Leaving AT&T Due to Throttling of Grandfathered Unlimited Data

[kdarling]

Yes, however VZW throttles too now, unfortunately. Whether it's as bad as ATT or not remains to be seen (by me at least).

As the OP mentioned, Verizon only throttles the highest users during the period (seconds, minutes, hours) when the particular cell they're using is overloaded. If a big user is on a cell that's not congested, Verizon doesn't throttle... because there's no need to. So Verizon only does it out of necessity.

That's quite different from AT&T, who (I think - better check) throttles the highest users through at least a billing period, and on all cells, whether it's needed or not. So AT&T seems to do it more as a punishment.

 

[asleep]

Buh-bye!

 

[turtle777]

I'm not gonna cry for any high-bandwidth leecher leaving. Good riddance.

-t

 

[cyks]

I'm not gonna cry for any high-bandwidth leecher leaving. Good riddance.

-t

Since when is 2GB high-bandwidth?

...especially when they're paying for more than what AT&T charges for it. Do you also complain about those who pay for (and use) 4GB of data on their plan?

 

[Daveoc64]

Since when is 2GB high-bandwidth?

...especially when they're paying for more than what AT&T charges for it. Do you also complain about those who pay for (and use) 4GB of data on their plan?

Quite.

The big problem here is that they're punishing users using an amount of data that would cost them LESS on a tiered plan!

 

[turtle777]

Since when is 2GB high-bandwidth?

...especially when they're paying for more than what AT&T charges for it. Do you also complain about those who pay for (and use) 4GB of data on their plan?

I'm talking about unlimited users. I'm not against paying more for more bandwidth. That's sensible.
All unlimited plans is basically just a marketing gimmick, carried out on the backs of those that don't use obscene amounts.

Unlimited (flat-rate) plans is the root of a lot of problems not only in telecommunications, but also in health care and other areas.
As soon as people pay for flat-rate, some are going to use it to the max. jus because.

-t

 

[cyks]

I'm talking about unlimited users. I'm not against paying more for more bandwidth. That's sensible.
All unlimited plans is basically just a marketing gimmick, carried out on the backs of those that don't use obscene amounts.

...and those 'unlimited' users are now paying more and are using less data than those with a tiered plan.

Of course, this has nothing to do with what their network can carry... it's strictly about money and how they can get more. Like a drug dealer giving out a free sample, they pushed unlimited for years, let phone speed increase, and, once everyone got comfortable, they took it away and began charging more.

As I've said before, if it were about their network, they wouldn't still be offering (and pushing) unlimited for non-smartphones... and they certainly wouldn't let me hit 50GB without a notice or being throttled.

 

[lordofthereef]

...and those 'unlimited' users are now paying more and are using less data than those with a tiered plan.

Of course, this has nothing to do with what their network can carry... it's strictly about money and how they can get more. Like a drug dealer giving out a free sample, they pushed unlimited for years, let phone speed increase, and, once everyone got comfortable, they took it away and began charging more.

As I've said before, if it were about their network, they wouldn't still be offering (and pushing) unlimited for non-smartphones... and they certainly wouldn't let me hit 50GB without a notice or being throttled.

I really, REALLY do not believe the drug dealer comparison. Smartphones have exploded in data use over the years. We are using more data than ATT ever thought we would. Is it overpriced? yes. It should probably just be $5 per GB, a price comparable to many other nations on tiered plans. What ATT is doing is twofold. Cleaning up their network from bandwidth abusers (which DID need to be done) AND making a pretty penny while doing it. This is a money grab, but not JUST a money grab.

 

[cyks]

I really, REALLY do not believe the drug dealer comparison. Smartphones have exploded in data use over the years. We are using more data than ATT ever thought we would. Is it overpriced? yes. It should probably just be $5 per GB, a price comparable to many other nations on tiered plans. What ATT is doing is twofold. Cleaning up their network from bandwidth abusers (which DID need to be done) AND making a pretty penny while doing it. This is a money grab, but not JUST a money grab.

...and again, if that is the case, they would have targeted ALL abusers and stopped offering Unlimited. They haven't.

Out of curiosity, I started using a LOT more (non-smartphone) once they began the throttling talk.

 

[MattMJB0188]

...and again, if that is the case, they would have targeted all abusers and stopped offering unlimited. They haven't.

Out of curiosity, i started using a lot more (non-smartphone) once they began the throttling talk.

image

How in GOD'S name did you use 50GB!!!!!!!?????

 

[lordofthereef]

...and again, if that is the case, they would have targeted ALL abusers and stopped offering Unlimited. They haven't.

Out of curiosity, I started using a LOT more (non-smartphone) once they began the throttling talk.

Image

I am a strong believer that they are only targetting congested market. There is absolutely no reason to target an area where there is no congestion. Verizon goes as far as coming out and saying this. AT&T does not, but I suspect they do the same.

If there were purely a money grab, they would stand to make more through overages than they do on the $30 unlimited plan...

 

[cyks]

I am a strong believer that they are only targetting congested market. There is absolutely no reason to target an area where there is no congestion. Verizon goes as far as coming out and saying this. AT&T does not, but I suspect they do the same.

If there were purely a money grab, they would stand to make more through overages than they do on the $30 unlimited plan...

That's well and good, but I live in a congested market. They're not targeting me because my usage isn't on a smartphone.

They throttle unlimited users at 2GB, all but forcing them to either pay less and choose the 2GB tier (and pray they don't go over), or pay more for the 4GB.

 

[lordofthereef]

That's well and good, but I live in a congested market. They're not targeting me because my usage isn't on a smartphone.

They throttle unlimited users at 2GB, all but forcing them to either pay less and choose the 2GB tier (and pray they don't go over), or pay more for the 4GB.

They likely aren't targeting dumbphones because it hasn't become a problem (or as big of one). I would bet they have a totally different system for dealing with non-smartphone data. If you keep it up, and we have enough other people keeping it up, they will likely do the same for non-smartphone data as well. For heaven's sake up until about a month ago there was still an unlimited data loophole on AT&T. Obviously it got to be enough of a problem, finally, that they shut it down, nearly a year later.

The point behind the tiered plans is to get people trained to using less data. That much is plain as day. All the while, you still have the option to use more data if you absolutely must. Using dozens of gigs is going to be cost prohibitive, however. While they aren't stopping you directly, your wallet probably would be.

FWIW this tactic is not a new one. Most non-US countries have plans like this. The large difference is the cost behind them. We are being charged way too much for the small chunks of data we are allotted.

 

[3282868]

As the OP mentioned, Verizon only throttles the highest users during the period (seconds, minutes, hours) when the particular cell they're using is overloaded. If a big user is on a cell that's not congested, Verizon doesn't throttle... because there's no need to. So Verizon only does it out of necessity.

That's quite different from AT&T, who (I think - better check) throttles the highest users through at least a billing period, and on all cells, whether it's needed or not. So AT&T seems to do it more as a punishment.

That's exactly the case. VW will only throttle those users that have gone over their paid for tier in times it is necessary, AT&T keeps you throttled for the remainder of your billing cycle.

Buh-bye! Image

I'm not gonna cry for any high-bandwidth leecher leaving. Good riddance.

-t

Um, the most I have ever used during my four years as an unlimited $30/month (more than the 2GB tier plan) AT&T iPhone user was this past billing cycle, at ~2888.X MB on their 3G network (dial *3282# in your iPhone to receive a text on your current monthly data usage). Otherwise I always use WiFi when available, I do not use cellular data for iCloud and I do not tether. Given that others have been using far more data than myself, how am I a leech - on an unlimited data plan? As someone suggested, it seems based on GEO (I was in Chicago this past New Year when this happened).

To answer another question, it seems AT&T throttles down to ~160kb (I couldn't get Safari to load, and neither could the AT&T store manager and employee in Chicago), which is slower than Sprint and much slower than VW if/when throttled.

Lastly, how do sarcastic comments such as:

Glad to see you GO!

help the topic other than to display a lack of integrity? If you don't have anything productive to state, don't waste everyone's time. Glad to see others agree by voting your comment down.

As for everyone else who was nice enough in helping, thanks. I read a great point about waiting it out for the next iPhone as it will most likely [hopefully] have LTE support. As someone else stated, the point is voting with my dollars. Yes, I am one individual, but it seems many are making the decision to leave and collectively that will hurt the company. AT&T has called me numerous times and left messages about resolving the issue. I'll let it go until tomorrow, call em back, perhaps playing their game will get me somewhere.

...and to emphasize, I am not abusing my unlimited data plan, this is a response to AT&T's obvious action in pushing out grandfathered unlimited plans to a tiered plan. I am paying more than the 2GB plan and am being throttled if I go over 2GB/billing cycle, and by "go over" it is not GB's over it's MB's. There is no basis for this as my monthly data usage has not changed compared to my previous billing cycles and any change has been minimal at best so please refrain from personal comments and move on. Thanks.

 

[mpossoff]

AT&T has given me two warnings and throttled my unlimited plan to almost no 3G service. After dealing with customer "service" I was told that my 2888.1MB monthly (billing cycle ends on the 11th) I am not being punished, this is simply a "reaction to my action." Basically, anyone who goes over the 2GB data rate on an unlimited grandfathered data plan is subject to AT&T's "Top 5%" of data users and can be throttled. When asked how they determine the top 5% (friends have gone way over 3GB/mo and have not been throttled) I was given the run around.

SO I am reacting to their reaction by leaving and am considering Verizon or Sprint.

-Sprint: Unlimited data for $10, slowest network, ok calls
-Verizon: Best voice network, average data speeds, tiered plans (although Verizon doesn't throttle through billing cycles, speeds may increase as tower congestion decreases for accounts over their data limit, so I've been told).

Before I ditch I'd love to read anyone's suggestions/experiences. Thanks!

AT&T won't throttle if you're on a tiered plan. VZW voice isn't as good as AT&T. I'm test driving a VZW device and voice isn't as good as AT&T voice.

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I am a strong believer that they are only targetting congested market. There is absolutely no reason to target an area where there is no congestion. Verizon goes as far as coming out and saying this. AT&T does not, but I suspect they do the same.

If there were purely a money grab, they would stand to make more through overages than they do on the $30 unlimited plan...

I'm in Philly market and haven't been throttled and use 3GB/ month.

 

[Dwalls90]

They're definitely picking and choosing. I would threaten legal action. Somehow, I used 6Gb this month (I blame lack of WiFi at winter break job and iCloud), but my 3G speeds haven't changed nor have I received a text from AT&T notifying me of throttle. I received a text saying I was tethering? But after that, I ensured my unlimited plan remained untouched and haven't experienced any issues.

 

[gillybean]

I'm averaging about 2gb every month and they've never said or done anything to me to suggest throttling.

And isn't Sprint much slower, such that Sprint unthrottled would be similar speeds as AT&T throttled?

 

[bigsexyy81]

Unless you're using your phone as your home internet connection or don't have wi-fi at home, there should be no need to use 3 GB worth of data.

AT&T won't be losing sleep over someone with fairly high data usage going elsewhere, so by all means try another provider. But if you are complaining about having limited data, you obviously would want Sprint.

 

[cyks]

Unless you're using your phone as your home internet connection or don't have wi-fi at home, there should be no need to use 3 GB worth of data.

What about those who don't have (or don't care to use) WiFi at work, those with long train commutes, or those who use their lunchtime as their only chance to catch up on movies/ tv shows they want to see?

I'd be willing to bet that they would feel differently.

 

[0000757]

AT&T won't throttle if you're on a tiered plan. VZW voice isn't as good as AT&T. I'm test driving a VZW device and voice isn't as good as AT&T voice.

GSM networks (AT&T, T-Mobile) are better for Voice, but CDMA (Verizon, Sprint) networks are much much MUCH better for data.

 

[Walter Bell]

Unless you're using your phone as your home internet connection or don't have wi-fi at home, there should be no need to use 3 GB worth of data.

AT&T won't be losing sleep over someone with fairly high data usage going elsewhere, so by all means try another provider. But if you are complaining about having limited data, you obviously would want Sprint.

Are you kidding me? No more then 3GB a month? Let's look at some of the basic things that the phone can do while having no access to a wifi connection:

Siri
GPS
Pandora
Netflix
Safari
YouTube
iCloud


I think you get the point. The iPhone is capable of tons of different things that all need data. Bandwidth consumption is bound to increase due to the way technology is progressing whether we like it or not. I can't imagine not hitting less then 2gb every single month and I feel like I am not even a heavy user. That's why I pay for UNLIMITED.

 

[pilot1226]

Before I ditch I'd love to read anyone's suggestions/experiences. Thanks!

I think you'd be foolish to leave. Unlimited data on a good network is a wonderful thing. Depending on your location, unlimited data on Sprint might not be all it's cracked up to be. And it will be significantly slower than it would on AT&T's network.

I know that Sprint has a no-questions-asked 14 day return policy with no restocking fees, so you could potentially test it out and return it for no charge before you give up AT&T.

It's a little legwork, but you can get a new account with Sprint, a dummy line with a random phone number, play with it for 14 days to make sure everything's up to snuff, and return it before those said 14 days. I've heard mixed experiences with the returns, so I'd make sure I'd return it on the 10th day at the very latest... When done with that, you can then start ANOTHER account and port your number in from AT&T if that's what you truly wanted.

Remember, you may be getting throttled with AT&T after 2880 MB, but also keep the following in mind:

1. As more and more people opt to get smartphones, they will use more data. That "top 5%" is constantly changing depending on the number of smartphone users.

2. Smartphone users are demanding faster phones and faster network speeds to use more data. This means that while 2880 MB might put you in the top 5% today, tomorrow it could be 4 GB.

 

[goosnarrggh]

...and those 'unlimited' users are now paying more and are using less data than those with a tiered plan.

That is categorically and demonstrably FALSE.

If you are being throttled on an unlimited plan, then currently you are exceeding 2GB. Once the throttling kicks in, you can continue to consume data; it just takes longer to complete a given task than it would have before the throttling kicked in. You will not be charged once cent more than you would have otherwise. (Of course, the degree of throttling might make certain activities impractical after the throttling kicks in. You have to evaluate whether those activities are worth paying more to maintain.)

If you had been using a tiered data plan, then similarly exceeding 2GB of usage would have required one of two possible situations:
1) you were subscribed for the 4GB plan (in which case you are paying at least $15 MORE per month than the grandfathered "unlimited" plans), or
2) you were being charged overage fees (in which case you are paying at least $5 MORE for that month than the grandfathered "unlimited" plans).

In either case, for customers who consume more than 2 GB of data per month, there is no data plan which will end up costing them less per month, than the grandfathered "unlimited" plan.

 

[gigapocket1]

ive never been throttled...
my account is based out of memphis.. i go to school in florida, but i have been in Vegas the past 3 weeks..

im pretty sure i did atleast 16 gigs last month. i had took a movie class over Christmas break, used that tether app that had gotten released a couple of months ago on accident. i watched 8 movies over Christmas break plus my normal usage. sorry that this grammer is hortible btw. had to remote in to a computer to upload this attachment

 

[3282868]

ive never been throttled...
my account is based out of memphis.. i go to school in florida, but i have been in Vegas the past 3 weeks..

im pretty sure i did atleast 16 gigs last month. i had took a movie class over Christmas break, used that tether app that had gotten released a couple of months ago on accident. i watched 8 movies over Christmas break plus my normal usage. sorry that this grammer is hortible btw. had to remote in to a computer to upload this attachment

Ugh. So why am I and a few others being throttled when (comparatively) we're not even close to using the data that some have stated they consume?

So odd.

PS I am the original poster of the thread, there was a mixup with my account which is why I am posting under a different name, so forgive the confusion.

I haven't phoned AT&T back but I did receive a text stating the case has been resolved, for whatever that's worth. I will phone them this afternoon. I definitely don't want to leave, I just hate giving into corporate strong arming when (essentially) I have not abused my usage.

Thanks everyone for your help! I greatly appreciate it (esp the suggestion of trying Sprint for 14 days and returning it should the service be sub par).

Thanks again, and let's keep these corporations in check. I'm not advocating abusing your plans but throttling unlimited users for reaching 2888.1MB with just three days left at the end of their billing cycle when others are using as much as 50GB (as someone stated earlier) seems to be strong arming. Reasonable usage should not be "punished" especially at $30/month. If we let these businesses get away with these acts by not voting collectively with our dollars we are in essence allowing them to bully consumers, this is not how it should be done.