IT Professionals

Is AT&T Going Too Far With Data Restrictions?

Posted by on Dec 10, 2009 | 6 Comments

The idea that AT&T is looking to penalize people who use more of the “unlimited data plans” than other folks, is not going over very well for the mobile carrier. Despite me, among others, realizing the perspective has merit, the approach is not going to win the company any favors down the road.

I have to say that if AT&T is interested in releasing people from $30+ data plans as part of the requirement for iPhones, that would make a heck of a lot of sense over forcing people to buy into these data plans that are obviously overburdened. No?

Instead it appears that AT&T is taking the absolute approach, rather than looking at this as an opportunity to let people do something that many of us want to do — lose the stupid data plan. Folks such as myself use Wi-Fi 99.9% of the time anyway for most iPhone functions. And with 3G being so poor here with dropped/missed calls, I have not used it in weeks.

What do you think? Is AT&T in the right for taking the approach of metering data services without a means of opting out for iPhone users?

[awsbullet:telephone industry]

  • James

    Paying a ridiculous price for “unlimited” data and being told that I have a LIMIT to my usage just doesn’t sit well with me.

  • Peter

    If you take a look at mobile data use charts, the average iPhone user uses way more data per month than all other mobile users. From what I remember of the chart, if you combine all of the other users, you still wouldn’t equal the iPhone consumption. While I’m not a big fan of the idea, it’s AT&T’s network and if they want to start charging overages or increase the fees, that’s their right.

    I can also see the flip side – allow smartphone users to NOT buy a data plan. I know from a billing mistake how quickly those charges add up. ($200+ in one month and with relatively light usage) However, it would be the user’s choice. Ideally, have some way of letting them double or triple opt out of the data plan so they know what they’re doing before they get those charges, along with instructions on how to turn off data on their phone.

    For my part, the increased data costs are one of the reasons I won’t buy an iPhone. Sure there are a lot of cool features and Apple did a great job putting it together, but I don’t want to pay the Apple tax in the form of increased data charges and a tightly controlled environment.

  • James

    I think that AOL is going to h3ll for that. It’s bad enough when I bought my new AT&T Tilt 2 (Touch Pro 2) from them, I found that the HSDPA/HSUPA was disabled causing me to get dial up speeds for my data connection. I had to go through registry to pick it apart and re-enable everything so the phone at least picks up a 1.5Mbit connect (it was getting 0.05….). Then they do this….if the network can’t handle it….STOP SELLING THE PHONE! Drop the Iphone until they can handle it…the only feasible option in my head…..or is it just me.

  • diskmaster

    Do you remember the Bell breakup? AT&T still is the same wonderful company today. Why should they change?

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/microface/. steven Leach

    Exactly Why I dumped AT & T when I learned in several meetings that they are NOT putting any investment into their 3G or any other network. The meetings that I attended with other analysts, decomposed their business speak to indicate that AT & T is not building out any of their networks at all, but are looking to acquire more networks from other sources. I must have an AT & T landline to get DSL, but otherwise I would not use AT & T for any wireless plan at all.

  • Glenn

    As has been said, AT&T can do whatever with their rates and their plans, but I think the smart thing to do is to drop any plan with the word “Unlimited.” I mean, the last time I checked the dictionary, “Unlimited” means without limit, right?

    To add extra charges for “excessive use” (and what would be the definition of that? “Undefined?”) implies that the service is not unlimited. They need to either charge more for their unlimited service, or drop it altogether and offer graduated plans. Or, as you said, enable the user to opt out of the plan altogether.

    My cellphone offers only two “services”; phone calls and texting. I don’t text and my plan does not include it. If I want to “text” someone I’ll send them an email.