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AT&T Throttling heavy data users?

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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 12:49 PM
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AT&T Throttling heavy data users?

Has anyone else experienced this? My girlfriend uses about 5-7 GB a month of data and received a text from AT&T about a month ago saying she's in the top 5% users of data. Her data speeds then began to slow down considerably a few days after to EDGE speeds. I thought she was just joking at first but now her data speeds are pretty crap.


We went to an AT&T store yesterday to have her brothers joined into a family plan and I asked the rep about it and she confirmed that AT&T has started to throttle heavy data users on the unlimited plans. She couldn't give me a solid GB as to when it happens though. This was news to me as I don't remember any mentions about it in previous contracts with AT&T so I'm not sure what the legalities of it are which I'm sure they're covered for in some wording. Apparently, other users are being throttled as well:


Source: http://9to5mac.com/2012/01/17/att-th...entence-video/


Again, there's no mention as to when the throttling kicks in but it seems to be around the 1-1.5 GB mark which is actually pretty crap if you think about it. Most of these unlimited plans were for 5 GB. That's very far from 1.5 GB. I haven't been affected by this yet but I rarely get close to the 2 GB mark when I use data. Just wondering if anyone else has been affected by this.
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 02:44 PM
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That's a load of bull. How can you be grandfathered in with an unlimited data plan yet get your data rates cut down?
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 03:03 PM
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5 gigabytes? What the are you guys doing to hit that? Using it as a modem?
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
5 gigabytes? What the are you guys doing to hit that? Using it as a modem?
Uploading porn vids?
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 03:07 PM
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Welcome to AT&T.
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 03:41 PM
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i use ~2-3GB per month and never got that notification and used speedtest on my 3GS running iOS 5 and get ~1MBPS in decent network....

so i think this is for really heavy users....

PS: i had the original iphone so my contract says i have Unlimited Data....so i dont know what customers are affected by this....

none the less, great find....
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 03:42 PM
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I'm also on unlimited.. 5-7GB a month on 3G is a lot.. tethering all the time?

My friend, also on unlimited, got capped by at&t... her iPhone 4 crawls..
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 04:19 PM
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AT&T new data-plans

http://www.theverge.com/2012/1/18/27...-300mb-3gb-5gb

Following a recent rumor that we broke right here on The Verge, AT&T is nudging all three of its smartphone data plans starting this Sunday, January 22nd. Currently you can get 200MB for $15, 2GB for $25, or 4GB with tethering for $45; all three plans are seeing $5 price increases and will be boosted to 300MB, 3GB, and 5GB, respectively. In other words, you're paying more, but it's a lower cost per byte across the board — and considering that company exec John Stankey claimed a 40 percent year-over-year increase in data growth among its customers at a recent financial conference, larger buckets are probably called for. Tablet customers, meanwhile, will have access to the latter two plans: 3GB for $30 and 5GB for $50.
But will they still throttle?
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 04:56 PM
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They won't throttle these plans because there is no unlimited option. With these plans they want you to burn through data so they can charge you more. Why even offer 300MB plan, $20 for another 300MB,
:rippedoff

http://www.macrumors.com/2012/01/18/...ne-data-plans/
- AT&T DataPlus 300MB: $20 for 300MB, additional 300MB for $20.
- AT&T DataPro 3GB: $30 for 3GB, additional 1GB for $10/each
- AT&T DataPro 5GB: $50 for 5GB, with mobile hotspot/tethering, additional 1GB for $10/each

Last edited by doopstr; Jan 18, 2012 at 05:00 PM.
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 05:49 PM
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I don't see anything on ATT's site about the new plans nor have a received any email notification... so we'll see in a few days.
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 05:56 PM
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Sweet!!! All current data plans remain in force. Just bought a 4G phone with 2GB for about $19 a month.
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 07:04 PM
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http://finance.yahoo.com/news/t-jack...233528599.html

Reuters) - AT&T Inc plans to sharply raise prices on data plans for smartphone and tablet customers from next week, calling the move a response to an explosion in wireless usage.

The No. 2 U.S. carrier dropped a controversial $39 billion bid for Deutsche Telekom's U.S. wireless unit T-Mobile last month, bowing to fierce regulatory opposition but leaving AT&T to try and find an alternative to address its shortage of wireless airwaves.

From January 22, AT&T customers will pay $20 for a 300-megabyte monthly data plan, up from $15 for 200-mb currently. Users with higher requirements can also opt for $30 for 3 gigabytes -- versus $25 for 2 GB previously -- or $50 for 5 GB, up from $45 for 4 GB.

AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel estimates that data usage is increasing 40 percent every year, spurring the company to offer more upfront. Consumers are rapidly migrating to video and music.

The new prices affect only new customers; existing customers can stick with their current plans or upgrade as needed, AT&T said in a statement.

(Editing by Bernard Orr)
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 09:01 PM
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She uses it mainly to watch YouTube vids and post pics to Instagram. Sometimes she'll watch shows on Netflix. What I don't understand is that AT&T never warned her that she'd get throttled. I understand they have to do it but at least give a warning and a concrete number of GB before it happens.
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 09:20 PM
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Do they not have wifi over there?
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 10:02 PM
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She's usually out or at work and they don't have WiFi at her work. The only time she's home is to sleep really.
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Old Nov 30, 2015 | 07:46 PM
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Well they recently raised the throttle cap to 22GB.
Last month I hit 16.5GB.

Also starting Feb 2016, unlimited data plans go up to $35/month.
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Old Dec 1, 2015 | 10:00 AM
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Are you using the cell connection as your primary access to the interweb?
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Old Dec 1, 2015 | 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by stogie1020
Are you using the cell connection as your primary access to the interweb?
No, I'm just on my phone ALOT.

Only apps I use that use a lot data are: Safari, Music, Facebook, Facebook messenger & Snapchat.

Those 5 used up 2GB of the 2.4GB I've used since my billing cycle started on the 25th of Nov.

Last edited by Mizouse; Dec 1, 2015 at 10:45 AM.
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Old Dec 1, 2015 | 02:13 PM
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LTE gets swallowed fast. I hit 11 GBs last month, Social media, music, podcasts, only a GB from YouTube. I only update apps on Wifi.
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Old Dec 1, 2015 | 03:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Doom878
LTE gets swallowed fast. I hit 11 GBs last month, Social media, music, podcasts, only a GB from YouTube. I only update apps on Wifi.
I can't imagine my data usage should LTE actually work for me. I'm on 4G all the time
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Old Dec 1, 2015 | 09:46 PM
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I have never been throttled that I know of, but I thought this was humorous. I used to be on a 10 GB plan with my company phone. This past weekend I wanted to stream the OSU-Michigan game for my dad while he fried turkeys, so I sent a data usage request in to see where I was for the month. I guess they moved me to a group plan, because we have 150 GB available to us.

Next Bill Cycle: 12/08/15
Data [MB]: 13,884.52
Group Data [MB]: 125,886.1 of 153,600 [may include rollover]
Messaging: 34 of Unlimited
For detail usage go to att.com/myATT
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Old Dec 2, 2015 | 07:12 AM
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They won't throttle you on a mobile share plan. Only the Unlimited users.
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Old Dec 2, 2015 | 07:50 AM
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LOL - I started reading this thread and was trying to figure out why folks were referring to their original iPhones or their girlfriend's iPhone 4 / 4S and then realized Mizouse revived a nearly 4 year old thread. Guess I need to read more carefully
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Old Dec 2, 2015 | 03:32 PM
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It's still relevant to the thread
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Old Dec 3, 2015 | 06:09 AM
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No worries -
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Old Jan 11, 2016 | 08:30 AM
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http://finance.yahoo.com/news/unlimi...130924355.html

Are unlimited data cellphone plans on their way back?

NEW YORK (AP) -- AT&T is once again experimenting with offering unlimited data plans to smartphone customers while promoting its DirecTV service.

That signals a potential reversal of industry trends toward data caps and charges for big video watchers.

AT&T, trying to capitalize on its $48.5 billion purchase of DirecTV last year, is announcing on Monday an unlimited data plan for cellphones, if you also get DirecTV or AT&T's home-TV service, U-verse.

The unlimited data deal may be cheaper than AT&T's limited-data plan if you have a family that watches a lot of video and want cable; if it's one person, sticking with the existing plan is likely a better value, especially if you don't want cable. It's a limited-time offer but AT&T won't say when the promotion would end.
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Old Jan 11, 2016 | 08:32 AM
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Fucking crooks
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Old Jan 11, 2016 | 09:10 AM
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I wonder if TMobile's Binge On had any influence on this decision
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Old Jan 11, 2016 | 11:08 AM
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AT&T Introduces New Unlimited Plan For AT&T Wireless and DIRECTV Subscribers | AT&T

AT&T Introduces New Unlimited Plan For AT&T Wireless and DIRECTV Subscribers

A family of four may now get unlimited video streaming, data, talk and text for $180 per month*

AT&T1 is kicking off the New Year with a new unlimited wireless data offer for its new and existing TV subscribers who like watching their favorite videos and TV shows almost everywhere.2 Beginning tomorrow, new and existing AT&T consumer wireless customers who have or add AT&T DIRECTV® or AT&T U-Verse TV may get the new AT&T Unlimited Plan, offering customers more data to use for watching video, playing games and surfing the web on their mobile devices.3

The new AT&T Unlimited Plan includes unlimited data and unlimited talk and text. Customers can get the AT&T Unlimited Plan on a smartphone for $100 per month. Additional smartphones are $40 per month each, and a fourth smartphone can be added at no additional cost.*

The new AT&T Unlimited Plan is the first of many integrated video and mobility offers the company plans to announce in 2016. Also, AT&T plans to launch a wide-range of new video entertainment options later this year.

If you are a new or existing DIRECTV or U-Verse TV subscriber but not an AT&T wireless subscriber, for a limited time, you can receive $500 in credits when you switch to the AT&T Unlimited Plan with an eligible trade-in, and buy a smartphone on AT&T NextSM.4 And, if you are an AT&T wireless customer, but not a DIRECTV subscriber, you can add a TV package beginning at $19.99 per month for 12 months, with a 24 month agreement.5

“Our new unlimited plan is our best offer yet. It’s the perfect reward for our valued customers who like to take advantage of our integrated offers of TV and wireless services,” said Ralph de la Vega, CEO of AT&T Mobile and Business Solutions. “Video traffic continues to grow on our network as fast as ever because people enjoy viewing their favorite video content on their favorite devices.”

“We’ve got the content consumers want, we’re delivering it to the devices they want, and we’re making it as easy as ever for them to consume as much as they want,” he said. “And, they will get a high-quality video streaming experience from the start. No compromises in video quality.”

You can also add additional devices to the plan. For example, add a smartphone or tablet for $40 per month or $10 for a smart watch. If you don’t need unlimited data for your tablet, you can take advantage of our new 1 GB tablet plan for $10 per month, exclusively available for customers on the AT&T Unlimited Plan.6
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Old Jan 11, 2016 | 10:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
5 gigabytes? What the are you guys doing to hit that? Using it as a modem?
streaming music over a 12 hour shift will eat about 2GB of data....
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Old Jan 12, 2016 | 07:15 AM
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4 lines/$180 isn't bad but DirecTV is way more expensive than Comcast since internet is bundled. U-Verse from what I hear sucks and is slower.
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Old Feb 16, 2017 | 04:55 PM
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Thank you, T-Mobile.

They (and Sprint) got Verizon to offer unlimited data plans again earlier this week, and Verizon's move likely forced AT&T to offer unlimited data plans to everyone again starting tomorrow (no DirectTV subscription needed anymore).

This wouldn't have happened had AT&T or Sprint been allowed to buy TMobile.

Competition is good.


AT&T Expands Access to Unlimited Data

AT&T Expands Access to Unlimited Data

Feb. 16, 2017

The New AT&T Unlimited Plan is Available to All Postpaid Wireless Customers

Starting tomorrow, AT&T1 will launch a new AT&T Unlimited plan. The plan will be available to all consumer and business postpaid AT&T wireless customers. Whether you love to stream your favorite shows, play games, video chat or simply surf the web, the AT&T Unlimited Plan provides access to what matters most to you.

“We’re offering unlimited entertainment on the nation’s best data network where and when you want to enjoy more of what you love,” said David Christopher, Chief Marketing Officer of the AT&T Entertainment Group.

The new AT&T Unlimited Plan will include unlimited talk, text and data on 4 lines for $180.* Business customers can also take advantage of their additional corporate discount.

You can also make unlimited calls from the U.S. to Canada and Mexico, and send unlimited texts to over 120 countries. Plus, customers on this plan can talk, text and use data in Canada and Mexico with no roaming charges when they add the Roam North America feature for no additional charge.

We’re always listening to our customers and will continue to evolve to provide more choice, more convenience, and more value.

* Price after $40 credit for 4th smartphone line. Credit starts in 2 bills. Pay $220/ month until credit starts. After 22 GB of data usage, AT&T may slow speeds during periods of network congestion. Plan includes stream saver. Additional data and other restrictions apply.

1 AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand name and not by AT&T Inc.
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Old Feb 16, 2017 | 06:05 PM
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Nice. I've been sticking with AT&T U-verse for the unlimited internet and its slow AF compared to Comcast. Competition is always good.
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Old Feb 16, 2017 | 08:33 PM
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Hmmm I'm still on the grandfathered unlimited data plan under a family plan with 3 users.

been wondering since I read the news if this is worth it.
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Old Feb 16, 2017 | 08:44 PM
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No tetherinng

$100 for the first line. $40 per line with the 4th being free.
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Old Feb 17, 2017 | 07:00 AM
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I don't see it up yet when in my acct. Still says requires DirecTV and U-Verse. But it's active here:

https://www.att.com/shop/wireless/unlimited-plan.html
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Old Feb 17, 2017 | 09:33 AM
  #37  
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Hmmm, seriously considering switching to AT&T now.
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Old Feb 17, 2017 | 09:47 AM
  #38  
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They have the worst deal of the carriers thou

Unlimited Plan Comparison: Verizon vs. AT&T vs. T-Mobile vs. Sprint | Droid Life
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Old Feb 17, 2017 | 10:16 AM
  #39  
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Looks like Tmobile still has them all beat. And Tmobile coverage has improved too.

https://opensignal.com/reports/2016/...obile-network/

Sprint looks to be less expensive $ wise during their 1st year promo pricing, but if you factor in taxes and fees, it's probably same price as Tmobile or maybe even a little more.

Plus, Tmobile has a few extra features others don't like free 1 hour of data usage and unlimited texting on flights via GoGo, unlimited 2G data roaming for rest of world, Tmobile Tuesday, and taxes/fees included in their price (what you see is what you pay).
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Old Feb 17, 2017 | 12:02 PM
  #40  
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Unlimited 2G roaming???

Do new phones even support 2G anymore?
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