Leaving AT&T Due to Throttling of Grandfathered Unlimited Data

[DarwinOSX]

This is absurd. You're basically positing your argument around complacency and as paying consumers we are "whining" about a corporation negating the contracts with their unlimited data costumers. Whiny people have ruined this country??? This country was founded on many principles, the first of which is the freedom of speech and the ability to vocalize our concerns in both politics and consumerism. I highly doubt consumers who have had four years of unlimited data at $30/month who are now being randomly throttled for going over certain amounts of data on an UNLIMITED PLAN are "ruining this country." What is ruining this country are individuals who excuse this corporate abuse and roll over without taking the necessary action in placing these businesses in check.

An unlimited plan is an UNLIMITED PLAN, no where in the contract I signed in 2007 did it state a SPECIFIC "fair use" clause for a specified amount of data - trust me, I looked. If there was a given figure, for example 2 GB/month of "fair use" then I would agree. As data usage for many ranges any where from 2GB - 50 GB/mo there seems to be a lack of logic in AT&T throttling unlimited data users. AT&T seems to prey upon uninformed consumers, i.e. MacRumors is predominantly a forum of knowledgable IT individuals so we are not the "general consumer", in order to threaten them into a lower data plan for more money.

So give AT&T a pass. Why stop there? Let's allow the government to increase your taxes and punish you by cutting off your power if you go over the usage for your last power cycle. Oh, that would make you a "whiner" and a threat to this "great country". What makes this country great is that we can write our concerns and vote with our dollars. If you do not, then YOU are the threat my friend.

Namaste

Give him a pass. He is well trained and parroting his lines is all. It must be hell thinking this way.

 

[magicbrain]

Sense

This is absurd. You're basically positing your argument around complacency and as paying consumers we are "whining" about a corporation negating the contracts with their unlimited data costumers. Whiny people have ruined this country??? This country was founded on many principles, the first of which is the freedom of speech and the ability to vocalize our concerns in both politics and consumerism. I highly doubt consumers who have had four years of unlimited data at $30/month who are now being randomly throttled for going over certain amounts of data on an UNLIMITED PLAN are "ruining this country." What is ruining this country are individuals who excuse this corporate abuse and roll over without taking the necessary action in placing these businesses in check.
...
So give AT&T a pass. Why stop there? Let's allow the government to increase your taxes and punish you by cutting off your power if you go over the usage for your last power cycle. Oh, that would make you a "whiner" and a threat to this "great country". What makes this country great is that we can write our concerns and vote with our dollars. If you do not, then YOU are the threat my friend.

Namaste

Finally someone with sense on this forum. Ditto!

Ps: I'm still shocked how many Corp trolls post their nonsense here

 

[MattMJB0188]

What do you not understand about unlimited?
Also you are delusional. Seek therapy.

Actually, what do YOU NOT UNDERSTAND ABOUT UNLIMITED??? The connection can be 10Kbps but the customer is still getting a connection to the web. It clearly states that they don't guarantee any speeds. Maybe do ten seconds of research on the matter before you make an ignorant comment like that next time.

I really can't stand people like you on forums and in person I'd tell you where to go!!!

 

[3282868]

Everyone, can we please, please keep this thread on topic and not personal? I'd really appreciate it if politics/personal attacks/sarcasm could be left out. We're all adults here, so please could we keep the discussion civil? Thanks!

On the tiered data plans, if you go over the limit, they tack on another 1GB and charge $10. So if you average 3GB of usage each month, you're looking at paying $35/month for unthrottled data, as opposed to $30 on the onld "unlimited" plan for 2GB of unthrottled data, and then the rest being throttled after that.

Thanks much for this info, it definitely helps. AT&T rectified the issue thus far, but if it happens again I'll most likely revisit the topic or switch to a tiered plan. I really appreciate yours and everyone else's help

 

[rjohnstone]

14145105[/URL]]It likely has to do with heavily congested areas. This would explain why some people get the notice and some don't.

There is too much evidence around to say it is just a myth.

Your own comment suggest it's a myth as some get notified and others don't.

If it was a fact, then EVERYONE using more than 2GB per month on an unlimited plan would get throttled.
It's a myth because not one single person here has posted proof that AT&T throttles once a person hits 2GB.

What has been proven is if you happen to be in a certain area and use x amount of data (the amount is subjective as no one has concrete proof on the data actual amount) over some undefined time period you might get throttled.

 

[chakraj]

I never got throttled at all, and I have a FAN account with a good discount and I also have heard that they don't throttle certain FAN accounts so I was not going to be throttled (I think). However I do not agree that a company should renig on a contract and even make me worry about the possibility of such an event.

I have been paying them for over six years, I only use a small amount of data each month. One month i used 3.8 gigs and all the rest under 2 gigs most way under and now late in the game they are going to change their policy and treat me like that. Well Verizon has strong LTE in my area and everywhere around the state, well everywhere I may go anyway. They have or had, an unlimited lte hotspot option for 30 bucks more last month, so I walked and voted with my money.

They also don't use carrier IQ.

 

[bushman4]

Seems as though ATT is only throttling consistently over 2 GB users each month.
Hopefully this changes once ATT starts using the new spectrum they purchased.

 

[mrsir2009]

Actually, what do YOU NOT UNDERSTAND ABOUT UNLIMITED??? The connection can be 10Kbps but the customer is still getting a connection to the web. It clearly states that they don't guarantee any speeds. Maybe do ten seconds of research on the matter before you make an ignorant comment like that next time.

I really can't stand people like you on forums and in person I'd tell you where to go!!!

Calm the farm bro

 

[maverikv]

Actually, what do YOU NOT UNDERSTAND ABOUT UNLIMITED??? The connection can be 10Kbps but the customer is still getting a connection to the web. It clearly states that they don't guarantee any speeds. Maybe do ten seconds of research on the matter before you make an ignorant comment like that next time.

I really can't stand people like you on forums and in person I'd tell you where to go!!!

lim·it/ˈlimit/
Noun:
A point or level beyond which something does not or may not extend or pass.
Verb:
Set or serve as a limit to: "try to limit the amount you drink".

un·lim·it·ed/ˌənˈlimitid/
Adjective:

1. Not limited or restricted in terms of number, quantity, or extent.
2. (of a company) Not limited.

When AT&T limits your speed, your data is no longer unlimited.

 

[goosnarrggh]

lim·it/ˈlimit/
Noun:
A point or level beyond which something does not or may not extend or pass.
Verb:
Set or serve as a limit to: "try to limit the amount you drink".

When interpreted as a noun, the definition definitely doesn't apply to what AT&T is doing. AT&T has not defined any limit beyond which you are not permitted to pass. No matter how much you've already managed to consume, you will always be permitted to ask for one byte more. If you ever reach the point where you can ask for one byte more, and AT&T responds that you will have to pay extra to access that additional byte, then you have reached a limit as interpreted as a noun.

un·lim·it·ed/ˌənˈlimitid/
Adjective:

1. Not limited or restricted in terms of number, quantity, or extent.
2. (of a company) Not limited.

When AT&T limits your speed, your data is no longer unlimited.

When interpreted as an adjective, it is very interesting to note that your selected definition doesn't say anything about being restricted in terms of rate.

 

[maverikv]

When interpreted as a noun, the definition definitely doesn't apply to what AT&T is doing. AT&T has not defined any limit beyond which you are not permitted to pass. No matter how much you've already managed to consume, you will always be permitted to ask for one byte more. If you ever reach the point where you can ask for one byte more, and AT&T responds that you will have to pay extra to access that additional byte, then you have reached a limit as interpreted as a noun.



When interpreted as an adjective, it is very interesting to note that your selected definition doesn't say anything about being restricted in terms of rate.

It is very interesting that you would be an apologist for one of the most reviled corporations in America. The definition of the word "limit" was not created to tailor to the wireless industry or to internet data specifically. Anyone with a third grade understanding of the English language understands what a limit is. Artificially reducing a user's speed is indeed a limit, and said user's plan is therefore unlimited. AT&T can offer whatever they want and charge whatever they want at the end of the day, but if the plan is supposedly "unlimited" then that is what they should deliver.

 

[3282868]

It is also interesting to note that "throttling" in my instance actually resulted in no data being delivered. The AT&T store in Chicago was so perplexed they thought it might have been a defective micro-SIM and used a new one. To their dismay they could not get Safari, Mail, etc to even load after 5-10 minutes. Perhaps I was getting 1kb speeds, who knows, either way I understand the semantics that "throttling" doesn't necessarily mean no data, but in my instance and in the recent instance of a friend it essentially did. However, AT&T can easily claim I have data, just very, very, very slow data lol

Sigh

 

[Stewie]

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!

Good luck. Both Sprint and Verizon have data speeds that are so slow you won't really be able to enjoy all the streaming media apps that you obviously enjoy with that amount of data usage.

Then you can't do voice and data at the same time on them. So enjoy not being able to surf the web while on a phone call and all the alerts that come in after you finish a phone call.

And my favorite is that they can't do long text message. Anything over 160 chars gets broken up when you send it.

I understand how you feel, but you will be more miserable leaving.

 

[AustinIllini]

Good luck. Both Sprint and Verizon have data speeds that are so slow you won't really be able to enjoy all the streaming media apps that you obviously enjoy with that amount of data usage.

Depends where you are, obviously. And VZW coverage is stronger

Then you can't do voice and data at the same time on them. So enjoy not being able to surf the web while on a phone call and all the alerts that come in after you finish a phone call.

I don't know anyone who has ever thought of doing that.

And my favorite is that they can't do long text message. Anything over 160 chars gets broken up when you send it.

At least they can get the message. And there's iMessage

I understand how you feel, but you will be more miserable leaving.

In conclusion, not miserable

See the bolded comments above. I doubt any of the carriers will make someone "miserable"

 

[SplicedBanjo]

Verizon, Verizon all the way. Why?

1) Verizon does have the best network in the US.
2) Verizon has coverage literally everywhere. I was 300ft underground at Craighead Caverns and I had 2 bars and could easily send text messages (but phone calls were hard).

That's great, but in my office, I have no problem using my AT&T iPhone, and all my coworkers have Verizon and can't get a signal. I spend a lot more time at my office than in the Craighead Caverns. Identifying the best network depends on where you live.

I'm curious whether anyone has tried to get out of paying the ETF based on AT&T's new throttling. I'm not necessarily wanting to do that myself, but the "bogosity" of their latest constraints is getting a bit ridiculous. Yes, AT&T's contract does say they can throttle you in some situations, but it does NOT say they can fundamentally change the terms of the contract to the point that they are pretty much taking away the service you are paying for, and even if it did say that, that would probably not be enforceable.

IMO, the biggest irony is that AT&T could've just waited about one more year and then said, "We don't sell any unlimited 4G plans." Then most of their customers would've happily voluntarily given up their unlimited plans. Is AT&T really so desperate that they have to rob people of their plans instead?

 

[hexonxonx]

I have noticed in my area that Verizons speed is in line to what I get with other line that is on AT&T. I am very impressed with Verizon and am considering moving my other line to Verizon.

I just can't get reliable 3G speed at my house but once I leave here, my 3G is great.

What I will miss with AT&T is being able to get great phone call reliability and a strong 3G signal everywhere I go but mostly at my house.

This all proves that your experience with each individual provider will vary depending on your location and travel habits.Just because you someone claims that Verizon has the best call quality or strongest signal doesn't mean everyone will everywhere at every time.

 

[3282868]

Good luck. Both Sprint and Verizon have data speeds that are so slow you won't really be able to enjoy all the streaming media apps that you obviously enjoy with that amount of data usage.

Then you can't do voice and data at the same time on them. So enjoy not being able to surf the web while on a phone call and all the alerts that come in after you finish a phone call.

And my favorite is that they can't do long text message. Anything over 160 chars gets broken up when you send it.

I understand how you feel, but you will be more miserable leaving.

I'm beginning to believe you are correct Sir. I'm thankful that AT&T was not allowed to acquire t-Mobile, but we need another GSM network to compete against AT&T and I hope beyond hope that Deutsch telecom doesn't abandon t-Mobile USA as they hinted as it would be worse than AT&T acquiring the company to strengthen their network (although would AT&T be able to acquire abandoned t-Mobile towers should that happen?). The hold out for me is voice and data at the same time.

Forgive my ignorance but wouldn't LTE allow voice + data simultaneously?

Depends where you are, obviously. And VZW coverage is stronger

At least they can get the message. And there's iMessage

Ugh, also good points.

It's a no win scenario! LOL UNCLE!

 

[rjohnstone]

Forgive my ignorance but wouldn't LTE allow voice + data simultaneously?

Yes... LTE is (currently) used for data only.
Voice still utilizes the CDMA network.

 

[3282868]

Yes... LTE is (currently) used for data only.
Voice still utilizes the CDMA network.

Lord, I work in communications and I didn't even remember that fact lol

So when the LTE iPhone 5 is released this year, simultaneous voice + data functionality should be available on VW and AT&T LTE iPhone's. Both networks are ramping up their LTE rollout hardcore in preparation, this next iPhone could be a game changer with regards to carriers. Once features are available on both networks, data/voice plans may change due to competition intensity and remaining factor(s) will simply be QOS. As LTE for the iPhone isn't out yet, as some have suggested, I'll wait it out for the fall with the new device (I can't wait to get NFC, I don't know why that excites me lol).

 

[rjohnstone]

Lord, I work in communications and I didn't even remember that fact lol

So when the LTE iPhone 5 is released this year, simultaneous voice + data functionality should be available on VW and AT&T LTE iPhone's. Both networks are ramping up their LTE rollout hardcore in preparation, this next iPhone could be a game changer with regards to carriers. Once features are available on both networks, data/voice plans may change due to competition intensity and remaining factor(s) will simply be QOS. As LTE for the iPhone isn't out yet, as some have suggested, I'll wait it out for the fall with the new device (I can't wait to get NFC, I don't know why that excites me lol).

Yep.
The only issue is Verizon's LTE network is flaky at best.
Lot of user complaints and outages.
AT&T's is still too new, but early reports are positive.

 

[lordofthereef]

I'm beginning to believe you are correct Sir. I'm thankful that AT&T was not allowed to acquire t-Mobile, but we need another GSM network to compete against AT&T and I hope beyond hope that Deutsch telecom doesn't abandon t-Mobile USA as they hinted as it would be worse than AT&T acquiring the company to strengthen their network (although would AT&T be able to acquire abandoned t-Mobile towers should that happen?). The hold out for me is voice and data at the same time.

In my eyes TMO USA has never REALLY been a competitor for ATT. At least not for the past 5 or so years. It's like saying US cellular is a competitor to VZW. I mean, technically they are, but REALLY they are not (though they do have a very strong presence here in the Midwest). Unless DT dumps an incredible amount of money into oncreasing their coverage and perhaps even acquiring more spectrum (not sure that is even an option?) I don't see them scaring AT&T at all.

 

[0000757]

That's great, but in my office, I have no problem using my AT&T iPhone, and all my coworkers have Verizon and can't get a signal. I spend a lot more time at my office than in the Craighead Caverns. Identifying the best network depends on where you live.

True true, but overall, Verizon has the best coverage in the general nation. They have the most service areas. I don't always have Verizon service.

 

[magicbrain]

Good point

Your own comment suggest it's a myth as some get notified and others don't.

If it was a fact, then EVERYONE using more than 2GB per month on an unlimited plan would get throttled.
It's a myth because not one single person here has posted proof that AT&T throttles once a person hits 2GB.

What has been proven is if you happen to be in a certain area and use x amount of data (the amount is subjective as no one has concrete proof on the data actual amount) over some undefined time period you might get throttled.

Although I live on Chicago, I was told I'm in "NY market" (yes cap is 2gb, thats when I get a txt, for 2 months now and it started when I hit 4.6 in oct)

Could you guys share your suspected caps and what "market" are you in?

I decided to try this theory and switch to chi market next month, to see if I'll still get the txt at 2gb

 

[magicbrain]

Friend

It is also interesting to note that "throttling" in my instance actually resulted in no data being delivered. The AT&T store in Chicago was so perplexed they thought it might have been a defective micro-SIM and used a new one. To their dismay they could not get Safari, Mail, etc to even load after 5-10 minutes. Perhaps I was getting 1kb speeds, who knows, either way I understand the semantics that "throttling" doesn't necessarily mean no data, but in my instance and in the recent instance of a friend it essentially did. However, AT&T can easily claim I have data, just very, very, very slow data lol

Sigh

I'm in chi too. It's not consistent, sometimes I'm ok to browse (when tested it jumps to .5 for a sec, then .1). But sometimes, like today downtown, nothing loads for over a min. When I left the area, It went back to what I described initially. I also played with apn settings from lte, android forums (mmsc.mobile.att.net instead mmsc.cingular, didn't bother with the ports) and that seems to solve my "dead" issue.

Ps: let me know if you find a major Att store that solves your issue (in my experience bigger stores have more power), somebody posted here that they were able to lift his throttling after he approached them in a friendly, polite manner ...

 

[ntrigue]

As someone that gets throttled almost every month I can testify that it makes the iPhone virtually unusable. I literally have to plan to perform tasks when I am around WiFi again. My average Orkla speed test was 0.26UP/0.1DOWN, horrendous! I am investigating switching to Verizon iPhone 4.

Ps I mostly get into the 3GB range when I get the text.