agreed. it's easy for them to detect high data usage and do something about it. this is called "data hog" in the industry. they can lower the priority of the offending users so that they get less piece of the bandwidth when the network is loaded.
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Why is AT&T charging me to tether?
- Thread starter CosmoPilot
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agreed. it's easy for them to detect high data usage and do something about it. this is called "data hog" in the industry. they can lower the priority of the offending users so that they get less piece of the bandwidth when the network is loaded.
People are trying to reason and defend why the telcos are charging you more money?The answer is simple. AT&T did what they did because they can, plain and simple. iPhone is exclusive and locked to AT&T in the US, and there's virtually no competition as each carrier use different wireless tech/frequency. That's it. When you have a monopoly, you can charge whatever you want for your service.
In comparison, Singapore Singtel's cheapest iPhone plan gives you 12GB of data and INCLUDES tethering. Yeah, gotta love the US wireless market huh.
^^^ This...unfortunately.
Except in your contract, it specifies that the unlimited data's end user-device is supposed to be your phone and your phone only - not other devices with your phone as a relay.
Note, my personal stance is unlimited (Unlimited, here) people should indeed be offered the ability to buy tethering; those on limited data should not.
They didn't grant unlimited access, they granted unlimited data within a specific use which does not include tethering.
1)If you don't care, then get off AT&T's network, if you are on it. Otherwise you should care.
2) Are you telling me your average data usage DID NOT go up when you switched from your prior phone to an iPhone?
3) The real question is - how many of those who use PDANet, etc are on the limited vs. unlimited plans.
1) This isn't the kind of thing that should be legislated from the bench. It's something that should be done on Capitol Hill.
4) Horribly inaccurate, if you are referring to the fact that we are allowed to jailbreak. What was decided (and not by a court, as I recall) is that Apple simply cannot use the DMCA as a avenue against Jailbreakers - that is not the same as saying Apple can't try to keep the phones locked up.
And for all of you arguing about rights, you know about and have told your Capitol Hill reps to say no to COICA, right?
First off, i'm not defending ATT's greediness. However you guys keep yapping that what ATT is doing is illegal is crap. Fact of the matter it's not, they are perfectly legal with the additional charges for allowing you to teether your data on other devices (laptop) besides the contracted mobile phone. They sold you a mobile phone/data subscription which can be used on device supported, not for your Laptop. If you want data on your laptop, either buy the upgrade, or buy a data-only package. That's it. No agreement. Stop your yapping! Your case is baseless at best.
Hey buddy,
By ATT allowing you to teether to your laptop, you now have 2 devices accessing the internet vs. the 1 contracted device. Why would they not be entitled to additional fees for you using other devices on their network? Pull your head out of your ...
You paid for 2GB of internet data which is contracted for only your mobile phone, not for your laptop!
By ATT allowing you to teether to your laptop, you now have 2 devices accessing the internet vs. the 1 contracted device. Why would they not be entitled to additional fees for you using other devices on their network? Pull your head out of your ...
You paid for 2GB of internet data which is contracted for only your mobile phone, not for your laptop!
My usage did not go up when I switched to the iPhone. I had a few full touch phones before with browser abilities. This is just another instance of att charging more for nothing. Just because that same data is being received by an iPhone, $30 more. You want to tether using data you're already paying for? $20 more.
This is exactly what AT&T is able to get away with charging extra on top of data plans for tethering. Because people like you not only don't speak up about greedy practices, but actually speak up in favour of them.
Personally, I'm not in favour of paying more than I have to for any good or service... but you keep doing your thing, and asking AT&T to charge you more. I'm sure they'll be more than happy to oblige.
Part of the reason Rogers doesn't charge a tethering "access fee" in Canada is because people were very vocal about it being a rip-off when they hinted it was coming. If Canada had more people like you, we'd probably be paying extra for it.
I never said I was in favor of ATT if you read my prior post you will see I say ATT is greedy. I'm only commenting on the obscured comments by the OP who seems to think ATT is engaging in illegal business practices by not giving him free tethering to his laptop.
I was just a bit ticked the OP thinks ATT is obligated to give him free internet access on his laptop just because he bought the data package on his phone. THey are different services.
Also, in the US. I haven't seen any mobile carrier offer free tethering on their phone service packages. So why should ATT do it, it's not like they are hurting for customers. AFter all, with all the money Apple is raping them for on the money they get for each phone and the royalties Apple takes for each subscriber, where else is ATT to make it's money back from? The consumer?
I was just a bit ticked the OP thinks ATT is obligated to give him free internet access on his laptop just because he bought the data package on his phone. THey are different services.
Also, in the US. I haven't seen any mobile carrier offer free tethering on their phone service packages. So why should ATT do it, it's not like they are hurting for customers. AFter all, with all the money Apple is raping them for on the money they get for each phone and the royalties Apple takes for each subscriber, where else is ATT to make it's money back from? The consumer?
im not really quoting you for any specific reason but i do wish to say a few things. yes at&t has to milk the consumer IF the consumer allows it. it only makes sense. if someone lets you get away with something, why not?
this reminds me of another industry, flying. i particularly enjoyed when they started charging luggage fees as if they expect people not to carry a single piece of luggage with them. some even have carry-on fees.
the consumer, being in control, decided he will pay these new ridiculous luggage fees and other providers thought, "hey we should do that too."
now we have luggage fees but i dont because my employer pays it and even pays when i go on personal travel.
whats my point? nothing really. some people like being bent over and others do not enjoy it as much. when we dont band together we all end up with the "baggage fees".
MM,
All the carriers offered unlimited data until ATT started the Teired Plans, this is why they all charged a tethering fee. And I don't understand how u honestly think tethering provides independent data access to two devices simultaneously ?
You still didn't answer my question. When tethering to my laptop, which device downloads the data from the cell networks...the laptop or cell phone? Better yet, when tethering, does the phone have access to larger bandwidth?
Also, it isn't free access to my laptop. I'm paying a per data rate fee for use. This is the fundamental difference between Teired versus unlimited. People with unlimited could hook up the laptop and download crap all day long for the same fee. Us on Teired plans will be charged over $100 in data alone if we use 10GBs.
Cosmo
All the carriers offered unlimited data until ATT started the Teired Plans, this is why they all charged a tethering fee. And I don't understand how u honestly think tethering provides independent data access to two devices simultaneously ?
You still didn't answer my question. When tethering to my laptop, which device downloads the data from the cell networks...the laptop or cell phone? Better yet, when tethering, does the phone have access to larger bandwidth?
Also, it isn't free access to my laptop. I'm paying a per data rate fee for use. This is the fundamental difference between Teired versus unlimited. People with unlimited could hook up the laptop and download crap all day long for the same fee. Us on Teired plans will be charged over $100 in data alone if we use 10GBs.
Cosmo
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Which is why, whenever possible, I fly Southwest!
In the case of airlines, you have SOME choice.
In the case of the iPhone in the US, you are stuck with AT&T... But I agree that the demand consumers can place on businesses DOES have an effect on the marketplace if and when consumers choose to exercise that muscle, AND when there isn't a monopoly/cartel in place.
As far as tethering goes, perhaps jailbreaking to accomplish that without paying AT&T more is what makes the most sense.
Fair. Greedy it might be, but illegal it isn't.
That said, AT&T shouldn't care if those 2GB are being downloaded onto a cell phone, or through a cell phone onto a computer. As one example, AT&T is essentially saying that downloading 2GB of music onto your phone and syncing it to your computer is fine, but downloading 2GB of music straight to your computer through your phone is not.
I guess AT&T's greedy business practices just tick me off more than the OP's extravagant claims.
Okay, let me state for the record, I'm not stating ATT is doing illegal activities. By stating such I believe I missed conveying my intent. I believe if taken to court over the ordeal, ATT would not be able to defend the practice of charging this fee to individuals on a Teired data plan. Thus, in essence, the practice would be considered "illegal".
I'm an ATT customer, and have no plans to switch regardless If the iPhone goes to another carrier or not. My point is porting the data from my phone to my computer in no way affects ATT. The ONLY argument any of you corporate stiffs can make is that I will use more data. However, if I do I'll pay out the rear for doing so (unlike those on unlimited plans).
To be honest, the only time I would tether is when traveling. If I had an unlimited data plan, I might opt to get rid of my ISP. Again, this is the major difference you all fail to grasp.
Cosmo
I'm an ATT customer, and have no plans to switch regardless If the iPhone goes to another carrier or not. My point is porting the data from my phone to my computer in no way affects ATT. The ONLY argument any of you corporate stiffs can make is that I will use more data. However, if I do I'll pay out the rear for doing so (unlike those on unlimited plans).
To be honest, the only time I would tether is when traveling. If I had an unlimited data plan, I might opt to get rid of my ISP. Again, this is the major difference you all fail to grasp.
Cosmo
Contracted phone? Phone they sold us huh? So I guess people can't buy a phone from eBay anymore. Please spread the word...
You are right though, I'm buying a data subscription of 2gb for $25 a month and $10 for each gb extra!
Sorry if I confused you, I meant contracted phones as in phones that are registered with ATT for your account with the specific IMEI#.
Like I said before, time is on our side, in due time as the mobile networks get their infrastructure together and up to snuff to handle all this wireless data, this will be a non-issue. I remember when I used to pay over $300/mo for ISDN 128k internet back in the days. It even included a monthly bandwidth cap. As smartphones become more % of the phone market, carriers will realize what will win consumers over, like free tethering, and when 1 of the big 3 carriers gives it for free, you bet the rest will follow. As an early adopter of these new smartphones, we just have to pay the premium.
Like I said before, time is on our side, in due time as the mobile networks get their infrastructure together and up to snuff to handle all this wireless data, this will be a non-issue. I remember when I used to pay over $300/mo for ISDN 128k internet back in the days. It even included a monthly bandwidth cap. As smartphones become more % of the phone market, carriers will realize what will win consumers over, like free tethering, and when 1 of the big 3 carriers gives it for free, you bet the rest will follow. As an early adopter of these new smartphones, we just have to pay the premium.
Okay, but if the networks can't handle the promised 2GB I paid them, then something is wrong. That's like paying $40 to have my yard mowed, but the mower tells me he can't mow all the yard because he has too many customers. OR The gas station selling you gasoline but only if you use it to fuel your car. If you put the gas in your truck we charge a fee because it doesn't get as good mileage, thus putting strain on our supply chain.
If bandwidth is at a premium, then a basic supply/demand model applies. ATT can charge $50 for 2gb with $30 extra per gb. There is a price point at which they will maximize their supply of data for the demand sought.
The premise is that unlike the unlimited plans where the consumer can really lay the screws to ATT, the Teired plan users cannot. I wholeheartedly agree that unlimited users should pay extra to tether, because the risk of them abusing the network is great with no value added to ATT. However, if the Teired plan user abuses the system and racks up 94GB as mentioned earlier he or she pays ATT over $1,000 compared to the unlimited plan who only pay $50.
My final thought on this subject is this: AT&T should be able to control (however they see fit) what goes on between their network and my CONTRACTED phone. However, what happens after my phone is my business.
AT&T--------(their rules)-------->My Phone-----------(my business)--------->laptop!
It is amazing that nobody has answered the question with any technical reason as to why AT&T charges me to tether. I guess they can't because there isn't one. If I stay under 2GBs for the month then it absolutely does not strain their network. Even if I use it all up in one day, the reamaining 29 days of the month I'm not on the network at all...it all balances out.
If bandwidth is at a premium, then a basic supply/demand model applies. ATT can charge $50 for 2gb with $30 extra per gb. There is a price point at which they will maximize their supply of data for the demand sought.
The premise is that unlike the unlimited plans where the consumer can really lay the screws to ATT, the Teired plan users cannot. I wholeheartedly agree that unlimited users should pay extra to tether, because the risk of them abusing the network is great with no value added to ATT. However, if the Teired plan user abuses the system and racks up 94GB as mentioned earlier he or she pays ATT over $1,000 compared to the unlimited plan who only pay $50.
My final thought on this subject is this: AT&T should be able to control (however they see fit) what goes on between their network and my CONTRACTED phone. However, what happens after my phone is my business.
AT&T--------(their rules)-------->My Phone-----------(my business)--------->laptop!
It is amazing that nobody has answered the question with any technical reason as to why AT&T charges me to tether. I guess they can't because there isn't one. If I stay under 2GBs for the month then it absolutely does not strain their network. Even if I use it all up in one day, the reamaining 29 days of the month I'm not on the network at all...it all balances out.
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But that is the point, we aren't talking about an unlimited plan here. If someone does tether and streams video then they are going to use more data, thereby paying AT&T more money because their 2GB wouldn't be enough. If AT&T's network can't handle everyone using their allotted 2GB that is their issue that they need to work out, not ours.
And the thing is you can do all those things already on your iPhone. Stream music with Pandora while browsing the web, watch Netflix video over 3G, Youtube, etc. Some have their quality capped but if all the data is going through your phone it is still limited to the phones connection speed.
So I walk into McDonalds and pay for a Hamburger and fries.
When I sit down, I give the fries to my son to eat.
The manager comes over and says; Excuse me, I am going to have to charge you extra for that. Because two people are eating the food, I am going to ask you to pay for two meals.
This story did not happen.
But it is what would happen if AT&T ran McDonalds.
C.
When I sit down, I give the fries to my son to eat.
The manager comes over and says; Excuse me, I am going to have to charge you extra for that. Because two people are eating the food, I am going to ask you to pay for two meals.
This story did not happen.
But it is what would happen if AT&T ran McDonalds.
C.
Some restaurants actually do do that. I haven't seen it often, but occasionally you'll run into places that charge. However, with a restaurant it's a little more understandable, as they have limited seating and want to maximize their revenue/table. Two people ordering one meal means less revenue/table.
But I digress...
Yes, because someone breaking the rules* and using 17 GB is the exact same thing as someone on the 2 GB plan. Great example.
Fact is, "because they can" is the only real answer. I'm amused by all the attempts by people to justify it using logic. Why? "Because they can" is a perfectly legitimate answer. Why go to all the effort to make up imaginary reasons?
*Tethering on an unlimited account.
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AT&T charges you more to tether, because while they sell you the 2GB for your phone, they don't plan for you to use it all.
I don't agree with AT&T, but it's not illegal, since they could always just not offer tethering at all as a service.
I tether occasionally (maybe once a month or less) on my unlimited plan for free, and I don't regret it or feel guilty one bit.
I don't agree with AT&T, but it's not illegal, since they could always just not offer tethering at all as a service.
I tether occasionally (maybe once a month or less) on my unlimited plan for free, and I don't regret it or feel guilty one bit.
AT&T is greedy and stupid. If it allows tether on an iphone, people would easily exceed the 2GB cap and it can make more money on that every month.
Given the opportunity I would pay extra to have tethering added to my unlimited plan. But it's not an option, so I make it an option. No excuses, I do do it because I have the ability. If they found a way to take it away, I'll deal with it, no big deal.
But it makes me happy being able to stick it to them a bit. I think cellphone plans are all ridiculously priced, but they do it cause they don't give a damn about us, and they can.
But it makes me happy being able to stick it to them a bit. I think cellphone plans are all ridiculously priced, but they do it cause they don't give a damn about us, and they can.