Menu
Bayou Technologies | Lake Charles, Louisiana | Technology | Cybersecurity | Communication | Marketing
Computer IT Services & Marketing
  • Technology
    • Managed Services
    • Computer Repair
    • Consulting
  • Cybersecurity
    • BDR
    • Network Security
    • Computer Security
    • Data Recovery
  • Communication
    • Cabling
    • Wireless Networking
    • Phones
  • Marketing
    • Website Development
    • Search Engine Optimization
    • Social Media & Online Presence
    • Location Scan
    • Website & Email Management
    • Online Advertising
    • Multimedia Design
    • Newsletter
  • CALL: 337-214-1172

HOME  |  BLOG  |  REMOTE SUPPORT

Home
Support
Blog
Contact
Close Menu
AT
February 5 2012

What Does Unlimited Mean to AT&T?

wukovits Smartphones 3G, AT&T, grandfathered, iPhone, iPhone 4s, John Cozen, Sprint, throttling, tiered data plan, top 5% of data users, unlimited data plan

I use my cell phone a heck of a lot.  I used to be a Sprint customer, but after some issues with their lack of 3G support in the Lake Charles area, I switched to AT&T a couple of years ago.  When I joined AT&T, I started out with an iPhone, and I opted for unlimited minutes, text, and I added the unlimited data plan for $30 a month.  I did so because I knew I would be a heavy phone user and having no such restrictions would be one less headache.

As time went on, AT&T stopped offering this unlimited data plan and started up other tiered options that weren’t unlimited, but do give a decent amount of data usage.  Recently, they offered a 3GB per month plan for $30, the same amount I pay for my unlimited data.  Thankfully, I haven’t had to worry about changing plans, because AT&T allows their customers who are “grandfathered” in with this unlimited data plan to keep it when they get a new phone, like the iPhone 4s I got back in October.

AT&T Throttling Unlimited Data Plan UsersA few months ago, AT&T announced that they would start “throttling” their unlimited customers that are in the top 5% of data users.  Apparently there were people using over 10GB per month on their unlimited data plan, which seems to be taxing the AT&T network.  10GB seems pretty excessive, but then again, being on an unlimited data plan, you wouldn’t think there would be any limits.  Users that are classified as being in this top 5% are notified via text message that they have qualified for this dubious honor and their data speeds are drastically reduced, or “throttled”.  Now it appears that AT&T is tightening the noose even more.

Most recently, a blogger named John Cozen was unhappy to report that he received such a text message the moment he exceeded 2GB of data usage.  That’s right, 2GB of data usage now qualifies someone as being in the top 5% of data users on the AT&T network.  When he inquired to AT&T via email about this predicament, he was led down a harrowing path of lackluster customer support, unkept promises for returned phone calls, and ultimately no satisfaction.  However, at every turn, AT&T did manage to offer that he move to a tiered data plan.  This bodes ill for users like John Cozen and myself, who are “grandfathered” into an unlimited data plan, but may now face suspicious practices to force us into a plan that limits our data consumption.  Basically, AT&T is breaking their agreement with their customers.

The thing that really irks me on John Cozen’s situation, and potentially any other unlimited data user, is that being heaped into the top 5% of data users after passing the 2GB mark screams false.  AT&T offers a 3GB plan for $30.  So now, unlimited users that are 1GB beneath the 3GB point are somehow lumped into this 5% group?  I’d love to see the math on this one.  Yes, one could switch to this 3GB tiered plan, but to me, at least, this is about the principle.  AT&T should honor their agreements they made with their customers.  It is one thing to curtail heavy data users, but this new margin they seem to be establishing doesn’t add up, even when compared to their own tiered data plans.  To make matters worse, they even have a 5GB plan for $50 a month, but somehow, going over 2GB of data usage now ranks as being a top 5% user?

I don’t use a lot of data on my phone.  I rarely, if ever, cross the 2GB barrier.  However, the reason I got an unlimited data plan was in case I ever needed to, I wouldn’t have any overage charges or problems.  It seems that AT&T doesn’t care about honoring agreements and cares more about squeezing as much money as possible from their customers.

Hate to wait? Try one of these great games! Add your posts to Buffer

Related Posts

More iOS 10 New Features

Apple, Apps, Cell Phones, Internet, Operating Systems, Photography, Smart Phones, Smartphones, Tablet Computers

More New Features in iOS 10

iOS 10 Messages

Apple, Apps, Cell Phones, Operating Systems, Smart Phones, Smartphones

New Features in iOS 10

Foodie App

Apps, Cell Phones, Photography, Productivity, Smart Phones, Smartphones, Social Networks, Utilities

Enhance Your Photos With These Free Apps

Recent Posts

  • Adobe Flash Is Done And Flash Content Is Being Blocked
  • This New Malware Has A Unique Email Offer
  • New PayPal Phishing Attempts Are After Your Account Info

Archives

Categories

Get a Domain Registered


$.99* .COM Domain! Get going with GoDaddy!

Back To Top
Bayou Technologies | Lake Charles, Louisiana | Technology | Cybersecurity | Communication | Marketing
  • Home
  • Technology
  • Cybersecurity
  • Communication
  • Marketing
  • Newsletter
  • Blog
  • Support
  • Contact

BBB Logo

Bayou Technologies, LLC
✖
Bayou Technologies is a BBB Accredited Busines
A+
On a scale of A+ to F

Reviewed, Evaluated and Accredited

Meets All 26 Standards of Accreditation

BBB Accredited since 1/1/2012

Click here for BBB Business Report on Bayou Technologies, LLC

BBB Accredited:

BBB Rating as of:

Verify Bayou Technologies, LLC
Bayou Technologies, LLC © 2019
Website Development and Marketing in Lake Charles, Louisiana
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.