AT&T Cracking Down on Cell Data Usage

Oh, way to go AT&T, keep on diggin' that grave...

First, Verizon proves that they have more 3G coverage, then you try to say they were misleading customers when they clearly werent and the judge all but laughed at you

Second, you cut data usage to add to the lack of 3G coverage you provide?

Keep up the good work, next task at hand? put time limits on all calls, that'll sell your business....

Do not tell me that it is going to be like Comcast with a bandwidth limit because in our modern age that should not be acceptable. They should just upgrade their network if it cannot keep up with its customers demands.

No. It goes like this, AT&T:
I paid for it, I get it. That's what the contract says.

hehe... total resistance to upgrading their network to actually service the client load they bring on... pathetic... but they don't really have any incentive to do so since no one with enough clout calls them on it and those that do have the ability to force change are easily bought... ah... capitalism at it's best!

have to love how AT&T has the rights to change the contract, but the user does not stand a chance.

Oh boo-hoo!
The whole idea of the "digital age" is too allow people to share
as much digital information as possible as cheaply as possible. These are the same complaints we get from companies that complain torrenting destroys the internet while companies such as Relic Studios switched to torrented patches in order to save bandwidth. These companies need to stop complaining that were using the products to do WHAT THEY WERE DESIGNED FOR, and instead focus on beefing up their networks to go along with their already inflated monthly fees. Either that, or start researching new ways to more efficiently send our information, and pass those savings onto the consumers that allow these companies to exist in the first place! (I'm mean seriously do you think your texts that they charge you for costs them anything?)

Two(3?) words: FAIL AT&T.

Then why do they allow you to watch you tube video's. Block it instead of blaming the customer! Consumption based pricing is BS. Record profits, a reduction of money spent on upgrading their network from year to year and if consumption based pricing hits then record profits from all the folks that will start getting charged for every Meg over the limit.

So they cannot produce a decent product without metering their usage.
That's great AT&T just give Verizon another reason to kick you.

I would think that customer usage forecasting would be somewhat reliable at this point in the game for any major carrier. All the marketing we are bombarded with suggests and even encourages exactly what you are now trying to limit. What kind of shell game is this anyway and even more important, who is falling for it?

"We have the best network. But, please, don't use it much as it isn't so great at handling actual user traffic."

AT&T's being in the game does indeed result in the "best 3G experience", though: I avoid AT&T completely and lo and behold, I have a much improved "3G experience".

WAIT WAIT WAIT. Hold the phone. You're telling me that those that download and use their data plan to the extreme are going to get some kind of discount or other prize?!?!?

So those other 97% that fall under your 'normal use' category are status quo and get nothing?

Now I want to know what kind of 'incentive' ATT is going to give me to not leave them when my contract is up in 6 months.

jonpaul37++
"Keep up the good work, next task at hand? put time limits on all calls, that'll sell your business...."

They already do place a time limit on calls except it's random and they we call it dropped!

Can't wait for Verizon's next commercial!

Amen to that Tink_15! We Verizon users don't experience that much, so i'm unfamiliar with that.

I smell a new Verizon commercial soon! lol This is kinda like watching a Soap Opera... Not saying I would watch such a thing or even know what a soa.... err you know what I mean

Perhaps the best incentive AT&T could offer is to let it's competitors sell the iPhone. Especially being he didn't quantify "3% of smart phones" by saying either "3% of the smart phones we offer" or "3% of the users of smart phones" etc... It sounds a LOT like these "incentives" would JUST be directed at iPhones users. Perhaps ALL iPhone users.

@ de la Vega

I have used 19.25 MB so far this month. How do I know this? AT&T application called 'mywireless' that lets me track minutes, messaging, and data usage.

I don't know whether to shake my head in anger or be happy. If you think less than 100 MB of data a month costs more than the $30 a month I've been shelling out to you, then you sir are an idiot. IF that is reasonable, then I better see some DANG good incentives...

yes its all the CONSUMERS fault get real ATT's network is a joke. GSM is a joke.

Why does it matter if we download "beefy" apps or watch HD content? I've had my iphone for 5 months now and to my knowledge, the only way to download apps that are >10MB or watch high def video from youtube is to be connected to WI-FI.

So... Let me get this straight: If you can even *find* AT&T's 3G Network, they don't want you to actually want you to *use* it!?!?

This keeps up: Either 'Droid sales will increase, or Apple will finally wise up, realize how much dead weight their provider is, and cancel the exclusive deal.

Preferably both.

shouldn't offer more than what can you provide?

Smoke and Mirrors... Smoke and Mirrors.

oh AT&T...will it never stop?

Not only is the data plan UNLIMITED (do you know what that means de la Vega?? need a dictionary?) but it is also the ONLY data plan option and is FORCED on iphone users. If you are going to force unlimited data plans on all Iphones, you probably should have expected the top 5% of users to use 50% of your capacity.

at least the heavy 3% of users are getting their moneys worth. Why can't you just be happy with the money you are gouging from the other 97% of users.

Oh i love it. They force you to purchase there data plan but then don't actually want you to use it.

I also love how they speak of bandwidth as if its gone once you use it.

I can't wait for their exclusive deal on the iphone to end. They'll end up tanking big time.

First, when I complained to AT&T about my iPhone downloading 75 MB over their cell connection while I was sleeping, their response was, "don't worry about it, you have an unlimited data plan." To which I responded, I don't care about your network but rather that my phone is sending out data without my knowledge or consent.

Second, I heard de la Vega was a candidate to replace Fritz at GM. Let's hope he goes. He'll fit in well at Government Motors.

Left hand right hand. I received an email offer for my no-contract GO Phone yesterday, offering unlimited call and data for $60/month. Go figure....

Never bought into the whole smartphone thing, so I just have a regular phone that...makes calls. I spend most of my day in front of the computer, so I don't really see the need to pay extra $30 a month to have internet on my phone. If I did though, I'd be super pissed that the iPhone is ATT exclusive.