AT&T Starts Throttling Unlimited Data Users after 2GB of Monthly Usage

I got the same message right at 2gb. Ticks me off, really. 2gb doesn’t sound too unlimited.

[update] Atlanta area

This is ********, how is 2gb unlimited.

I also was throttled after 2 GB. It has been VERY frustrating to deal with because the throttling is INCREDIBLY slow. I am on the unlimited data plan. If my data is slow because of natural congestion then no one is limiting it, thus it is unlimited, and slow. However, if AT&T is limiting my data speed, then it is NOT unlimited.

Moreover, their contract (AT&T) says that they have the right to throttle if you are abusing the network by doing things they do not permit (they have a list of things) and/or if you are compromising the integrity of the network.

I know from first hand experience (they throttled me last month) that they are being malicious and attempting to force people out of their unlimited data plans (or they miscalculated and are making reasonable users [like me] very upset):

a) The speed you are throttled to is too slow to load webpages and other simple internet content. Often you have to reload. AT&T's full speed on an iPhone 4S in Sacramento is 3.5 Mbps. They have throttled me down to about 0.10 Mbps, about 2-3% of the normal speed.

b) I do not abuse the network. I watch half an hour of video during my lunch break at work. That adds up to about 4 GB a month.

c) I was throttled after using 2GB of data in 15 days. This is not compromising their network because they offer a 5GB plan.

d) The point in which you are throttled is a floating, regional rule. If few people in your region do more than check their email, or if they are always in Wi-Fi, you are suddenly an "abusive" user. There will always be a top 5%.

e) It does nothing for other users. I have streamed like this during lunch for a long time. It has always been fast. When testing the speed on friends' phones, they reach the speeds I have always gotten, even though a full 5% of AT&T's "data hogs" have been throttled down.

f) Finally, network congestion doesn't happen by the GB. It happens during congested TIMES. A more sensible policy would be to limit users data who access it at highly congested times. The logical error there is: this already happens, that's what network congestion is, many people get on at the same time, and the network slows down. Think of rush-hour traffic. Just because 1 car drove across the country doesn't mean that they are the cause for slow traffic speeds at 6pm.

Enough said. I'm pretty sure there is a class action lawsuit sitting on the table here...

Take care,

Mr. Frustrated

**** AT&T.

:apple:

This is totally out of character for AT&T! normally they don't seem like the type to slowly nickel and dime you until you're broke.

</sarcasm>

My buddy stated getting throttled while only using 3 gigs a month on "unlimited". He was told by AT&T he was in the top 5 percent for "his area". We live in the SF Bay area so 3 gigs doesn't sound like very much.

I do have to call BS on the 2GB throttle point when the 3GB plan costs the same amount of money as what he paid for his "Unlimited".

Cap cap cap/throttle throttle throttle.

I find it hilarious that whilst technology/internet innovation is rapidly evolving, the ISPs instead of following suit seem hell bent on putting on the handbrakes and stifling it.

I wonder how long they think this strategy of theirs will hold out.

I got the warning at 2.1 Gig too (Richland, WA -- Eastern Washington state region) & MANY (10+) people in another thread posted on here reported that 2Gig seemed to be a magic limit for them...

First AT&T came for the over 10 GB/month data users,
and I didn't speak out because I had Unlimited data.

Then they came for the over 8 GB/month data users,
and I didn't speak out because I had Unlimited data.

Then they came for the over 5 GB/month data users,
and I didn't speak out because I had Unlimited data.

Then they came for me, the 2 GB/month data user,
and there was no one left to speak out for me.

I've averaged between 3-5 GB/month for several years on Unlimited data. Then on Thursday I get the email of death warning me that at 2.1 GB (nine days left in billing cycle), I was in the top 5% of heaviest users and would be throttled next month if I didn't change my sinful ways.

So, all of you who received AT&T's extortion note, let them know you heard them loud and clear by filing a FCC Complaint.

Complaint categories would be False Advertising and Service

Share your AT&T love here > File FCC Complaint (http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm)

When you get your call from AT&T about your FCC complaint, be prepared to tell them that you think what they are doing is underhanded and dirty, and that the only way to resolve this is to give you the 5 GB + tethering plan for the same price of your now worthless Unlimited plan for the same $30/month for the life of your account.