ATT needs to bring back unlimited data for smartphones

[tev_b]

I've chosen to get a blackberry before switching to the Iphone 4. I would like to have unlimited data before I switch to the Iphone. Is there any way we can get the unlimited data for smartphones back?

[Starfall]

If you already have unlimited data when you switch from one smartphone (Blackberry) to another one (iPhone 4), you're not required to change it to one of the newer plans. 

[v37]

Before I begin my rant let me just say that I have been an AT&T wireless customer for the last 10 years (was there through the Cingular days as well) and during that entire time I have always been a strong supporter. Until now. 

Starfall - "If you already have unlimited data when you switch from one smartphone (Blackberry) to another one (iPhone 4), you're not required to change it to one of the newer plans." 

That is great and all if you already had the service. I was planning on getting it when I pre ordered the new iphone. I ended up not doing it because 2 gigs for 5$ less than unlimited used to be is an absolute joke. AT&T's argument is that 98% of users don't go over 2 gigs....... In that case why even bother getting rid of unlimited. Oh ya, I forgot, AT&T "wants to provided it's customers with more options instead of a one-size fits all data plan." If providing more options was the truth than why get rid of unlimited? Why not just add the tiered plans and leave unlimited alone??? Popular opinion around the web is that AT&T cant handle the network use inundation brought on by all the new devices going online, if this is the case how is it a good business model to get rid of a service your customers rely on simply because you can't keep up with the demand? Own up to your shortcomings and do what needs to be done to fix them. If you need to put unlimited on hold until you can than so be it. But don't treat us like we are stupid.

I am going to wait to get a data plan until unlimited comes back or just switch providers. Unfortunately, the way I see it playing out is AT&T will add more tiers (5 gig, 10 gig etc..) when it becomes plainly obvious that 2 gigs just doesn't cut it but whatever the next one up from 2 gigs will be you can bet it will at least cost 30$ and the prices will only go up from there. 

And what about the effect this will have on all the app providers? Do you think people will be as willing to try new apps or stream video if they are having to be careful not to go over their limit? Way to regress AT&T. In the meantime, I will be bidding my time until my contract is up and than we will see.

[/rant]

[BrianfromNO]

You guys can whine all you want, but the unlimited plan is gone and I doubt it's coming back.  The days of "all you can eat plans" are gone.  My Comcast account is now capped at 250GB.  AT&T was in a bit of a no-win situation.  Keep the unlimited plan but make it more expensive?  People would complain.  Keep the unlimited plan at just $5 more than the 2GB plan?  People wouldn't switch.  Keep offering the unlimited, but don't allow people to tether (as is the case now)?  Again, people complaining.

[Lambo1029]

They really do its not fair!! I have an iPhone 3G S and I contacted AT&T and they said as long as I stay on iPhone I can keep my unlimited data but its not fair how there capping this!! Smartphones focus strictly on data its not fair! Just letting them sit on the table uses data so I don't know what a.sshole had his or her head up their a.s.s when they thought about this idea. The iPad situation discusses me the most though. The iPad only uses data and know we can only have 200mb or 2gb it just discusts me! In order to use our devices to the fullest extent we need our unlimited data for every device back! AT&T has the most advanced devices on their network if they weren't prepared to be overloaded than they shouldn't have signed the contract to sell the devices in the first place its just discusting. They need to put up more towers after all there making how many millions of dollars off of iPhones and other smartphones a day its just absolutely rediculous! I wish for once they would actually ask us what we thought before they pull { word filter evasion }  like this!!

[MatM]

---

BrianfromNO wrote:

You guys can whine all you want, but the unlimited plan is gone and I doubt it's coming back.  The days of "all you can eat plans" are gone.  My Comcast account is now capped at 250GB.  AT&T was in a bit of a no-win situation.  Keep the unlimited plan but make it more expensive?  People would complain.  Keep the unlimited plan at just $5 more than the 2GB plan?  People wouldn't switch.  Keep offering the unlimited, but don't allow people to tether (as is the case now)?  Again, people complaining.

---

They are not in a no win situation. "A BW issue" excuse makes no sense if 90+ percent doesnt use 2gigs hows does screwing the very few people who do help BW issues? Also how does it make sense to offer an "unlimited" data plan to multi media phones but not to smartphones. And the icing on the cake is to make, what, a 3rd of DL capability only 5 bucks cheaper a month. Are you kidding me? This all revolves around making more money and thats really all there is to it. Ironic that they significantly drop the amount of data usage right before the Iphone 4 comes out which is now probably their most data intensive phone which a few other like it coming right behind its release. Charging 10 bucks for and extra gig just helps support this as they know there will be plently of people going over to take advantage of this. Your comcast analogy is pointless as there was never a real "unlimited plan" to begin with. I encourage people to "whine" as you put it. Voicing opinions is the only way to get things done other than leaving which they are making even more impossible now with the 350 ETF bump. Its better than just sitting back and getting bent and saying o well. I have been a customer for 7-8 years but im considering leaving AT&T as i am one of the extensive data users and this is just a slap in the face. I have been given many reasons in the past to leave AT&T but i stuck with them and now i think im regreting it lol. I definitely think im going to jump to Verizon on my next window of opportunity.

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

---

MatM wrote:

---

BrianfromNO wrote:

You guys can whine all you want, but the unlimited plan is gone and I doubt it's coming back.  The days of "all you can eat plans" are gone.  My Comcast account is now capped at 250GB.  AT&T was in a bit of a no-win situation.  Keep the unlimited plan but make it more expensive?  People would complain.  Keep the unlimited plan at just $5 more than the 2GB plan?  People wouldn't switch.  Keep offering the unlimited, but don't allow people to tether (as is the case now)?  Again, people complaining.

---

They are not in a no win situation. "A BW issue" excuse makes no sense if 90+ percent doesnt use 2gigs hows does screwing the very few people who do help BW issues? Also how does it make sense to offer an "unlimited" data plan to multi media phones but not to smartphones. And the icing on the cake is to make, what, a 3rd of DL capability only 5 bucks cheaper a month. Are you kidding me? This all revolves around making more money and thats really all there is to it. Ironic that they significantly drop the amount of data usage right before the Iphone 4 comes out which is now probably their most data intensive phone which a few other like it coming right behind its release. Charging 10 bucks for and extra gig just helps support this as they know there will be plently of people going over to take advantage of this. Your comcast analogy is pointless as there was never a real "unlimited plan" to begin with. I encourage people to "whine" as you put it. Voicing opinions is the only way to get things done other than leaving which they are making even more impossible now with the 350 ETF bump. Its better than just sitting back and getting bent and saying o well. I have been a customer for 7-8 years but im considering leaving AT&T as i am one of the extensive data users and this is just a slap in the face. I have been given many reasons in the past to leave AT&T but i stuck with them and now i think im regreting it lol. I definitely think im going to jump to Verizon on my next window of opportunity.

---

Might want to ETF out now and get in on vierzo while they still have the unlimited, which I suspect will not be to much longer sice their top brass has already announced a while before ATT did that that they want to cap data plans also. If you don;t thik the verizon will follow, I have a nice bridge that I can sell you for a reasonable price.

[MatM]

---

wingrider01 wrote:

Might want to ETF out now and get in on vierzo while they still have the unlimited, which I suspect will not be to much longer sice their top brass has already announced a while before ATT did that that they want to cap data plans also. If you don;t thik the verizon will follow, I have a nice bridge that I can sell you for a reasonable price.

---

Oh yeah im sure they will follow suit but it most-likely wont happen until their 4g is launched and im hoping they provide better options. That is if i end up ditching AT&T before they change up their rates

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

---

MatM wrote:

---

wingrider01 wrote:

Might want to ETF out now and get in on vierzo while they still have the unlimited, which I suspect will not be to much longer sice their top brass has already announced a while before ATT did that that they want to cap data plans also. If you don;t thik the verizon will follow, I have a nice bridge that I can sell you for a reasonable price.

---

Oh yeah im sure they will follow suit but it most-likely wont happen until their 4g is launched and im hoping they provide better options. That is if i end up ditching AT&T before they change up their rates

---

Suspect it will happen a lot faster then you think, would not be surprised to see the changes for mid/end of 3rd quarter 2010

[CptKoolaid]

i agree to all who think this is a slap in the face. after being put through years of already over priced rates. they have the indecency to remove unlimited data plan in favor of some 2gb { word filter evasion } . WITH NO TETHERING? { word filter evasion }  you att like you have { word filter evasion }  us. if att has a problem offering the services required to run these fancy new smartphones. spend some of that 3.28 bil you made last quarter and buy some more equipment. i am a high end user and i require unlimited data use. your "one size fits all" was fine. leave it be. and then add 2gb for $20 and 300 for $10-15. i will be calling to request the old data plan for my new phone. and i will fight untill i get it or i have to switch providers.

Mod edit: Please do not attempt to evade the word filter and remember to use language appropriate for this forum's format. Thank you.

[MatM]

---

wingrider01 wrote:

Suspect it will happen a lot faster then you think, would not be surprised to see the changes for mid/end of 3rd quarter 2010

---

Word on the street is they are not really seeing a need to until 4g launches which they feel they are going to have to impliment it at that point. I really dont understand how a comapany can rake in 3.5 billion in the first quarter and not be able to provide a top notch service.

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

---

MatM wrote:

---

wingrider01 wrote:

Suspect it will happen a lot faster then you think, would not be surprised to see the changes for mid/end of 3rd quarter 2010

---

Word on the street is they are not really seeing a need to until 4g launches which they feel they are going to have to impliment it at that point. I really dont understand how a comapany can rake in 3.5 billion in the first quarter and not be able to provide a top notch service.

---

more to the point - word to the stock holders it will be implemented a lot faster then you think.

[mferlaino]

Good luck trying to get them to give you the unlimited plan.  I have been a customer of only ATT.  My data plan was removed by one of the other member on my plan and when I tried to get them to give it back to me they said no.  I got all the way to the second level manager who entered a "ticket" to see if they would give it back to me and I was denied.  If you have any luck getting the unlimited plan please let me know.

[Breezer23]

I just switched from Verizon thinking the 2GB wouldn't be that big of a deal. However, my Slingbox is using about 100MB's an hour. In short, I'm about to go return my iPhone 4 - after sitting in line for 5 hours - and go back to Verizon.

It was stupid on AT&T's part because Verizon is going to go to this tiered data plan. AT&T should have kept it unlimited to hopefully keep some of the mass defect of customers from going to Verizon once they get the iPhone (if ever). Add in Steve Job's extremely arrogant comments about the iPhone issues and you have the nail in the coffin. I just hope they'll refund the $80 in apps I've bought in the past week.

So long AT&T! I hope the CEO's have a nice golden parachute when you go out of business. The iPhone is the only thing that has kept you afloat. You're done as soon as it goes multi-carrier. If I know one thing, restricting your plans and removing any sort of differentiation from your competitors certainly won't help the cause.

-Travis

[Breezer23]

---

mferlaino wrote:

Good luck trying to get them to give you the unlimited plan.  I have been a customer of only ATT.  My data plan was removed by one of the other member on my plan and when I tried to get them to give it back to me they said no.  I got all the way to the second level manager who entered a "ticket" to see if they would give it back to me and I was denied.  If you have any luck getting the unlimited plan please let me know.

---

Ditto. I have been calling them all day about getting it done. I had unlimited previously - just with Verizon. Threatening to go back to Verizon didn't even do anything. The lady (I think she/it was?) talked to her "supervisor" and they said the system won't even allow them to put it on my plan. I tried the live chat feature - same result. I'll pay $35/month for unlimited if I have to! Just give me the option.

I don't know how anyone can use the tethering feature and NOT go over 2GB's....

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

---

Breezer23 wrote:

---

mferlaino wrote:

Good luck trying to get them to give you the unlimited plan.  I have been a customer of only ATT.  My data plan was removed by one of the other member on my plan and when I tried to get them to give it back to me they said no.  I got all the way to the second level manager who entered a "ticket" to see if they would give it back to me and I was denied.  If you have any luck getting the unlimited plan please let me know.

---

Ditto. I have been calling them all day about getting it done. I had unlimited previously - just with Verizon. Threatening to go back to Verizon didn't even do anything. The lady (I think she/it was?) talked to her "supervisor" and they said the system won't even allow them to put it on my plan. I tried the live chat feature - same result. I'll pay $35/month for unlimited if I have to! Just give me the option.

I don't know how anyone can use the tethering feature and NOT go over 2GB's....

---

The unlimited wireless data plan is going the way of the dodo bird, it is not a case of if it happens, rather it is when it happens.

Curious about a couple of things

1. if you already knew your data usage why did you even switch?

2. what made you think that "threatening to go back to verizon" wojuld make the CSR decide to go against corporate policy just to keep your serivce?

[Breezer23]

I had no idea my usage was that high. I had JUST ordered my Slingbox when the app came out for Android. With the Verizon thing - it never hurts. I've had many friends get things with AT&T simply by bringing that up. I wasn't rude about it I just asked how much it costs to get out of my contract.

I look at it this way. The new Hulu app is a perfect example. If a customer has no access to WiFi and is a subscriber to Hulu+ then they are done for. I just find it frustrating that they limit it. I'd pay more for unlimited. Offere unlimited for the price of the 2GB Tethering ($45 I think?) but w/o the tethering. I just want the option.

I know that's where everything is going unfortunately. Verizon is going that way and who knows what other carriers will in the near future. Maybe everyone will start using Cricket haha!

-Travis 

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

---

Breezer23 wrote:

I had no idea my usage was that high. I had JUST ordered my Slingbox when the app came out for Android. With the Verizon thing - it never hurts. I've had many friends get things with AT&T simply by bringing that up. I wasn't rude about it I just asked how much it costs to get out of my contract.

I look at it this way. The new Hulu app is a perfect example. If a customer has no access to WiFi and is a subscriber to Hulu+ then they are done for. I just find it frustrating that they limit it. I'd pay more for unlimited. Offere unlimited for the price of the 2GB Tethering ($45 I think?) but w/o the tethering. I just want the option.

I know that's where everything is going unfortunately. Verizon is going that way and who knows what other carriers will in the near future. Maybe everyone will start using Cricket haha!

-Travis 

---

Pretty much bet the tier 1/2 providers will do that. Actually suprised that cricket still has unlimited cellualr modems still, especially since they don;t won their towers.

have no interest in Hull app, not willing to pay 10.00 a month for it

[MatM]

---

wingrider01 wrote:

more to the point - word to the stock holders it will be implemented a lot faster then you think.

---

John Killian and Brenda Rainey have both stated that the game plan is the the Tiered data plans will be only for LTE 4G users and that 3g users will not be affected anytime soon. Maybe your stock holders are wrong?

Anyhow my game plan was to hold out for the captivate and just suck it up and run with the 2g limit but i think ill just wait it out til September when 2 of my 3 contracts are up, pay the 150 ETF, and pick up some free non gimped great android phones as the phone of today will most-likely be able to be had free by september through some new activation avenue. That is unless by some chance something happens to sway me otherwise by then.

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

---

MatM wrote:

---

wingrider01 wrote:

more to the point - word to the stock holders it will be implemented a lot faster then you think.

---

John Killian and Brenda Rainey have both stated that the game plan is the the Tiered data plans will be only for LTE 4G users and that 3g users will not be affected anytime soon. Maybe your stock holders are wrong?

Anyhow my game plan was to hold out for the captivate and just suck it up and run with the 2g limit but i think ill just wait it out til September when 2 of my 3 contracts are up, pay the 150 ETF, and pick up some free non gimped great android phones as the phone of today will most-likely be able to be had free by september through some new activation avenue. That is unless by some chance something happens to sway me otherwise by then.

---

still think that you are wrong, suspect that capped data plans will be standard for the tier 1/2 providers by the end of the year earliest, mid 2011 latest, at least for all smartphones. ATT differentiated - qmd phones still have unlimited data, smartphones are capped, willing to bet that sprint and verizon follow suit.

[BrianfromNO]

How is it not a "no-win" situation?  If they raise prices to keep unlimited, they're in a bit of a conundrum.  Do they allow people who are grandfathered in under the old policy to keep their $30 unlimited plan, while new customers get the newer, higher unlimited plan (someone suggested $45)?  

I've had cable modems for over a decade, being one of the first to subscribe in one of Louisiana's test markets in late 1998.  This is the first time I've seen a stated cap on my data plan, so no, it's not a meaningless comparison.  Repeating what's wrong won't make it more correct.

AT&T has over 87 million subscribers.  I'm sure they won't miss a few.

---

MatM wrote:

---

BrianfromNO wrote:

You guys can whine all you want, but the unlimited plan is gone and I doubt it's coming back.  The days of "all you can eat plans" are gone.  My Comcast account is now capped at 250GB.  AT&T was in a bit of a no-win situation.  Keep the unlimited plan but make it more expensive?  People would complain.  Keep the unlimited plan at just $5 more than the 2GB plan?  People wouldn't switch.  Keep offering the unlimited, but don't allow people to tether (as is the case now)?  Again, people complaining.

---

They are not in a no win situation. "A BW issue" excuse makes no sense if 90+ percent doesnt use 2gigs hows does screwing the very few people who do help BW issues? Also how does it make sense to offer an "unlimited" data plan to multi media phones but not to smartphones. And the icing on the cake is to make, what, a 3rd of DL capability only 5 bucks cheaper a month. Are you kidding me? This all revolves around making more money and thats really all there is to it. Ironic that they significantly drop the amount of data usage right before the Iphone 4 comes out which is now probably their most data intensive phone which a few other like it coming right behind its release. Charging 10 bucks for and extra gig just helps support this as they know there will be plently of people going over to take advantage of this. Your comcast analogy is pointless as there was never a real "unlimited plan" to begin with. I encourage people to "whine" as you put it. Voicing opinions is the only way to get things done other than leaving which they are making even more impossible now with the 350 ETF bump. Its better than just sitting back and getting bent and saying o well. I have been a customer for 7-8 years but im considering leaving AT&T as i am one of the extensive data users and this is just a slap in the face. I have been given many reasons in the past to leave AT&T but i stuck with them and now i think im regreting it lol. I definitely think im going to jump to Verizon on my next window of opportunity.

---

[BrianfromNO]

I believe Cricket actually does own their towers, but their network footprint is significantly smaller than the larger carriers.  They support their phones in a lot of places with roaming agreements with other carriers.

And Breezer23, you didn't know that streaming video from a device like Slingbox wouldn't consume data in droves?  This kind of device convergence is exactly why the major carriers are eliminating uncapped data plans or looking to do so.

---

wingrider01 wrote:

---

Breezer23 wrote:

I had no idea my usage was that high. I had JUST ordered my Slingbox when the app came out for Android. With the Verizon thing - it never hurts. I've had many friends get things with AT&T simply by bringing that up. I wasn't rude about it I just asked how much it costs to get out of my contract.

I look at it this way. The new Hulu app is a perfect example. If a customer has no access to WiFi and is a subscriber to Hulu+ then they are done for. I just find it frustrating that they limit it. I'd pay more for unlimited. Offere unlimited for the price of the 2GB Tethering ($45 I think?) but w/o the tethering. I just want the option.

I know that's where everything is going unfortunately. Verizon is going that way and who knows what other carriers will in the near future. Maybe everyone will start using Cricket haha!

-Travis 

---

Pretty much bet the tier 1/2 providers will do that. Actually suprised that cricket still has unlimited cellualr modems still, especially since they don;t won their towers.

have no interest in Hull app, not willing to pay 10.00 a month for it

---

[MatM]

---

BrianfromNO wrote:

How is it not a "no-win" situation?  If they raise prices to keep unlimited, they're in a bit of a conundrum.  Do they allow people who are grandfathered in under the old policy to keep their $30 unlimited plan, while new customers get the newer, higher unlimited plan (someone suggested $45)?  

I've had cable modems for over a decade, being one of the first to subscribe in one of Louisiana's test markets in late 1998.  This is the first time I've seen a stated cap on my data plan, so no, it's not a meaningless comparison.  Repeating what's wrong won't make it more correct.

AT&T has over 87 million subscribers.  I'm sure they won't miss a few.

---

---

The problem is what they tell the people and they real reason are 2 different things. They changed the plans right before the Iphone 4 release because they know that many more people will go over their limit and they will make more money off the overages than keeping a flat rate. The majority of consumers are not tech savvy enough to know what they are really losing out on so charging less and putting a limit is more appealing than upping an unlimited data plan price when its required to have a data plan to buy the phone. As far as being grandfathered in to a lower price my mother has a 1000 minute plan for 40 bucks a month that she has had for years and doesn't give when she signs new contract even though they try to make her do so.

 Anyhow im rambling and getting off track. They are in a bind with bandwidth and need more money to expand their networks bandwidth to support up coming smart phones which are coming out in droves. Forget their stupid PR excuse as its non sense and contraindicative to the tier change.  I understand their need to bring in more money to a point but their profit margins would support expansion and in doing so would probably rake in more customers. If their network coverage and phone selection was anything like verizon they would be leading the pack by leaps and bounds no doubt. Since the iphone was released At&t  has seems to use that device to rake in customers than use a quality network. I think at&t something over 12 million users using an Iphone. I wonder what at&t is planning on doing once they lose exclusivity

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

---

MatM wrote:

---

BrianfromNO wrote:

How is it not a "no-win" situation?  If they raise prices to keep unlimited, they're in a bit of a conundrum.  Do they allow people who are grandfathered in under the old policy to keep their $30 unlimited plan, while new customers get the newer, higher unlimited plan (someone suggested $45)?  

I've had cable modems for over a decade, being one of the first to subscribe in one of Louisiana's test markets in late 1998.  This is the first time I've seen a stated cap on my data plan, so no, it's not a meaningless comparison.  Repeating what's wrong won't make it more correct.

AT&T has over 87 million subscribers.  I'm sure they won't miss a few.

---

---

The problem is what they tell the people and they real reason are 2 different things. They changed the plans right before the Iphone 4 release because they know that many more people will go over their limit and they will make more money off the overages than keeping a flat rate. The majority of consumers are not tech savvy enough to know what they are really losing out on so charging less and putting a limit is more appealing than upping an unlimited data plan price when its required to have a data plan to buy the phone. As far as being grandfathered in to a lower price my mother has a 1000 minute plan for 40 bucks a month that she has had for years and doesn't give when she signs new contract even though they try to make her do so.

 Anyhow im rambling and getting off track. They are in a bind with bandwidth and need more money to expand their networks bandwidth to support up coming smart phones which are coming out in droves. Forget their stupid PR excuse as its non sense and contraindicative to the tier change.  I understand their need to bring in more money to a point but their profit margins would support expansion and in doing so would probably rake in more customers. If their network coverage and phone selection was anything like verizon they would be leading the pack by leaps and bounds no doubt. Since the iphone was released At&t  has seems to use that device to rake in customers than use a quality network. I think at&t something over 12 million users using an Iphone. I wonder what at&t is planning on doing once they lose exclusivity

---

continue on as normal, they still have a couple of years before they need to worry about it according to court documents, they proably already have some new technology that will replace the problem child already. Not sure about you but in my hole area ATT is the top of the heap for reception, verizon and sprint have issues from lack of infrastructure

[johnhyunyoon]

is there a petition going around or anything?

[ccoreyadams]

When my contract expires I'm going back to verizon.  they have realized the value of an unlimited data plan to business travelers(lug laptop, wireless card, mobile broadband card and cell, or just carry an App heavy smartphone.)  with all the travel restrictions these days it just makes sense, oh yeah I forgot the new corporate American way, "If it makes sense it must be wrong!" Way to go ATT!!

This is just another way to price gouge your customers.

[Wild Banchi ACE - Professor]

---

ccoreyadams wrote:

This is just another way to price gouge your customers.

---

No "price gouging" going on here. [For about the seventh time,] AT&T dropped the Unlimited Data Plan and converted them to capped amounts to save their customers money. The key word is save.

98% of the smartphone data users never exceed 2GB. That's waaaay more than half, and a good move in my opinion for customers who are looking to save money and have a cheap data plan.

For that other 2%, the heavy users are just...out of luck. If they're grandfathered into  Unlimited Data, then they're all good to go. But if they exceed the 2GB plan, they're going to have to pay the overage charges. I guess if I were one of the few heavy users and didn't get grandfathered into the Unlimited Data Plan, I would most likely switch carriers to avoid the hefty overage charges.

But really... Who uses their phone THAT much...? (Enough to exceed 2GB.)

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

---

ccoreyadams wrote:

When my contract expires I'm going back to verizon.  they have realized the value of an unlimited data plan to business travelers(lug laptop, wireless card, mobile broadband card and cell, or just carry an App heavy smartphone.)  with all the travel restrictions these days it just makes sense, oh yeah I forgot the new corporate American way, "If it makes sense it must be wrong!" Way to go ATT!!

This is just another way to price gouge your customers.

---

might want to do it right now, verizon has already brought out the first limited plan (150MB @ 15.00) and they have a note in the unlimited plan's terms of service about soft capping the plan at 5GB - AKA after 5gb the bandwidth will be serverly limited until the next billing cycle then the bandwidth will be reset to normal until it is exceeded again. T-Mobile has already started doing this.

[mgerbasio]

Verizon doesn't cap smartphone data unlimited plans only the laptop unlimited. You can search google, this was just covered in an article on cnn and a couple of other news outlets. I have the service and have gone over 5gb without any issues, not typical usage for me.

200mb may be enough for a blackberry but not nearly enough for a smartphone. AT&T has a very high number of blackberry users which skews the data numbers way down. Rim compresses all data, uses plain text email, corporate users don't typically use the device in the same way as a consumer, Corp policies and limits on employees stopnthem from say using YouTube in the middle of the day.

I don't stream media and get very close to 2gb on a verizon droid. Actually, I'm for data caps, look at it this way, AT&T will let you use unlimited data $25 forth first 2gb and $10 for every additional gb. Seriously, I think 200mb is misrepresenting to users what they can do and 2gb is just enough and will probably result in many paying $10 for very little more than 2gb.

[BrianfromNO]

As has been posted in this forum before, Verizon lists their plan as unlimited but reserves the right to enforce a "soft cap" if you exceed 5GB.  Use more than that amount, and you may find yourself throttled.

---

mgerbasio wrote:
Verizon doesn't cap smartphone data unlimited plans only the laptop unlimited. You can search google, this was just covered in an article on cnn and a couple of other news outlets. I have the service and have gone over 5gb without any issues, not typical usage for me.

200mb may be enough for a blackberry but not nearly enough for a smartphone. AT&T has a very high number of blackberry users which skews the data numbers way down. Rim compresses all data, uses plain text email, corporate users don't typically use the device in the same way as a consumer, Corp policies and limits on employees stopnthem from say using YouTube in the middle of the day.

I don't stream media and get very close to 2gb on a verizon droid. Actually, I'm for data caps, look at it this way, AT&T will let you use unlimited data $25 forth first 2gb and $10 for every additional gb. Seriously, I think 200mb is misrepresenting to users what they can do and 2gb is just enough and will probably result in many paying $10 for very little more than 2gb.

---