Top five percent of AT&T smartphone usage and Bandwidth throttling

[3282868]

So if any of you have read some of my posts, I've been in the "Top 5%" of data users... and I work for AAPL. Quick recap, I use (at most) 2-3 GB 3G data/mo. I've been throttled on my unlimited data plan since October. I've spoken with AT&T numerous times, in stores, on the phone, even through Apple corp. Today I learned something interesting...

After having to enter "captcha"'s into Safari just to Google information, an AT&T rep in Boston (the city I was currently working in for AAPL), I was informed that only AT&T tech support can remove this "feature." I phoned AT&T and spoke with a "Data Rep" who went through the same lines/rhetoric that has been covered in this (and many other) threads. Now here is the interesting part. She stated, "this [data monitoring] will continue until the program is disengaged."

Hmmmm, what program, and when will this program end? Apparently AT&T is actively doing this as a means to control their QoS, and this is addressed as a "program" for rep's. She stumbled after she made that statement, as if she went off cue. I can not believe that AT&T is actively engaged in a "program" to keep people who are NOT abusing their plans throttled because they have not spent the billions they earn on building out their network. I made this very point to the rep, who continued repeating the same company rhetoric about 95% of AT&T customers use 2 GB/mo and if you go over that you are the top 5% and therefore will be throttled, and this is based on market. Market, my number is a 917 area code, is what she emphasized. So for those stating they have not been throttled, they are doing this by market/area code/origin of data.

Interesting...

 

[lordofthereef]

There are threads on here about phantom dataq usage, That is one of the main issues, if the phone can do data in the background, like sending apple its stats (did you dis engage that option in settings?) and google wants their stats, and Vlingo wants their stats, and netflix wants their stats and so on and so on. Now each of these companies stats include, your IMEI, your location data, your contact list, all of the titles in your itunes list... Plus you can not opt out of a lot of these. Google plus is terrible at this sending data all day long, Faebook does the same.

So, you pay for the data, they use the data without your concent and with no option to turn it off. That sounds fair.

Google, and Vlingo, and Netflix, etc. are not going to be receiving any stats from you unless that specific app is open. These apps don't run in the background the way many people think. They aren't actually "running". They are in a save state on your RAM until that RAM is needed by something else.

 

[chakraj]

Google, and Vlingo, and Netflix, etc. are not going to be receiving any stats from you unless that specific app is open. These apps don't run in the background the way many people think. They aren't actually "running". They are in a save state on your RAM until that RAM is needed by something else.

Oh really.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/vlingo-explains-data-collection/

"So why the alarmingly regular data updates? The four minute upload time is unintentional, it should only update when the app is used, and only then to refresh any changes. "

So are you sure, or is that just what they say?

 

[kalex]

The fact is ATT has oversold their network, how is that the end users fault?

Imagine if a Movie theater just sold as many tickets as they wanted without regard for the amount of actual seats. Then when people started to say "hey I want my money back because there are no seats" The movie theater said, Oh its not our fault, its the seat abusers who sit in the seat for the whole movie.

If they can not handle the traffic they have, then they need to stop signing people up until they build the network to a workable capacity.

Instead they are walking around the theater, kicking people out of their seats so others can sit down.

They make them stand outside with the door partially opened (throttled) to see the movie.

WOW just WOW. Perfect explanations. Awesome

 

[cyks]

So if any of you have read some of my posts, I've been in the "Top 5%" of data users... and I work for AAPL. Quick recap, I use (at most) 2-3 GB 3G data/mo. I've been throttled on my unlimited data plan since October. I've spoken with AT&T numerous times, in stores, on the phone, even through Apple corp. Today I learned something interesting...

After having to enter "captcha"'s into Safari just to Google information, an AT&T rep in Boston (the city I was currently working in for AAPL), I was informed that only AT&T tech support can remove this "feature." I phoned AT&T and spoke with a "Data Rep" who went through the same lines/rhetoric that has been covered in this (and many other) threads. Now here is the interesting part. She stated, "this [data monitoring] will continue until the program is disengaged."

Hmmmm, what program, and when will this program end? Apparently AT&T is actively doing this as a means to control their QoS, and this is addressed as a "program" for rep's. She stumbled after she made that statement, as if she went off cue. I can not believe that AT&T is actively engaged in a "program" to keep people who are NOT abusing their plans throttled because they have not spent the billions they earn on building out their network. I made this very point to the rep, who continued repeating the same company rhetoric about 95% of AT&T customers use 2 GB/mo and if you go over that you are the top 5% and therefore will be throttled, and this is based on market.Market, my number is a 917 area code, is what she emphasized. So for those stating they have not been throttled, they are doing this by market/area code/origin of data.

Interesting...

What is the program and when will it end? Simple - Unlimited Data.

They've stopped offering it to new customers and are currently in the proces of getting everyone who's still on it, off. It's just a matter of time before they do away with it completely. When that happens, they'll stop the throttling since it won't be needed any more.

 

[lordofthereef]

Oh really.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/vlingo-explains-data-collection/

"So why the alarmingly regular data updates? The four minute upload time is unintentional, it should only update when the app is used, and only then to refresh any changes. "

So are you sure, or is that just what they say?

Listen, it's not what they say, it is what is fact about how iOS treats multitasking. Apps don't just receive updates while not running (on top, front and center) because they can't. Whether the info is transmitted once the app is loaded (again, on top, front and center) is a possiblity. That still shouldn't be accruing data while you sleep, or be viewed as a phantom charge, because it's not. It's happening while the app is loaded right there in front of you.

EDIT: The article you posted is also referring to Samsung devices (I assume Android here?) and not iOS. Android apps can, indeed, access data in the "background", while iOS apps cannot (outside of a certain few apps using certain apis, namely music streaming apps)

 

[OceanView]

So if any of you have read some of my posts, I've been in the "Top 5%" of data users... and I work for AAPL. Quick recap, I use (at most) 2-3 GB 3G data/mo. I've been throttled on my unlimited data plan since October. I've spoken with AT&T numerous times, in stores, on the phone, even through Apple corp. Today I learned something interesting...

After having to enter "captcha"'s into Safari just to Google information, an AT&T rep in Boston (the city I was currently working in for AAPL), I was informed that only AT&T tech support can remove this "feature." I phoned AT&T and spoke with a "Data Rep" who went through the same lines/rhetoric that has been covered in this (and many other) threads. Now here is the interesting part. She stated, "this [data monitoring] will continue until the program is disengaged."

Hmmmm, what program, and when will this program end? Apparently AT&T is actively doing this as a means to control their QoS, and this is addressed as a "program" for rep's. She stumbled after she made that statement, as if she went off cue. I can not believe that AT&T is actively engaged in a "program" to keep people who are NOT abusing their plans throttled because they have not spent the billions they earn on building out their network. I made this very point to the rep, who continued repeating the same company rhetoric about 95% of AT&T customers use 2 GB/mo and if you go over that you are the top 5% and therefore will be throttled, and this is based on market. Market, my number is a 917 area code, is what she emphasized. So for those stating they have not been throttled, they are doing this by market/area code/origin of data.

Interesting...

That really bites.
I really do believe this deserves a class action lawsuit.

 

[MisterDisney]

I get warnings around 1.5GB and I get throttled around 1.75GB. Rep said they don't have many customers in my area and the ones they have don't use much data, that's why I'm not even allowed to get to 2GB.

 

[superjew1492]

i got 2 warning texts in one day a few days ago, 24 days into billing cycle i hit 2gb...throttled me to the point maps can't load a full render. i've been grandfathered into an unlimited plan since the iphone 3g. currently paying the additional fees for my 4s data, no tether, regular usage but the new itunes match over the air downloads are to blame. data is unusable now. can i get out of my contract over this?

 

[cyks]

i got 2 warning texts in one day a few days ago, 24 days into billing cycle i hit 2gb...throttled me to the point maps can't load a full render. i've been grandfathered into an unlimited plan since the iphone 3g. currently paying the additional fees for my 4s data, no tether, regular usage but the new itunes match over the air downloads are to blame. data is unusable now. can i get out of my contract over this?

You can certainly try, but they'll likely point out that you could have gotten out of your contract (without an ETF) when they first announced the change of plans last July.

Give them a call and if someone says no, elevate the call to their superiors. Hopefully someone will let you leave before you get to Randall Stephenson.

 

[3282868]

That really bites.
I really do believe this deserves a class action lawsuit.

A few have been/are being filed in California. In the end, the bean counters will settle and perhaps unlimited data plan users will receive a $25 stipend for the "inconvenience." I'm very glad AT&T did not acquire t-Mobile, now let's hope Deutsch Telecomm doesn't abandon its U.S. franchise, making AT&T the only GSM network in the U.S. while decreasing competition. I plan on waiting it out for the Fall when the LTE/GSM/CDMA iPhone is released. As it stands, VZW's LTE network kills AT&T's, and I don't believe AT&T will have enough time to build out their infrastructure to compete.

PS I loved the movie theatre analogy regarding over-selling seats. Very appropriate.

 

[Vaughn Logan]

If the FCC deems that there is a Voilation of Policy, there might be legal recourse on the part of the consumer.

Stay Tuned ...

 

[Mikesus]

I lol at the folks that suggest moving to Sprint for Truly unlimited.


Yeah its unlimited alright, kinda like when you go to the Chinese buffet and all the trays are empty.

Yeah, that kind of unlimited.


SMH...

 

[emp76969]

“Unlimited” is defined by Merriam-Webster as:

1. lacking any controls : unrestricted
2. boundless, infinite


Keyword: "Unrestricted."

I am not a heavy user. I use my phone for what it was intended for. Listening to Pandora in my work Vehicle for 8hrs a Day. When I am at home my phone automatically connects to WIFI. I download most of my apps via my computer first. I Do not abuse the system like my friend who used his iPhone as his network connection to avoid paying $30 to Comcast each month.
Still AT&T says I am a threat to their network because I am using my phone for more than its intended use (which is making calls). If I wanted to have a phone for only making calls I would have a free phone not a $$$ smart phone.

The idea that someone with “unlimited Data” would be able download unlimited Data with limited bandwidth is Ridiculous.
It’s simple math. I have had speeds of approximately 3mb/sec, now I can barely achieve .1mb/sec.

Based on 30 days in a month we have 2592000 seconds a month. At a speed of 3mb/sec I could potentially download 7776000mb or 972GB. Speeds are not really ever that fast and even streaming netflix at home I rarely go over 150GB a month with Comcast. Which is still not infinite Data or "unlimited" Download speeds rarely maintain a 3mb/sec rate, instead they are more like 1mb/sec consistently, which is about 300GB a month.

With my current bandwidth throttle I could only download around 32.4GB a month or approximately 1GB a day, and this is only if my phone is consistently downloading.
A large number like 300GB a month sounds much more "unlimited" than 32GB

AT&T is trying to get everyone to switch to a tiered plan so they can charge more money. The less people with unlimited Data means the sooner people will reach Bandwidth throttle. With this in mind the cap for the top 5% will be less than the current approximate 2.1GB. Eventually people will be reaching this cap at around 200MB.

AT&T network does Suck. While other carriers Have upgraded their networks in anticipation of higher bandwidth smart phones, AT&T is trying to play catch up to the technology problem they created in major metropolitan areas.
Protecting their network is not a valid excuse for providing lower bandwidth. The ultimate problem is with the newer smart phones that utilize higher bandwidth which AT&T cannot support, instead they are trying to figure out ways to protect their assets and dupe people into signing their contracts. This is in Contrast to providing good Customer Service.

In retaliation to protect myself and other Unlimited Data users I have done the following.
First:
I call AT&T and request credit on my bill for not having acceptable data rates. Some times this works, if you attempt this, play dumb and not mention 5% user Status. I state how my data speeds are around .02mb/sec using an approved speedtest app. Other times Customer service recognizes I am a 5% user and we get into an argument about what "Unlimited" really means and How I cannot achieve unlimited Data.

Second:
Because I can nolonger do anything really with my phone, I open install0us and find a large file something like TomTom USA which is 1.3GB and click download. It will take over 1 day. Something I used to be able to achieve in less than an hour.
this Raises the Data amount on the network So hopefully others will not be restricted. I do this everyday until the day before my billing cycle.

I used to use around 3GB-4GB a month. A number I don’t consider to be excessive especially considering I have “unlimited” Data. With these tactics I get a credit on my bill and use around 7GB a month. Take that AT&T



Ultimately AT&T needs to provide unlimited Data users unlimited Data whether that is 10GB a month or 10TB a month

 

[Vaughn Logan]

“Unlimited” is defined by Merriam-Webster as:

1. lacking any controls : unrestricted
2. boundless, infinite


Keyword: "Unrestricted."

I am not a heavy user. I use my phone for what it was intended for. Listening to Pandora in my work Vehicle for 8hrs a Day. When I am at home my phone automatically connects to WIFI. I download most of my apps via my computer first. I Do not abuse the system like my friend who used his iPhone as his network connection to avoid paying $30 to Comcast each month.
Still AT&T says I am a threat to their network because I am using my phone for more than its intended use (which is making calls). If I wanted to have a phone for only making calls I would have a free phone not a $$$ smart phone.

The idea that someone with “unlimited Data” would be able download unlimited Data with limited bandwidth is Ridiculous.
It’s simple math. I have had speeds of approximately 3mb/sec, now I can barely achieve .1mb/sec.

Based on 30 days in a month we have 2592000 seconds a month. At a speed of 3mb/sec I could potentially download 7776000mb or 972GB. Speeds are not really ever that fast and even streaming netflix at home I rarely go over 150GB a month with Comcast. Which is still not infinite Data or "unlimited" Download speeds rarely maintain a 3mb/sec rate, instead they are more like 1mb/sec consistently, which is about 300GB a month.

With my current bandwidth throttle I could only download around 32.4GB a month or approximately 1GB a day, and this is only if my phone is consistently downloading.
A large number like 300GB a month sounds much more "unlimited" than 32GB

AT&T is trying to get everyone to switch to a tiered plan so they can charge more money. The less people with unlimited Data means the sooner people will reach Bandwidth throttle. With this in mind the cap for the top 5% will be less than the current approximate 2.1GB. Eventually people will be reaching this cap at around 200MB.

AT&T network does Suck. While other carriers Have upgraded their networks in anticipation of higher bandwidth smart phones, AT&T is trying to play catch up to the technology problem they created in major metropolitan areas.
Protecting their network is not a valid excuse for providing lower bandwidth. The ultimate problem is with the newer smart phones that utilize higher bandwidth which AT&T cannot support, instead they are trying to figure out ways to protect their assets and dupe people into signing their contracts. This is in Contrast to providing good Customer Service.

In retaliation to protect myself and other Unlimited Data users I have done the following.
First:
I call AT&T and request credit on my bill for not having acceptable data rates. Some times this works, if you attempt this, play dumb and not mention 5% user Status. I state how my data speeds are around .02mb/sec using an approved speedtest app. Other times Customer service recognizes I am a 5% user and we get into an argument about what "Unlimited" really means and How I cannot achieve unlimited Data.

Second:
Because I can nolonger do anything really with my phone, I open install0us and find a large file something like TomTom USA which is 1.3GB and click download. It will take over 1 day. Something I used to be able to achieve in less than an hour.
this Raises the Data amount on the network So hopefully others will not be restricted. I do this everyday until the day before my billing cycle.

I used to use around 3GB-4GB a month. A number I don’t consider to be excessive especially considering I have “unlimited” Data. With these tactics I get a credit on my bill and use around 7GB a month. Take that AT&T



Ultimately AT&T needs to provide unlimited Data users unlimited Data whether that is 10GB a month or 10TB a month

... this Raises the Data amount on the network So hopefully others will not be restricted ...

Perfectly worded. I will do the same with my Unlimited Plan and stream Netflix 24 hours per day so that it will raise the overall average consumption and keep that 5% threshold at a rate where it should be.

 

[Vaughn Logan]

Does anyone know if I can re-title this thread AT&T Bandwidth Throttling And The FCC?

 

[rgarjr]

Maybe this is a good idea, let your phone stream overnight and rack up data usage.

 

[Vaughn Logan]

Maybe this is a good idea, let your phone stream overnight and rack up data usage.

It shouldn't cost the Unlimited users and additional $$$ except for electricity . And who knows, maybe AT&T will cancel our contracts? And that would be a clear Breach-of-Contract.

 

[lordofthereef]

The people saying they will download gigs and gigs per monthly clearly don't realize how much needs to be downloaded to even remotely effect the average. Do you realize how many people are on the 200mb plan? You can download 10 gigs a month. Just one person on the 200mb plan cuts your average in half. Ad in two more and it's cut to 25% of hat number (which is already very close to the 2 gigs at which most people note being throttled. You can certainly tell yourself that you are making a difference by downloading as much as you can at 15k a second. The reality is that you are not. But whatever helps you seep at night I guess.

 

[rgarjr]

The people saying they will download gigs and gigs per monthly clearly don't realize how much needs to be downloaded to even remotely effect the average. Do you realize how many people are on the 200mb plan? You can download 10 gigs a month. Just one person on the 200mb plan cuts your average in half. Ad in two more and it's cut to 25% of hat number (which is already very close to the 2 gigs at which most people note being throttled. You can certainly tell yourself that you are making a difference by downloading as much as you can at 15k a second. The reality is that you are not. But whatever helps you seep at night I guess.

do they count those on tiered plans to come up with the top 5%?

 

[lordofthereef]

It shouldn't cost the Unlimited users and additional $$$ except for electricity . And who knows, maybe AT&T will opt to buyout our contracts?

Just call them a bunch complaining about your service. Once you have racked up enough calls they will likely send you a letter which basically says "We obviously can't please you. Feel free to find another wireless carrier". You would likely get faster results doing that than just downloading multitudes of nothing.

----------

do they count those on tiered plans to come up with the top 5%?

They certainly haven't said that they don't. They claim those numbers are an average of their userbase. In other threads, some have discussed how the 3GB plan may actually increase the average. Truth be told, I don't know for sure, but I wouldn't doubt it.

----------

Does anyone know if I can re-title this thread AT&T Bandwidth Throttling And The FCC?

You cannot. But a mod can. Report the initial post and explain what you are wanting to do. Easiest way to get mod attention IME.

 

[Vaughn Logan]

You cannot. But a mod can. Report the initial post and explain what you are wanting to do. Easiest way to get mod attention IME.

Oppps ... I think that I misunderstood your comment and started a new thread entitled: Attention IME

----------

The people saying they will download gigs and gigs per monthly clearly don't realize how much needs to be downloaded to even remotely effect the average. Do you realize how many people are on the 200mb plan? You can download 10 gigs a month. Just one person on the 200mb plan cuts your average in half. Ad in two more and it's cut to 25% of hat number (which is already very close to the 2 gigs at which most people note being throttled. You can certainly tell yourself that you are making a difference by downloading as much as you can at 15k a second. The reality is that you are not. But whatever helps you seep at night I guess.

I understand your point, and you're right. My hope is that if enough people with Unlimited Plans read this post ... perhaps we can begin to tip the scales in the other direction? That would help me sleep at night. As it turns out, I now have 4Gb downloaded with AT&T's throttling. Let the games begin.

 

[lordofthereef]

I understand your point, and you're right. My hope is that if enough people with Unlimited Plans read this post ... perhaps we can begin to tip the scales in the other direction? That would help me sleep at night. As it turns out, I now have 4Gb downloaded with AT&T's throttling. Let the games begin.

You admitted it helps you sleep. That's step one! LOL (I kid). The number of users that read this forum and that are throttled are so miniscule in the grand scheme of things that I just don't see this making an ounce of difference. But, if it keeps you from insomnia, I am all for it as well.

 

[cyks]

Time for some basic math fun... and how if you were all to somehow use 500TB a month, the throttling point still won't change.


Let's say, for the sake of argument that there are 100 on AT&T's data plans.

5 people have the 200MB plan and don't use any data (or such a small amount that it doesn't matter).
85 people have the 2GB plan and use just under that amount.
5 people have either the new 3GB or the 5GB plan and use, on average, 4GB/ month.
...and, lastly, there are those with unlimited in the top 5% each using an amazing 500TB a month.


What's the data usage for the average person? Here's a hint - it's not a couple of TB.

 

[rgarjr]

We need to find out if they calculate the top 5 with those on 200MB capped plans. If they do, it is an outrage.