobile internet just fine.

They know you are not willing to put these devices down and walk away, thus like all addicts you will be abused.

 

[rjohnstone]

It was always there. They would even tell you if you asked.

No... it wasn't.
The reps have no clue what is or isn't in some obscure part of your contract. They regurgitate so much false information it's not even funny anymore.

And if you're still on an iPhone Unlimited or Smartphone Personal Unlimited plan, you will see it's not in the terms today either.

The 5GB data cap only applied/applies to Data Connect Unlimited plans.

 

[ratzzo]

You’re not paying for the speed, you’re paying for the data usage.

Let's be realistic, if they offered a 10kb/s speed, who would contract their data usage? Data usage goes linked with a decent speed.

I still believe it is a fair and logical action from AT&T.

 

[tCdemon]

HA! I wouldn't doubt Verizon will be doing this soon too!! GRRR! I think if you go over 2GB then your speed will slow down, as if it's already bad with AT&T quality, now it's going to be worse!) I guess will hope for the best with an iPhone for Sprint and I will jump on that!!

 

[thetoad30]

You still have the unlimited data usage, you just can’t use up all the bandwidth to do this. You’re not paying for the speed, you’re paying for the data usage.

For those who can't do math, limiting speed is in effect limiting usage. If you limit the speed to 1/4 of the max, then you're capping the usage at 1/4 the max. It's just a different way to get around it.

UNLIMITED means NO LIMITS. Speed limits are a limit. Period. Just because you aren't affected doesn't mean that it's right or "no big deal".

Tell me this: What happens when the top 5% cancel and go to Sprint? Who becomes the next 5%? And on and on. Stop thinking only about yourself and your situation, and realize that it eventually can affect you.

And no, I'm NOT a heavy data user. In fact, I use, at most, 300MB a month. And that's A LOT for me. But I'm still on unlimited, because I do not want to pay only $5 less for a 2 GB cap. I want the knowledge that I can use what I want, when I want, and I PAID for that right. I'm not abusing anything if I'm using data.

And no, tethering with JB is NOT abuse in my mind. Data is data, regardless of what device is using it. Sorry.

 

[SirHaakon]

They are not targeting the high volume user. They are targeting the abuser who tethers his entire home internet connection to his phone.

Perhaps they should reread the definition of "unlimited," then, and not offer it as a choice to the customer if they can't support it. I agree with you that some people abuse the system (as they do in any system), but that doesn't clear AT&T of their faults.

 

[tCdemon]

If you want to directly target the problem, then go after the company. They're the ones making BILLIONS of dollars while simultaneously complaining that they can't afford the network costs. GIVE ME A BREAK.

And for those who say use your home internet/wifi - THOSE have caps now, too.

If I PAID for UNLIMITED data, then DON'T LIMIT IT. A speed limitation is STILL A LIMIT.

It's complete and utter crap how these companies are putting the brakes on innovation and internet usage in America. I've seen places where 100mbit connections are like $20 a month. You can't tell me we don't have that ability here in the US - the difference is these companies don't want to cut into their profits. This is why I'm paying $70 a month for unbundled *******-a$$ internet, but for the same price I can "bundle" three different services which use exponentially more data bandwidth. It's not that the companies can't do it, it's that they WON'T do it because no one pressures them to. And how can we? In my area I have only one company to choose from for internet, because that's what the cities have "negotiated".

Now, if you're downloading Blu-Ray movies illegally, then fine. You're a problem. But if you're going about your business, streaming Netflix (which I pay for as well), using the networked and interactive features of all connected devices, then I have paid for the right to use that data. If you don't like it, don't be in the telecommunications industry. Medialess is the new way - and no, Apple didn't pioneer it. Microsoft has been doing it for ages with their technet subscriptions. ISO files are the new way to distribute software. People purchase digital content because they want it NOW, not in 7-10 business days. All these telecommunication companies are really hindering the way people do business and leisure.

Buck up, fix your network, and stop blaming your customers for your ******* planning and greed.

Couldn't of said it better!!! Corporate Greed!!! 1 billion in profit isn't enough for these people!

 

[thetoad30]

These companies get away with this because all of you tech addicts let them get away with it. The world survived all this time without mobile internet just fine.

They know you are not willing to put these devices down and walk away, thus like all addicts you will be abused.

I will agree with your first point, that they get away with it because people let them.

I disagree that it's because we're addicts. I think it's more because you get the majority of the people who think it doesn't affect them, like most people on this board, and just tell other people to suck it up and deal. They don't seem to care that one day it will affect them because they're paying the same or more for less service, while these companies sit back and get rich of of their... ignorance.

 

[ZipZilla]

"Unlimited" was always a fiction

You cannot serve up a fixed resource "unlimited."

There is only so much bandwidth. Taking into account the clowns that switch their home Internet over to a wireless modem and also people that watch Netflix over 3G, it had to be done.

Other carriers will be next. They have to.

 

[iScott428]

What about for those of us that don't abuse the system, don't jail break our iPhone and don't stream freaking video all day?? I demand the fastest speeds for an unlimited amount of use, or was that not the reason I got the unlimited plan in the beginning?

I love my iPhone, but AT&T just plain blows. Crap service, drop calls (3gs not 4), failed calls, and a ridiculously high monthly payment.

Apple should loan AT&T some cash to build a better network.

Does any one have any numbers on how much Data costs Cell Carriers to build out and maintain???

 

[thetoad30]

You cannot serve up a fixed resource "unlimited."

There is only so much bandwidth. Taking into account the clowns that switch their home Internet over to a wireless modem and also people that watch Netflix over 3G, it had to be done.

Other carriers will be next. They have to.

Just because you don't do it or don't see the need, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Think outside the box.

 

[k1121j]

Why is it called Unlimited and how is it legal

its bad enough it's called Unlimited and it's LIMITED to 5 GB now their gonna throttle it how why someone sue them please.

 

[coolbreeze]

I'm sick of this POS company screwing customers over and over again. First comes UNLIMITED DATA really means 5GB cap. Then comes NO MORE UNLIMITED DATA PLANS. Now comes "let's throttle users down to EDGE speeds because they are on unlimited data plans so they see now that having unlimited data plan sucks so let's switch over to the 2GB plans".

Screw this company. They will burn for their business ethics. I really hope this is a breach of contract because I for sure did not sign up for unlimited data with throttling.



Verizon is looking better every single day.

Verizon has a 2gig cap. Costs $30. At LTE speeds, I wish you the best on a 2gig diet. You'll exceed 2 gigs very fast at LTE speeds. Better open your checkbook and open it wide if you want to go Big Red.

 

[thetoad30]

What about for those of us that don't abuse the system, don't jail break our iPhone and don't stream freaking video all day?? I demand the fastest speeds for an unlimited amount of use, or was that not the reason I got the unlimited plan in the beginning?

I love my iPhone, but AT&T just plain blows. Crap service, drop calls (3gs not 4), failed calls, and a ridiculously high monthly payment.

Apple should loan AT&T some cash to build a better network.

Does any one have any numbers on how much Data costs Cell Carriers to build out and maintain???

What about those that don't? Blame AT&T as you implied. They're the one's outselling their network availability and pocketing the cash instead of upping bandwidth.

I read somewhere (and it could be wrong, I don't know) that these telecommunications companies get bandwidth for $0.02/GB. TWO CENTS. If that's right, and I believe it's probably close, then you can understand my irritation when people blame other people on the network instead of holding the company that you have a contract with responsible.

It's AT&T's job to honor their contract and build their product to support the users they sign up for. Especially when we all have the same rights and chances to sign up to the same network and data plans.

 

[Thedeathbear]

No they are not because the top users where using their data out of contract on unapproved devices ie free tethering.

So I'm near 4 GB and I haven't used my iPhone to breached my contract. I use Netflix, HBO Go, YouTube, Pandora, MLB at Bat, and Slingbox at work where there is no wifi. I think I'm a higher end user, but where have I abused my unlimited data? If I had wifi, I'd obviously use it for better quality, but I can't. Mobile Internet is steering more towards streaming audio and video, but now people will decide not to use alot of great streaming apps over 3G. ATT just wants to force people out by destroying a great plan.

 

[japanime]

In Japan, Softbank throttles data speeds for ALL customers using the iPhone, not just those in the top 5 percent.

It's nearly impossible to stream video or use Skype over Softbank's crippled 3G network. Which is why I stopped using 3G altogether and keep my iPhone set to WiFi all the time.

Congratulations, AT&T. You're the new Softbank.