[PCWorld]

Post your comments for AT&T Wireless Bandwidth Throttling: The Backlash Has Begun here

[ScottStewart]

Again, another tech journalism piece that doesn't mention once the FCC Open Internet Rules, and how the new AT&T surprise throttling is in violation of the transparency rule.

Transparency. Broadband providers must disclose information regarding their network management practices, performance, and the commercial terms of their broadband services.

http://www.fcc.gov/topic/open-internet

[StaceyDavis]

It's a good story, and one worth sharing. It's unfortunately no surprise to many customers of AT&T. Ever since their acquisition of BellSouth, the "New AT&T" has shown itself to be careless of its customers and of its inherited reputation as the leading long distance carrier for decades. Shame, that. I went with Verizon. Yes, there's a cap on the data plan starting in, but at least they tell you what you can do about it up front when you sign up. AT&T has become an overall duplicitous company, and continues now to be the worst carrier nationwide, according to Consumer Reports, as of 2010. On another note, the author of this article needs to get an editor. There are numerous and unnecessary errors throughout.

This post has been edited by StaceyDavis: 14 February 2012 - 01:07 PM

[StaceyDavis]

ScottStewart, on 14 February 2012 - 12:57 PM, said:

Again, another tech journalism piece that doesn't mention once the FCC Open Internet Rules, and how the new AT&T surprise throttling is in violation of the transparency rule.

Transparency. Broadband providers must disclose information regarding their network management practices, performance, and the commercial terms of their broadband services.

http://www.fcc.gov/topic/open-internet

Hadn't considered the FFC ruling here, but AT&T is nothing if not a very sketchy company anymore. You can rarely talk to the same person twice, no matter your issue with the company as a customer, and most of the time when I've had to deal with them they're more like bankers trying to show you how the numbers add up, so it's ok if your phone bill each month, promised to be in the $150 range for service has jumped to nearly $350 in only 3 months' time. I don't deal with them anymore but to help out my parents. Now I only deal with Verizon and talk directly to the manager at the local store if I have any questions or need any help. I'm much happier, and wouldn't ever want to go back to AT&T.

[ScottStewart]

StaceyDavis, on 14 February 2012 - 01:05 PM, said:

ScottStewart, on 14 February 2012 - 12:57 PM, said:

Again, another tech journalism piece that doesn't mention once the FCC Open Internet Rules, and how the new AT&T surprise throttling is in violation of the transparency rule.

Transparency. Broadband providers must disclose information regarding their network management practices, performance, and the commercial terms of their broadband services.

http://www.fcc.gov/topic/open-internet

Hadn't considered the FFC ruling here, but AT&T is nothing if not a very sketchy company anymore. You can rarely talk to the same person twice, no matter your issue with the company as a customer, and most of the time when I've had to deal with them they're more like bankers trying to show you how the numbers add up, so it's ok if your phone bill each month, promised to be in the $150 range for service has jumped to nearly $350 in only 3 months' time. I don't deal with them anymore but to help out my parents. Now I only deal with Verizon and talk directly to the manager at the local store if I have any questions or need any help. I'm much happier, and wouldn't ever want to go back to AT&T.

Most people don't take into consideration the FCC's policy. My issue here is that the tech community has a huge backlash against SOPA/PIPA, yet they are oblivious to the current ruling in place right in front of them from the FCC. And now the FCC is in danger of being further "de-fanged" as a way to pay for the new Payroll Tax Extension Bill. Essentially unlicensed spectrum being auctioned to pay for tax extension, is to be immune from FCC net-neutrality policy. And as usual, the tech community is no where to be seen on this front. Where is the black twitter icons to save the FCC?

[eye4bear]

Why is there NO share buttons on this site like all others, so I can easily share this to Facebook???

[KevinNewton]

Sprint still has unlimited data huh? Yeah right! It is unlimited while you're on their tiny network - try roaming and exceeding 300MB of data and see what happens. You'll be 'asked to leave" the carrier (http://community.spr.../message/393515). If you are grandfathered into unlimited data then you're ok if you're with Verizon - they won't throttle you or cut you off, or anything. Any other carrier - you have little flexibility in data usage.

[LexFilipowski]

Watch my 2 minute Video BELOW about how PATHETIC AT&T is!



CALL AT&T NOW AND DEMAND they STOP the BULLYING! They are trying to BULLY Us, the person who is paying full price for unlimited usage into a limited plan. Regular Download Speed for AT&T is 1.1 Mega Nits/Second. I did a speed test Yesterday and I had a download speed of.07 Mega Bits/Second! That is over 93% SLOWER! AT&T IS PATHETIC! CALL THEM NOW! 800-288-2020

[LarryButlera07d]

Just tell 'em to stuff it and use free wifi, which is all over the place. Hotels, restaurants, I'm on it now. There's a 250mw repeater bridge in my car to increase my range to about a mile. A little wifi education and you can, too!

Great fun, telling The Man to stuff it....(c;]

[jdelsro19]

Let these greedy carriers shoot themselves in the foot. Sounds like more and more people are getting tired of the carriers business practices and they should. There are plenty of better alternatives out there besides the big 2. You don't need to be locked into contracts either and therefore don't need to pay outrageous data prices. There are carriers that have plans with data included for as little as $12 per month up to unlimited for $40 per month with all taxes included. When the big 2 get the hint and people stop buying into their crappy contracts just to save a few buck on a phone then they will lose customers at an alarming rate and have to change their controlling ways.
I have not had a contract in over 6 years and have paid for just what I want and save a ton of money. I buy unlocked phones that I can do what I want with, install my own ROM's use any carrier I want and purchase a plan that fits my needs. I have not paid more than $30 per month ever and that has included data in the plan. I change plans and companies whenever I want and buy phones that have been out for around 6 months and pay $200 or less for them. These are the latest HTC Android phones, not some no name company phones. Just being able to try different carriers any time I want is worth buying my own phone. Contract phones are just draining your wallet and your choices. I save more having no contract than what any phone might cost, even if I wanted to buy a just released phone for $500+, I would still save money over a contract phone. You have choices, let these greedy carriers know that you know you have choices and are not going to put up with crappy service, high prices and no choices by dropping them. Then they just might get the hint.
There's a big reason why AT&T wanted T-mobile, because T-mobile has some really good no contract plans and AT&T want's to stop that before they have to do it, thank God that merger did not go through Cheers.

[JnLn]

ATT reserves the right to automatically add a data plan to your "smart phone" -even it is a non-subsidized phone. Why do I have to use Wifi when they force me to use their DATA in the first place?
I really hope that FTC will take a look at this practice. But FTC doesn't care about the end users. So make a smart vote with your wallet!

[bikdav]

Im going to be a newcomer to the cell phone world. I looked at AT&T's prices and policies and nearly got knocked out of my socks. AT&T is off my list.

[halofaller]

Sheeple, falling for better, faster high featured smartphones. Those TV commercials showing some person watching video on a smartphone? With what bandwidth are they doing that?

Sooner or later, everything blows up. So will the idea that you can't live without a smartphone.

[TsarNikky]

StaceyDavis, on 14 February 2012 - 01:05 PM, said:

ScottStewart, on 14 February 2012 - 12:57 PM, said:

Again, another tech journalism piece that doesn't mention once the FCC Open Internet Rules, and how the new AT&T surprise throttling is in violation of the transparency rule.

Transparency. Broadband providers must disclose information regarding their network management practices, performance, and the commercial terms of their broadband services.

http://www.fcc.gov/topic/open-internet

Hadn't considered the FFC ruling here, but AT&T is nothing if not a very sketchy company anymore. You can rarely talk to the same person twice, no matter your issue with the company as a customer, and most of the time when I've had to deal with them they're more like bankers trying to show you how the numbers add up, so it's ok if your phone bill each month, promised to be in the $150 range for service has jumped to nearly $350 in only 3 months' time. I don't deal with them anymore but to help out my parents. Now I only deal with Verizon and talk directly to the manager at the local store if I have any questions or need any help. I'm much happier, and wouldn't ever want to go back to AT&T.

You are being most charitable when calling AT&T a "very sketch company."

[casper47]

jdelsro19, on 14 February 2012 - 03:31 PM, said:

Let these greedy carriers shoot themselves in the foot. Sounds like more and more people are getting tired of the carriers business practices and they should. There are plenty of better alternatives out there besides the big 2. You don't need to be locked into contracts either and therefore don't need to pay outrageous data prices. There are carriers that have plans with data included for as little as $12 per month up to unlimited for $40 per month with all taxes included. When the big 2 get the hint and people stop buying into their crappy contracts just to save a few buck on a phone then they will lose customers at an alarming rate and have to change their controlling ways.
I have not had a contract in over 6 years and have paid for just what I want and save a ton of money. I buy unlocked phones that I can do what I want with, install my own ROM's use any carrier I want and purchase a plan that fits my needs. I have not paid more than $30 per month ever and that has included data in the plan. I change plans and companies whenever I want and buy phones that have been out for around 6 months and pay $200 or less for them. These are the latest HTC Android phones, not some no name company phones. Just being able to try different carriers any time I want is worth buying my own phone. Contract phones are just draining your wallet and your choices. I save more having no contract than what any phone might cost, even if I wanted to buy a just released phone for $500+, I would still save money over a contract phone. You have choices, let these greedy carriers know that you know you have choices and are not going to put up with crappy service, high prices and no choices by dropping them. Then they just might get the hint.
There's a big reason why AT&T wanted T-mobile, because T-mobile has some really good no contract plans and AT&T want's to stop that before they have to do it, thank God that merger did not go through Cheers.

I am very aware of these pay as you go carriers. For one thing they do not have to write off any loses from customers not paying their bill. Don't pay your service in advance your service is cut off and you can't call financial services and get an extension to pay your bill. They also do not spending millions a year building their network. In fact the pay as you go companies do not even own their own network. They buy wholesale from the major carriers and resell it to you. Do you really think any of the major carriers are going to sell wholesale their network and fastest speed just to be undersold? Check your speed on these carriers. If you have plenty of time on your hands so what if it takes longer to download anything or if you have more dropped calls, you can always call them back. I personally would rather have a dependable network and faster speed. I can get from point A to point B in a beater car or a fine luxury car but I prefer the smother ride myself and am willing to pay more for it. I don't have to depend on WiFi or stay close to a major highway either. You really do get what you pay for in most cases. When you called customer service the last time were you able to understand the broken English. I don't know about all the other carriers but I do know that ALL of VZW's call centers are in the USA.

This post has been edited by casper47: 14 February 2012 - 09:32 PM

[CurtisMatthews]

Verizon Wireless is not throttling 4G Smartphones grandfathered on the unlimited data plan. I personally use 12+ Megabytes a month

[dragon2knight]

casper47, on 14 February 2012 - 09:15 PM, said:

jdelsro19, on 14 February 2012 - 03:31 PM, said:

Let these greedy carriers shoot themselves in the foot. Sounds like more and more people are getting tired of the carriers business practices and they should. There are plenty of better alternatives out there besides the big 2. You don't need to be locked into contracts either and therefore don't need to pay outrageous data prices. There are carriers that have plans with data included for as little as $12 per month up to unlimited for $40 per month with all taxes included. When the big 2 get the hint and people stop buying into their crappy contracts just to save a few buck on a phone then they will lose customers at an alarming rate and have to change their controlling ways.
I have not had a contract in over 6 years and have paid for just what I want and save a ton of money. I buy unlocked phones that I can do what I want with, install my own ROM's use any carrier I want and purchase a plan that fits my needs. I have not paid more than $30 per month ever and that has included data in the plan. I change plans and companies whenever I want and buy phones that have been out for around 6 months and pay $200 or less for them. These are the latest HTC Android phones, not some no name company phones. Just being able to try different carriers any time I want is worth buying my own phone. Contract phones are just draining your wallet and your choices. I save more having no contract than what any phone might cost, even if I wanted to buy a just released phone for $500+, I would still save money over a contract phone. You have choices, let these greedy carriers know that you know you have choices and are not going to put up with crappy service, high prices and no choices by dropping them. Then they just might get the hint.
There's a big reason why AT&T wanted T-mobile, because T-mobile has some really good no contract plans and AT&T want's to stop that before they have to do it, thank God that merger did not go through Cheers.

I am very aware of these pay as you go carriers. For one thing they do not have to write off any loses from customers not paying their bill. Don't pay your service in advance your service is cut off and you can't call financial services and get an extension to pay your bill. They also do not spending millions a year building their network. In fact the pay as you go companies do not even own their own network. They buy wholesale from the major carriers and resell it to you. Do you really think any of the major carriers are going to sell wholesale their network and fastest speed just to be undersold? Check your speed on these carriers. If you have plenty of time on your hands so what if it takes longer to download anything or if you have more dropped calls, you can always call them back. I personally would rather have a dependable network and faster speed. I can get from point A to point B in a beater car or a fine luxury car but I prefer the smother ride myself and am willing to pay more for it. I don't have to depend on WiFi or stay close to a major highway either. You really do get what you pay for in most cases. When you called customer service the last time were you able to understand the broken English. I don't know about all the other carriers but I do know that ALL of VZW's call centers are in the USA.

Actually,you sound like a person who has never used any pay as you go(PAYG) carriers. While the customer service on most of them is horrible,there are some that go out of their way to get things fixed up if things go wrong. I have used RedPocket(AT&T mvno)for months now and their customer service has been far better than AT&T's own was on my last two year contract with them. As for download/upload speeds,they match my usage with AT&T as well. They use the GoPhone network that AT&T uses for its own PAYG service,but thats the only downside. I should also mention that they offer a $60.00 "unlimited talk and text" a month plan that includes 2GB of data(and its being actively tested by a ton of folks on several forums to be sure that they are really giving you that amount,myself included). If you had done even a tiny bit of research before spewing out the comment that you made,you would be singing a different tune...but I guess ignorance is what keeps folks paying through the nose for contract service.Enjoy your throttled service ;-)

[JimGavin]

I went over to Sprint. Much happier with them. Unlimited is really unlimited with them, so I dont have to worry. My Bill is the same amount each month and customer service that is far better then AT&T. Glad I switched.

[bankerdanny]

I am very happy with my Sprint service, but the unlimited plan is not a great deal for everybody. My wife for example is still on AT&T for her iPhone (I was a 12 year customer and the iP was only on AT&T when she got her first one). She is not a heavy data or text user. She primarily uses data inside our home connected to WiFi. So I was able to change her from unlimited to 250MB a month and shave $15 off my bill. So now her service costs less than mine. Now, in addition to unlimited data I get unlimited texts and navigation, both extra cost options on her iPhone, but she doesn't need either and moving her to Sprint would increase my costs.

So power users have the right to be upset, but by making more services optional AT&T has, at least makiing a cheaper service plan for light users possible. Sprint does not.

[mipa]

Tmobile still has some unlimited plans. For example, the sidekick customers who stuck with tmobile thru thick and thin have unlimited plans.