Checking AT&T iPhone Data Usage History

[FSUSem1noles]

Sorry if this has already been posted...

**New iPhone customers, listen up**

Just got off the phone with AT&T. The unlimited plan will still be offered for the iPhone after June 7th - they're just adding two new plans. What is going away is the unlimited iPad plan.

Here's a link to the press release:
http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=30854

Nowhere dos it mention replacing the current iPhone unlimited plan.

**sigh of relief**

don't think that's exactly true, because no where on there does it mention tethering with the now "unlimited data plan" it only mentions tethering with the data pro plan.

So if AT&T is keeping the unlimited plan and will continue offering it, they won't let that plan support tethering?? something is skewed up somewhere..

Edit: from the following excerpt..

"Customers can pick the new data plan that best meets their needs – either a $15 per month entry plan or a $25 per month plan with 10 times more data. Current smartphone customers are not required to switch to the new plans, but can choose to do so without a contract extension."

From that I get if you're a new iPhone customer you can pick any one of the above plans. It doesn't look like they're even going to offer the "unlimited data plan" to new customers.

 

[IlliniDude]

That is my plan and it will actually work out great for me because I am on a Business FAN account and the $30 unlimited plan actually only costs $22.80 with my service discount. Can I just call them and ask them to change it? It won't extend my contract/make me ineligible for upgrade to new iphone? I am eventually going to call them and ask but I'm at work and just wondering if anyone knows?

Thanks

I was wondering about this- will all the plans still be discounted for Premier customers? I get 23% off, so they would be $11.55 and $19.25

 

[Foxer]

You can kiss Apple and ATT's a&^ on your own time. I have been using Apple devices since the mid 80's so I'm a "fanboy" too. The difference is I see this how it is. Steve Jobs has become a greedy man and doesn't care about the customers anymore. As for AT&T they have never been able to handle the data usage on their network, and they know it will only get worse with the 4G. So what do they do, instead of improving the phones so calls don't drop every second they decide to charge more - which is what this really does - and sheist their customers instead of improving their shoddy network. Stop being an apologist. Devil's advocates piss me off so much. There is nothing to defend herre.

Welcome, Noob.

I don't think you quite understand the meaning of the term "devil's advocate." It isn't someone who argues in favor bad things.

 

[ozziegn]

We only have four carriers (and I'm doing T-mobile a favor by counting them in as they're practically dead) and they're all incompatible at the hardware level.

here's the thing. people like to whine and complain about data costs and whatnot. then others will say we need more competition brought to the plate.

okay, let's say USA cellular (a make pretend new provider) opens the door for more competition. what makes you guys think their data prices and or plans are gonna be any sweeter than what's available now? do people not realize that bandwidth costs money? serious money? or do they think the bandwidth is magically there, free for the taking? if so, then they don't have a single clue as to how the telecommunication business is run.

so to put it simple, it's like this. either use AT&T's system or get out. AT&T will sign on 10 new customers for every 1 customer who jumps ship. it's that simple.

 

[aaarrrgggh]

Issue isn't today

The real issue is that data usage will go up over time, not down. While only 2% may be affected today, next month it will be 3%, and in a year 10%.

There is little logical justification for these caps, although people illegally tethering are making things harder on everybody else. This looks like a good case for FTC/FCC to take a closer look at.

Makes a dumb phone look more compelling alongside my iPad!

 

[topher2889]

So, my employer switched our email to an Exchange server, from IMAP, in April. Guess what it did to my data usage on my EDGE iPhone?

As it stands, my iPhone connects to 7 different email accounts (3 self-hosted IMAP, 1 gmail, 1 mac.com, 1 professional IMAP and 1 professional Exchange).

I can't imagine what my data usage would look like if I were able to stream over 3G, instead of being limited by EDGE.

That is what I am thinking as I currently have an original iphone and plan to upgrade to the iPhone HD/4G. Several members suggested that I upgrade to the iphone 3g/3gs data plan which I am willing to do if it doesn't mess with my contract/upgrade eligibility. Now another member reports that the unlimited plan for iPhone will not be changed. Guess we will have to wait for some more concrete news.

 

[Psiklops]

I don't think that's exactly true, because no where on there does it mention tethering with the now "unlimited data plan" it only mentions tethering with the data pro plan.

So if AT&T is keeping the unlimited plan and will continue offering it, they won't let that plan support tethering?? something is skewed up somewhere..

Correct - I confirmed with AT&T that the only way to get tethering is to go with the new Data Pro Plan. You can still purchase an unlimited plan with a new iPhone, you just won't be able to tether it.

 

[JackTheTripper]

So here's another question to consider...

if you change plans and save a whopping $5 a month, does your 2 year contract reset? I got the 3GS last year and don't plan on getting the 4G and am hoping iPhone moves to Verizon sooner than later.

 

[eh270]

My first reaction to this news was disappointment, but after reviewing my data use history, I'm looking forward to paying $5/month less x 4 phones. Nobody on my family plan has exceeded 1 GB in a single month!

 

[Psiklops]

So here's another question to consider...

if you change plans and save a whopping $5 a month, does your 2 year contract reset? I got the 3GS last year and don't plan on getting the 4G and am hoping iPhone moves to Verizon sooner than later.

According to the press release: "Current smartphone customers are not required to switch to the new plans, but can choose to do so without a contract extension."

 

[eh270]

So here's another question to consider...

if you change plans and save a whopping $5 a month, does your 2 year contract reset? I got the 3GS last year and don't plan on getting the 4G and am hoping iPhone moves to Verizon sooner than later.

No, you can switch between data plans at any point in your contract without extending it.

 

[Suge]

And even the Macs are cheaper. The 1998 Powerbook G3 started at over $3,000 in today's money. Now you can buy laptops starting at $999.

I remember when candy bars were a nickel.

 

[schwell]

Well i just checked usage and the I can safely drop my wife down to the 200MB plan. Her highest usage in the last 6 months was 160MB. Normal is right around 100-110MB.

I will go with the 2GB as my average is 700MB and the peak was a bit over 1GB.

My total savings will be $20 per month.

 

[Small White Car]

So here's another question to consider...

if you change plans and save a whopping $5 a month, does your 2 year contract reset? I got the 3GS last year and don't plan on getting the 4G and am hoping iPhone moves to Verizon sooner than later.

I can't say for sure on this subject, but I've lowered my minutes in the past and it didn't reset my contract to do so.

 

[hushmartin]

I used just over 200mb in the last couple of months. When multi-tasking hits I fully expect I will start using even more. So with the lowest plan, I would end up paying the same as I am now with unlimited when you factor in the overage charges. If I go up to the 2 gig plan, I would only be saving 5 bucks a month. It's NOT worth it! I'd rather pay the extra 5 bucks and NEVER have to worry about how much data I'm using.

Anyone who is close to using 200mb per month might as well stay with the unlimited plan. Don't be shortsighted- your usage will go up over time.

 

[Small White Car]

Anyone who is close to using 200mb per month might as well stay with the unlimited plan. Don't be shortsighted- your usage will go up over time.

The real issue is that data usage will go up over time, not down. While only 2% may be affected today, next month it will be 3%, and in a year 10%.

Well, it's not like AT&T is never allowed to change it.

Every data-service I've ever used keeps tabs on usage and adjusts as needed. If 10% of their iPhone customers can no longer use their iPhones I'm betting they'll lose enough customers to make them change.

I'd be shocked if they let it go that long, even.

AT&T is greedy but they're not stupid.

 

[Quina Quen]

If a customer elects to switch to one of the new plans, however, they will be unable to switch back to the unlimited plan at any point in the future.

Article Link: Checking AT&T iPhone Data Usage History

I don't think this is correct. I just got off a chat session with AT&T. Here is the conversation...

Ben Y: I’m sorry you are having issues with online account Mr. X. I will be happy to assist you with this once you have verified the account. Will you please provide the account holder's first and last name and the last four digits of the social security number or the security passcode if one has been set up previously on your billing account?
you: XXXX XXXXXXXXX
you: XXXX
Ben Y: Thank you Mr. X. *Have you cleared your temporary files and restarted your Web browser?
you: no
you: didn't think I needed to
you: how do you want me to clear the temporary files?
Ben Y: Select "Tools" then "Internet Options" then select the button for the temporary files Mr. X.
you: yeah, I don't want to do that
you: I have tons of passwords saved into this browser
you: is there another way?
Ben Y: The site is functioning properly Mr. X.
you: Well maybe you can tell me the info that I want?
you: in light of your recent changes to your iPhone data plans, I'm just wondering if I ever even came close to using 2 GB of data since I've had my iPhone or since my wife has had hers
you: for the report that I'm generating, I'm telling it to start in 12/2008 but the graph that I'm seeing is still displaying the starting point as 10/2009
Ben Y: I will gather that information for you Mr. X.
you: Thanks man!
you: Should I call you Mr. Y?
Ben Y: You may call me Ben, Mr. X. *
you: sweet!
Ben Y: Thank you for waiting. *I am still researching your information.
you: thats cool
Ben Y: You have come close to 1GB Mr. X, in all that time, but neither you or your wife have ever seen 2GB.
you: awesome. Thank you.
you: I have another question, that you may or may not be able to answer
Ben Y: Please proceed Mr. X.
you: AT&T announced that the current iPhone customers can keep their unlimited data plan if they chose to do so
you: if I switch to the "DataPro" package of 2GB a month, does the option to switch BACK to the unlimited remain for me afterwards?
you: or do I forgo that option once I switch?
Ben Y: Yes Mr. X. You can change the data plan, check your data usage and change back to the data plan that will save you money. *To check you current data usage dial *DATA# and you will receive a free text message informing you of your current data used to date.
you: awesome. So what you're saying is that say I switch to 2 GB a month and then, say for example, Netflix introduces an app in 8 months for the iPhone and it sucks up 30 GB a month (obviously an exaggeration, but bear with me). The option to switch back to the unlimited data plan of $30 a month would stay open for me. Did I get that right?
Ben Y: Yes Mr. X. You will want to call and have the data plan backdated to the beginning of the bill cycle to ensure you don't receive any data usage charges.
you: I didn't quite understand your last statement. What do you mean by backdated?
you: You mean for the month's period?
you: for example, if I start using that netflix app in the middle of the month, I should call and have them change to the data plan so that it starts at the beginning of that month?
Ben Y: Yes Mr. X, you want to make sure that the Unlimited Data plan is billed for the whole billing period based on the scenario you gave because the data plan is pro-rated for thirty days.
you: awesome
you: hey Thanks for your help
Ben Y: I was glad to help you today! Is there anything else I can assist you with?
you: nope, that's it
Ben Y: Thank you for selecting AT&T as your service provider. *We appreciate your business. *It has been my pleasure assisting you today. *Please click the close button to end your session. *A customer satisfaction survey will automatically appear and we would appreciate your feedback.

 

[furi0usbee]

$aving Money!!!!!!!!!!!!

I canceled my $5.00 text plan last month. Just disabled all text messaging, so I don't have to pay $0.20 for each message sent by some ass who used to have my number for his friend. And I'll be saving $15.00/month by lowering my phone data plan to the 200MB option. Thank you AT&T!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kennethalan]

My last 6 months range from 1gb-6gb so I'll be keeping my unlimited $30 plan.
I don't use wifi ever.. it's slow and I'm impatient.

 

[Small White Car]

My last 6 months range from 1gb-6gb so I'll be keeping my unlimited $30 plan.
I don't use wifi ever.. it's slow and I'm impatient.

?

Where do you live? My Wifi is 6 times faster than AT&T's 3G.

 

[furi0usbee]

My last 6 months range from 1gb-6gb so I'll be keeping my unlimited $30 plan.
I don't use wifi ever.. it's slow and I'm impatient.

So your 3G is faster than Wi-Fi? Or am I missing something? Are you using WiFi off a 56k modem?

 

[wax0]

Data Plan Cap

Everybody is saying that they don't go over 300 to 400 mb per month, if that were the case, there was not reason for at&t to change the data plan to 2gb limit, they are changing it because they know people are using more than that and are going to need to use more than that, people are getting ripoff and many of the commenters are happy because they save $5, this is crazy, people are giving their freedom away for $5???, plus these people are going to see that they really need more if they want to use video calls, voIP and of course tethering, I would highly prefer not to do tethering at this price, I also think at&t are adjusting those graphics so people think they are using lessdata that what they are really using, so people think this is a good deal for them, for instance, friend of mine was away from home over the weeken and downloaded a lot of music, files were 30 mb each, and they were more than 5, but his data shows only 80 mb usage so far, do not let them to take your unlimited freedom for $5, you do not know what is next!!!!

 

[kennethalan]

?

Where do you live? My Wifi is 6 times faster than AT&T's 3G.

just outside of boston... I'm not sure why but whenever I use wifi it just seems so much slower. Apps take forever to download and web pages take like 5 minutes to load.

 

[furi0usbee]

I'm giving my freedom away for $15.00... and that seems about the right price I'd give it away for.

 

[furi0usbee]

just outside of boston... I'm not sure why but whenever I use wifi it just seems so much slower. Apps take forever to download and web pages take like 5 minutes to load.

You need to call your ISP and/or check your router settings. 3G doesn't come close to any high-speed internet you can get in your home, unless you have a basic DSL package, and even then I'd put my money on the DSL.