I finally got the email today stating they're gonna change my plan if I don't stop tethering. I'll lose my unlimited data & have to pay another arm for my bill. What should I do? If they change my plan I could get out of my contract, maybe? If I stop using it they won't do anything right? What if I "accidently" used it like once a week instead of everyday? How did they even catch me? If anyone else went thru this I need some suggestions. Thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
ZephCr said:
I finally got the email today stating they're gonna change my plan if I don't stop tethering. I'll lose my unlimited data & have to pay another arm for my bill. What should I do? If they change my plan I could get out of my contract, maybe? If I stop using it they won't do anything right? What if I "accidently" used it like once a week instead of everyday? How did they even catch me? If anyone else went thru this I need some suggestions. Thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the letter last month and I'm still teathering
They said if I didn't change it by the next bill they would change it. Keep me posted if they change yours let me know please.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I got the same letter from AT$T and I've never tethered so I'd like to see them prove squat. I don't think they can tell but I do suspect they send anyone that letter running a non-stock ROM.
No longer sent from my BlackBerry.
Captain Zero said:
I got the same letter from AT$T and I've never tethered so I'd like to see them prove squat. I don't think they can tell but I do suspect they send anyone that letter running a non-stock ROM.
No longer sent from my BlackBerry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. I've been running non-stock ROMs on ATT for a long time now, and I don't tether, and I've not gotten a letter.
Remember that AT&T is using your browser agent string to determine if you're tethering. If you are tethering, try changing your browser agent string on the computer you are tethering.
Somewhere there was a post on the whole thing but I'm having trouble tracking it down right now.
Has anyone actually had att change their plan because of tethering & lose their unlimited data plan?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I finally got the email today stating they're gonna change my plan if I don't stop tethering. I'll lose my unlimited data & have to pay another arm for my bill. What should I do? If they change my plan I could get out of my contract, maybe? If I stop using it they won't do anything right? What if I "accidently" used it like once a week instead of everyday? How did they even catch me? If anyone else went thru this I need some suggestions. Thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if they change the terms of your contract you have 30 days to cancel without penalty
Red_81 said:
Remember that AT&T is using your browser agent string to determine if you're tethering. If you are tethering, try changing your browser agent string on the computer you are tethering.
Somewhere there was a post on the whole thing but I'm having trouble tracking it down right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More info http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=17697118
bames said:
if they change the terms of your contract you have 30 days to cancel without penalty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this listed/detailed officially anyplace?
Cant do ****
they cant change your plan because they cant prove your doing it and they cant chang your contract
bames said:
if they change the terms of your contract you have 30 days to cancel without penalty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They can cancel your unlimited data at any time. You did not sign a contract with unlimited data, you signed a contract for 24 months service. That's why you can cancel your data at any time, and change your rate plan at any time. You also agreed not to tether in the att terms and conditions (unless you purchase the tethering plan). By tethering you have already violated your end of the bargain. Somewhere, either in store, on the phone or online when you signed up for unlimited data you agreed not to tether. They are within their right to not only charge you more for SUSPECTED tethering, but to also back charge you for previous months. They have no burden of proof. They may not force that issue, for fear of bad PR, but they are well within their legal rights to charge you for tethering, and hold you to your service contract. They have been known to send accounts to collection, and hurt your credit.
I am not saying I agree with them, bug its all in the gigantic Terms and Agreements.
Don't be under the false assumption that they cannot charge you more, or that by charging you more you can get out of your contract.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
Am I the only one using Straight Talk? $45 a month everything unlimited(so far). I get my service from ATT towers but dont actually answer to ATT. I tether on the regular but nothing big. Mostly browsing. And big downloads. Where i live dial-up is the only option so I feel like I have no choice(Yes I still live in the US). Straight Talk has no tethering plan but their T&S clearly states they're against it. Straight Talk themselves probably doesnt care. ATT problem right? And ATT cant say anything because I dont use their service. Who's problem am I?
quarlow said:
Don't be under the false assumption that they cannot charge you more, or that by charging you more you can get out of your contract.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they change the terms of your contract (including adding or removing features) you DO IN FACT HAVE 30 DAYS TO TERMINATE YOU SERVICE WITHOUT ANY EARLY TERMINATION FEE
bames said:
If they change the terms of your contract (including adding or removing features) you DO IN FACT HAVE 30 DAYS TO TERMINATE YOU SERVICE WITHOUT ANY EARLY TERMINATION FEE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Data is not part of your contract.
You are right, if they do in fact alter the terms of your contract you can terminate. But, by charging you for illegal tethering they are not altering your contract.
*#$% DATA IS NOT PART OF YOUR CONTRACT. YOU AGREED NOT TO TETHER. YOU VIOLATED THE TERMS NOT AT&T. %$#*
Data is not part of your contract.
I hope I said that enough.
Go ahead, continue tethering, and when they charge you for tethering, stop paying your bill. Report back how that works out for you.
Look up the Wireless Customer Agreement on AT&T's website. Section 6.2.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
bames said:
If they change the terms of your contract (including adding or removing features) you DO IN FACT HAVE 30 DAYS TO TERMINATE YOU SERVICE WITHOUT ANY EARLY TERMINATION FEE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read your TOS. In it ATT states that they reserve the right to change you plan as needed as long as they let you know. And tethering without a tethering plan breaks your TOS so you would still have ta pay the ETF.
Red_81 said:
Remember that AT&T is using your browser agent string to determine if you're tethering. If you are tethering, try changing your browser agent string on the computer you are tethering.
Somewhere there was a post on the whole thing but I'm having trouble tracking it down right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that mean AT&T can't tell I am tethering if I tether my wifi-only Android tablet via my phone since both of them are running Android OS?
eqt2010 said:
Does that mean AT&T can't tell I am tethering if I tether my wifi-only Android tablet via my phone since both of them are running Android OS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only att knows for sure what they look for. They have not, nor will they ever, tell customers what they look fir to determine tethering. Browser agent is the best guess at this point.
With that set up you should avoid detection, but there are no guarantees.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
eqt2010 said:
Does that mean AT&T can't tell I am tethering if I tether my wifi-only Android tablet via my phone since both of them are running Android OS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great question, my understanding was the browser identification method was one possible way to ping a person for tethering, but there were other possible methods available they could (more work for them perhaps) be using to track people. But nobody knows for sure.
If it is just the browser I would say you're much safer than a person tethering to a normal computer installation.
edit: Ha, quarlow beat me to it by a few min.
quarlow said:
Data is not part of your contract.
You are right, if they do in fact alter the terms of your contract you can terminate. But, by charging you for illegal tethering they are not altering your contract.
*#$% DATA IS NOT PART OF YOUR CONTRACT. YOU AGREED NOT TO TETHER. YOU VIOLATED THE TERMS NOT AT&T. %$#*
Data is not part of your contract.
I hope I said that enough.
Go ahead, continue tethering, and when they charge you for tethering, stop paying your bill. Report back how that works out for you.
Look up the Wireless Customer Agreement on AT&T's website. Section 6.2.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not on AT&T nor am I a US law expert but the fact that you keep pointing out "You Agreed Not to Tether" seems to imply that there is a contract. Otherwise what exactly did you agree to. A contract does not have to be written as far as I can remember. If data is not part of a contract then I cannot violate any TOS because as you state there is no contract. Your voice and data may not belong to the same contract but I would bet that there is some sort of contract that governs your data and thus any laws regarding changing the Terms of a contract should apply.
Related
From reading I am guessing the best way to get teathering to buy PDANet and sideload with Sideload Wonder Machine?
If so has anyone done it and can they explain the steps?
Sorry I new to andriod and SWM
Go to junefabrics website, all you need is there. It walks you through everything during installation.
This belongs in themes and apps, not development
I was able to load and use pdanet without sideloading. Haven't been able to get BT tethering to work but usb works fine. Sure wish I could get wifi hotspot tethering working, I guess rooting will be the only option...
Ya I am, waiting on better rom devlopments before roiting. you get better speed wthe pda net via usb.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Has anybody tried the pre-installed "Wi-Fi Hotspot" app? I'm kinda scared to try it since I'm worried that it might speak with AT&T and let them know that you're tethering.
Donatron said:
Has anybody tried the pre-installed "Wi-Fi Hotspot" app? I'm kinda scared to try it since I'm worried that it might speak with AT&T and let them know that you're tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried it. It will tell you your account isn't set up for tethering
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
note froma bb user
mikejames07 said:
I tried it. It will tell you your account isn't set up for tethering
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ATT uses only one data port so teethering or surfing they see the usage as the same Been tetthering for years. JUST DONT BE A HOG ABOUT IT LIKE SOME.
Uh oh...
I know this is posted in other places, so please don't bite my head off.
I can confirm the text message that AT&T sends is no joke. If you call the number in the text, they say there was tethering activity from the line. They will try and force you to the 4 gig plan w/tethering. I denied denied denied and they said if there is ANY tethering activity on your line after October 31, then you will be dropped from the unlimited plan and auto enrolled in the 4g tethering plan without notice. You will also lose the ability to get back on the unlimited data plan, since you violated the TOS.
Way to go, AT&T. You all suck.
mjwitt2 said:
I know this is posted in other places, so please don't bite my head off.
I can confirm the text message that AT&T sends is no joke. If you call the number in the text, they say there was tethering activity from the line. They will try and force you to the 4 gig plan w/tethering. I denied denied denied and they said if there is ANY tethering activity on your line after October 31, then you will be dropped from the unlimited plan and auto enrolled in the 4g tethering plan without notice. You will also lose the ability to get back on the unlimited data plan, since you violated the TOS.
Way to go, AT&T. You all suck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yet when they change your plan for you, they have to send you a notice about the changes, and if you don't like the changes, you can cancel your contract.
nhshah7 said:
yet when they change your plan for you, they have to send you a notice about the changes, and if you don't like the changes, you can cancel your contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is not really true. Due to your TOS ATT reserved the right to change your plan as long as they told you about it. It even states that all they have to do is send you an email, text, or letter that it has been done. If they change it due to what they can prove is a violation of your TOS then you will have to pay the termination fee.
If you don't call the number then can they really claim they notified you? I got a text the other day. I never tether and did it one time for about 2 minutes and it was the end of the world.
I got the text message and a letter in the mail as well. I haven't called them yet but I'm gonna call to ensure I don't lose my unlimited data. Kinda sucks that they caught me but I was tethering way too much quite honestly.
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
The text I got...
AT&T Free Msg: Did you know tethering your Smartphone to a computer requires a tethering plan? Pls call 866-975-0005 for details or visit att.com/dataplans.
Same thing here. I never use the damn thing and 2 weeks ago I woke up early to play WoW and cable internet was down, so I figure what the hell. Anyway, after the email, the txt message and the letter, I called them and the operator said no changes will be done to my account as long as there is no thetering after 10/31/11. She even accused me of using "custom firmware" and recommended I did a "factory reset". Can you believe that? ;-)
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium
Saw this just now. Was wondering if verizon can still remove apps when your rooted and if we can remove something to stop them.
http://www.gizmocrunch.com/mobile/7579-verizon-android-phone
If Verizon starts removing apps without proof that they are malicious, that will be the last straw....
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
It just said free wireless tethering app which is part their software on root phones
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
dms76 said:
It just said free wireless tethering app which is part their software on root phones
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon is now issuing a series of updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they arent going to "hack" your phone. and if you are rooted, you arent getting the update.
i dont have it on my phone anymore, but not sure if its from the rom (bamf rc5) can someone confirm?
i still have free wifi. rooted on bamf. using it everyday. absolutely no problems.
bthomp21 said:
they arent going to "hack" your phone. and if you are rooted, you arent getting the update.
i don't have it on my phone anymore, but not sure if its from the rom (bamf rc5) can someone confirm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would assume everyone here with custom roms will not get remote access. This is for user adding wireless tether via other source.
i have wireless tether, i was talking about verizons mobile hotspot
bthomp21 said:
they arent going to "hack" your phone. and if you are rooted, you arent getting the update.
i dont have it on my phone anymore, but not sure if its from the rom (bamf rc5) can someone confirm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
" In addition, the company is removing unauthorized tethering apps from users phones."
That last part is what had me concerned not their hotspot app.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
bowtieduece said:
" In addition, the company is removing unauthorized tethering apps from users phones."
That last part is what had me concerned not their hotspot app.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's through the update though. So if you're not stock, it shouldn't apply to you.
That article is FUD. They just want to see people doing exactly what is happening in this thread. "OMFG VZW is evil, they're haxoring people's phones!"
Unless you have first hand experience, don't worry about it. What's more, people have no reason to complain. Teathering without paying is, and always has been, against Verizon's TOS. Do I agree with this? Nope, but I'm certainly not going to try and create a mass hysteria by saying OMG my app got removed! If it were to be removed and I wanted to use it, I'd find a way to re-install it. So will the others who actually care about such things. Anyone using the TB as their primary internet device in an LTE area should be happily paying $30/month for unlimited teathering. Most land based ISPs don't offer prices that good anymore.
l7777 said:
Anyone using the TB as their primary internet device in an LTE area should be happily paying $30/month for unlimited teathering. Most land based ISPs don't offer prices that good anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't agree more. I don't know what the fuss is all about regarding $30/mo for a connection worthy of replacing your home ISP. I switched from Comcast and I'm saving $30/mo now.
bogatyr said:
I couldn't agree more. I don't know what the fuss is all about regarding $30/mo for a connection worthy of replacing your home ISP. I switched from Comcast and I'm saving $30/mo now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't mind paying the $30 (i did sign up for it), but it can't replace my home connection yet as i only have 3g (very bad signal too). i do get 4g when i visit my dad though, but he's got 10Gb/s cable there. i just got to, hopefully, lock in unlimited data if/when they get 4g in my city. then i'd be able to drop my home connection.
Yeah, id rather just pay $30 and not have to worry about anything
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
the only time i would have a need for tethering is when i travel and the hotel internet is crap. That's not very often, so I really can't justify the $30.
Why should I be happy about paying twice for the same thing? Should comcast be able to charge you $60/month for each computer in your house? Afterall, having more than one pc online uses more bandwidth.
RunNgun42 said:
Should comcast be able to charge you $60/month for each computer in your house?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the contract you sign for service says so, yes. The one you signed with Verizon says "no tethering," but they do offer that as an option. QuitYerBitchin.
RunNgun42 said:
Why should I be happy about paying twice for the same thing? Should comcast be able to charge you $60/month for each computer in your house? Afterall, having more than one pc online uses more bandwidth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're paying $30/mo for unlimited data on your phone, not any device you want. Read the terms you signed.
You're paying an extra $30/mo to support any device you want. If you're paying $60/mo with Comcast, that's saving you money!
If you don't agree with a license/contact, don't sign it. You don't have to use Verizon if you don't like their terms. You can also call and complain to them if you want.
Personally, I'm happy to save money and this deal lets me do that without breaking the contract I signed.
So if I buy a new car and the contract says "no connecting ipods" even though I own the car, I guess I should just accept it because I signed a contract? You're free to grab your ankles any time some company tells you to, however I will take matters into my own hands and do what is reasonably appropriate. You can sit there and take the holy route all you like, but I'm sure the day your home ISP, your home television provider, your home utilities provider, or any other service you subscribe to begins double dipping on charges because more than 1 person is taking advantage of them, you would raise HOLY HELL.
2 gigs is 2 gigs, it should not matter how you consume them. I can just as easily watch a few netflix movies on my phone until I hit the cap, just as much as I can tether to hit my cap. What difference could it possibly make how I use those 2 GB's? It doesnt. People like you are the reason these insane policies are developed in the first place, because businesses prey off your ignorance and fear to challenge them.
I dont care about a contract I signed. The contract is garbage and deserves to be broken.
RunNgun42 said:
So if I buy a new car and the contract says "no connecting ipods" even though I own the car, I guess I should just accept it because I signed a contract?
I dont care about a contract I signed. The contract is garbage and deserves to be broken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one forced you to sign that contract. If you don't like the terms, you're welcome to not give them your business and go elsewhere. That's how business works
This reminds me of that scene from The Empire Strikes Back:
Darth Vader: Calrissian. Take the princess and the Wookie to my ship.
Lando: You said they'd be left at the city under my supervision!
Darth Vader/RunNgun42: I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further.
RunNgun42 said:
So if I buy a new car and the contract says "no connecting ipods" even though I own the car, I guess I should just accept it because I signed a contract?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll have to do better than that. For a car, a contract would be a sales contract, and such a term would make no sense. OTOH, the warranty terms could say the the radio (or even the whole car, for that matter) is no longer covered if an iPod were ever connected.
I dont care about a contract I signed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That tells us all that you're an antisocial reprobate, not worth any more of our time.
Hi Forum,
My wife bought a Iphone 4 last year with a 200MG/ month data plan. She gave her Iphone to her nephew. She told AT&T that her Iphone was broken. She has been using my old Samsung Vibrant with no issue from AT&T, for several months now. I got her a used Infuse yesterday and was using data. AT&T sniffed it and sent a text message.
( Did you know an eligible data plan is required for your 4G Smartphone? Pls call 611 to select a plan and establish your 4G data connection today.)
Do any one know what AT&T will do if she continue to use the Infuse?
Thank you in advance for your opinions, and knowledge!
They are going to add the data plan to your account. You have a choice currentley between 200mb/$15 @ overage rate of 200mb/$15, or 2gb/$25 @ overage rate 1gb/$10. if you dont call and choose a plan they will stick you with the 2gb/$25 rate.
Thanks!
So the options are pay more for data or back to the Vibrant! Do you think calling them and explain the situation would change anything?
Romeo20 said:
So the options are pay more for data or back to the Vibrant! Do you think calling them and explain the situation would change anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call them until you get a rep that does what you want. That usually does it, haha. I'm sure this situation could be no exception.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
You can try calling and yelling all you want, theres always that small chance you may get sombody to bend a rule for you. However it is at&t's policy that with all smartphones you are required to have a data plan, so understand you are on the losing side of the battle and can only HOPE sombody bends the rule for you to allow you to continue with no data plan.
She has data plan, 200 mg/ per month for $15. AT&T want her to have 4G data plan.
Romeo20 said:
She has data plan, 200 mg/ per month for $15. AT&T want her to have 4G data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well than your just on the wrong 200mb/$15 plan, pricing is same for 3g/4g devcies the feature code is just different. call and get it fixed so they dont change you to the $25 plan or somthing stupid
Thank you all!
I resolve the issue with AT&T. After over 30 minutes on the phone, AT&T rep said that I need to provide the SIM and IME number of the Infuse. The data plan is still the same which is 200 Mg/ month for $15. As first, AT&T tried to hook a new 2G data plan. I did not complaint or yell; in fact, I was very polite. I stated that the Vibrant was not getting Voice mail notification, and that my wife hardly use the 200 MG that she has per month. Anyhow, a bit of patience and gratitude seem to do it, this time!
Tomdg07 said:
You can try calling and yelling all you want, theres always that small chance you may get sombody to bend a rule for you. However it is at&t's policy that with all smartphones you are required to have a data plan, so understand you are on the losing side of the battle and can only HOPE sombody bends the rule for you to allow you to continue with no data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Back when I got my HTC Tilt I had a very annoying situation with them. At the time of contract signing I was told I had to have a data plan. 3 months later on a night I was not even around my phone I had a $200 data charge for megabytes upon megabytes of transfer charges. Complained to high heaven, and had ALL data service cut to my line.
Fast forward to this past Sept, got online to upgrade our two phones. Well it seems I got lucky and got an Infuse WITHOUT any data plan. Kind of annoying I have someone trying to text my photos...wink wink, that I can not receive. However our other phone AT&T was kind enough to automatically add the data plan (most expensive one of course) without indicating this. Only when we got the October bill that I saw this. *** I just hate these mobile carriers with a passion. Been years of bend over and take it up the arse with this fools. Actually had AT&T try to change terms AFTER a contract was signed.
Honestly folks, with these phones how having Google Voice, we have actually talked about saying FU to ALL carriers and just using the internet. Yeah, so I cant call when I am driving...dont want to talk then anyways. Just anything I could do to give these **** the finger.
i wouldn't imagine they can do anything if you didnt buy the phone on contract. but if you are on an iphone unlimited plan they might try like hell to get you off of it.
ssa2204 said:
Actually had AT&T try to change terms AFTER a contract was signed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to the terms and cinditions YOU signed, which actually state subject to change at any time without giving notice?
I also want to remind you, you can also leave att at any time
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
If you buy your smartphone outright, paid full price, they can not make you buy a data plan.
But, you then "can not" use your phone to access the internet or e-mail unless on WiFi. Or they can/will force a data plan on you.
Texting and MMS are part of the Phone plan not data.
Truckerglenn said:
If you buy your smartphone outright, paid full price, they can not make you buy a data plan.
But, you then "can not" use your phone to access the internet or e-mail unless on WiFi. Or they can/will force a data plan on you.
Texting and MMS are part of the Phone plan not data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unless you have smartphone exclusion, get a dumb phone, put the infuse on that sim card and turn off data.
If u are in contract with att and you buy a phone out of contract u are still required to have a data plan as long as its on an active acct.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
FIX !!!
1. Get a.dummy phone put sim card in it and have att put your number on that phone
2. Have them remove data on that phone
3. Hang up with att
4. turn OFF DATA on the infuse(long press power button and turn mobile data off)
also delete att APN
5 enjoy your phone with out att adding data plan on your phone and still use wifi
Ive been using this method for years. Cheers
Justinfedor said:
If u are in contract with att and you buy a phone out of contract u are still required to have a data plan as long as its on an active acct.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not if you have smart phone exclusion. my brother uses my old captivate without mms or data on att. only if you lose smart phone exclusion do they force it on you, so if you have a number that never had a data plan you are good, if you had a data plan and got rid of it and bought another phone you need to change phone numbers and sign a new contract to get smartphone exclusion. also how many people are using iphone unlimited plans and arent forced to upgrade to a 4g plan? only people who are suspected of tethering are forced to change.
Dani897 said:
not if you have smart phone exclusion. my brother uses my old captivate without mms or data on att. only if you lose smart phone exclusion do they force it on you, so if you have a number that never had a data plan you are good, if you had a data plan and got rid of it and bought another phone you need to change phone numbers and sign a new contract to get smartphone exclusion. also how many people are using iphone unlimited plans and arent forced to upgrade to a 4g plan? only people who are suspected of tethering are forced to change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The smartphone exclusion is being removed if someone has it on the acct and upgrades to a diff phone and data plan. So make sure he doesnt get data added on it
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
I tryed to change the 3G to a 4G plan (switch from Captivate to Infuse) online.
This did not work right away and so I started a chat with an ATT representative and it was taken care of in no time!
I am jsut wondering, if ya'll ain't got no datat plan. What do you use your smartphone for?
timf79 said:
I tryed to change the 3G to a 4G plan (switch from Captivate to Infuse) online.
This did not work right away and so I started a chat with an ATT representative and it was taken care of in no time!
I am jsut wondering, if ya'll ain't got no datat plan. What do you use your smartphone for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Media player and phone. Before I got my unlimited data plan, I didn't have much of a need for a data plan as I was always on campus using their wifi.
Romeo20 said:
I resolve the issue with AT&T. After over 30 minutes on the phone, AT&T rep said that I need to provide the SIM and IME number of the Infuse. The data plan is still the same which is 200 Mg/ month for $15. As first, AT&T tried to hook a new 2G data plan. I did not complaint or yell; in fact, I was very polite. I stated that the Vibrant was not getting Voice mail notification, and that my wife hardly use the 200 MG that she has per month. Anyhow, a bit of patience and gratitude seem to do it, this time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In case anyone comes here with the same question.. I started off with the 2 gig plan a year and a half after they canceled the unlimited plan. Popped my SIM card into the original iPhone set it up in iTunes and 20 minutes later had the unlimited data plan. Popped my SIM card in later that day and get that text every month. Just don't call or mention it. Hint: They don't really care.
I come home today and find a letter from AT&T and open it up (thinking this outta be good)...Apparently they finally figured out the way they're gonna force us (those in grandfathered unlimited data plans) off. Their letter goes as following:
"Dear (My Name)
We've noticed your service plan may need updating.
Many AT&T customers use their smartphones as a broadband connection for other devices, like laptops, netbooks or other smartphones- a practice commonly known as tethering. Tethering can be an efficient way for our customers to enjoy the benefits of AT&T's mobile broadband network and use more than one device to stay in touch with important people and information. To take advantage of this feature, we require that you have a tethering plan.
Our records show that you use this capability, but are not subscribed to our tethering plan.
If you would like to continue tethering, please log into your account online at www.wireless.att.com, or call us 866-975-0003, Mon-Fri, 6am-midnight or Sat-Sun, 8am-9pm CT, by the end of this month sign up for a plan that allows tethering. Viable plans include the DataPro 5GB for Smartphone plan, the DataPro Enterprise plan, or any of our AT&T Mobile Share plans."
They then go on to list both plans priced $50 and $65 then go on to say "If we don't hear from you, we'll plan to automatically enroll you in one of the above individual Smartphone DataPro 5GB plans in an upcoming bill cycle........If you discontinue tethering by the end of the month, no changes to your current plan will be required."
Funny thing is I don't tether and any usage has been me watching netflix, youtube videos, downloading files from threads here and browsing the web. I wanna complete listing of these alleged "records" they speak of because I'll be damned if they get me off my unlimited data plan!
I got the same letter today. Also got a text
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
It's based strictly on usage. I routinely use my phone as a mobile hot spot for my laptop, but only when absolutely necessary and only for a few MB at a time. I've never once heard from AT&T. Meanwhile, I know someone who never tethers to their phone (why would they when they have a mobile wifi router FROM AT&T?). They do, however, smoke through 3-4GB of data per month, as they use their phone in lieu of a laptop when on the road. Now, not that I would ever piece together what I've learned through casual conversation with an AT&T employee or two, but they've both suggested that something like this might resolve the situation if you're ever presented with it:
1. Call AT&T. Ask for supervisor right away--don't waste time with the peons.
2. Ask for the supervisor's name and number. Write them down. Inform supervisor that you received the letter, but do not tether and never have. Ask what "records" they're pulling from. You'll probably get a "usage" reply. If so:
3. Ask them how simple data usage can indicate whether you're tethering or not. They'll most likely say that the amount of data you're using is indicative of tethering.
4. Ask whether your plan contains unlimited data. The answer, of course, is yes. State once again that you do not tether, and as your plan has unlimited data linked to it, they cannot use the amount of data you consume as evidence of tethering.
5. Without giving the supervisor a chance to talk, quickly state that unless they can produce for you documentary evidence of cell data traffic being generated by a device tethered to your phone (here's a hint--they can only see your phone's data, they can't see anything connected to it), you expect them to honor the unlimited data agreement you have with them, and any attempt on their part to move you onto a different plan will be seen as a breach of that agreement and handled as such. Tell the supervisor that you expect a call from the call center's manager within 24 hours to acknowledge that your plan will not be changed absent documentary evidence of tethering, which you are not engaged in in the first place. Confirm the supervisor's name and number with them, "just in case we have any discrepancies when I talk to the center manager".
Not that I would've ever relied upon friends in the right places to detail such an approach for me or anything, but I have heard through the grapevine that the tethering letter consistently goes out to unlimited data users in certain "usage brackets", and they're banking on us not knowing that their towers can't tell whether the data is coming from our phone or from a laptop tethered to it.
Att did the same thing with Iphone users but it wasn't a bluff.. They knew in fact you were tethering...
I wouldn't be so quick to assume they are going only on data usage..
I'm willing to bet they know the second you tether...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
T.J. Bender said:
It's based strictly on usage. I routinely use my phone as a mobile hot spot for my laptop, but only when absolutely necessary and only for a few MB at a time. I've never once heard from AT&T. Meanwhile, I know someone who never tethers to their phone (why would they when they have a mobile wifi router FROM AT&T?). They do, however, smoke through 3-4GB of data per month, as they use their phone in lieu of a laptop when on the road. Now, not that I would ever piece together what I've learned through casual conversation with an AT&T employee or two, but they've both suggested that something like this might resolve the situation if you're ever presented with it:
1. Call AT&T. Ask for supervisor right away--don't waste time with the peons.
2. Ask for the supervisor's name and number. Write them down. Inform supervisor that you received the letter, but do not tether and never have. Ask what "records" they're pulling from. You'll probably get a "usage" reply. If so:
3. Ask them how simple data usage can indicate whether you're tethering or not. They'll most likely say that the amount of data you're using is indicative of tethering.
4. Ask whether your plan contains unlimited data. The answer, of course, is yes. State once again that you do not tether, and as your plan has unlimited data linked to it, they cannot use the amount of data you consume as evidence of tethering.
5. Without giving the supervisor a chance to talk, quickly state that unless they can produce for you documentary evidence of cell data traffic being generated by a device tethered to your phone (here's a hint--they can only see your phone's data, they can't see anything connected to it), you expect them to honor the unlimited data agreement you have with them, and any attempt on their part to move you onto a different plan will be seen as a breach of that agreement and handled as such. Tell the supervisor that you expect a call from the call center's manager within 24 hours to acknowledge that your plan will not be changed absent documentary evidence of tethering, which you are not engaged in in the first place. Confirm the supervisor's name and number with them, "just in case we have any discrepancies when I talk to the center manager".
Not that I would've ever relied upon friends in the right places to detail such an approach for me or anything, but I have heard through the grapevine that the tethering letter consistently goes out to unlimited data users in certain "usage brackets", and they're banking on us not knowing that their towers can't tell whether the data is coming from our phone or from a laptop tethered to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly! I literally haven't tethered and my data usage did surpass 5GB last month ( I got the infamous text the very last day literally minutes before my billing cycle resets) but is around 3.5 this month....this is a pathetic move on their part to bank on people not opening that letter and change their plan without notice. Once the subscriber notices the call will go something along the lines of "Oh I'm sorry there's nothing we can do as it's a system change and we can not reverse or restore that previous plan." As if I don't pay enough for my monthly plan as it is......corporate greed at its best.
waiters said:
Att did the same thing with Iphone users but it wasn't a bluff.. They knew in fact you were tethering...
I wouldn't be so quick to assume they are going only on data usage..
I'm willing to bet they know the second you tether...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on what those in the know have told me, they have no way of knowing and go solely by usage on Android platforms.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
T.J. Bender said:
Based on what those in the know have told me, they have no way of knowing and go solely by usage on Android platforms.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Either that is 100% false or I'm very lucky.. I get throttled from att every month still and in my protest have reached 30gb+..
The only time I got a letter from att I was on an Iphone and was in fact tethering.
I do believe att knew this whole time about tethering but didn't care because they had bigger fish to go after.. Android will eventually level the playing field and att will be concerned with our data usage also.. That might be what you see going on now.. Att trying to go after tethering android users before it becomes a bigger problem...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
T.J. Bender said:
Based on what those in the know have told me, they have no way of knowing and go solely by usage on Android platforms.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They don't. They just rely on usage patterns to determine if you're a "data hog" and look for backhanded ways to penalize you based on that data ( really only applicable to those remaining unlimited data folks ) If I was on a tiered data plan they could give two ****s what and how I use up data they'd encourage me to rack up all the GB of data I can and smile at the end the billing cycle cause they know I got ****ed good and hard.
Not the first time I have received the letter, all times I had in fact tethered in the month prior.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Part of me hopes they pull this with me so I can get out of my contract...I used 16 GB a few months ago and no letter though. Oh and I never tether.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
They know if you tether. That's why certain tethering apps have spoof capabilities to mask your ID.
Sent from my SGH-I727 using xda premium
It's all in HOW the tethering is done. If the app or ROM just simply says to use the built in tethering, then it's very trackable. If the tethering is spoofed to look like the normal data connection, then it can't be tracked.
dakpluto said:
It's all in HOW the tethering is done. If the app or ROM just simply says to use the built in tethering, then it's very trackable. If the tethering is spoofed to look like the normal data connection, then it can't be tracked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I use is foxfi and got the letter FWIW
And no, you can't get put of your contract with att on something like this ....its in the fine print that they can change pretty much whatever they want.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
00mred00 said:
All I use is foxfi and got the letter FWIW
And no, you can't get put of your contract with att on something like this ....its in the fine print that they can change pretty much whatever they want.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fine print isn't automatically legally binding. That guy sued AT&T for throttling and won.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Sheolrock said:
Fine print isn't automatically legally binding. That guy sued AT&T for throttling and won.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That guy won simply because it was proven they were throttling him at a lower usage than an equally priced capped plan.
00mred00 said:
And no, you can't get put of your contract with att on something like this ....its in the fine print that they can change pretty much whatever they want.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Legally, you are correct.
However, if you speak to the right people, anything is possible; ESPECIALLY if you've been a customer in good standing for a long time.
Not saying it could happen, just saying it's possible. I missed out on unlimited data, but I do agree with the person on page 1 who numbered out the steps. That is definitely the right way to go.
liquidzoo said:
Legally, you are correct.
However, if you speak to the right people, anything is possible; ESPECIALLY if you've been a customer in good standing for a long time.
Not saying it could happen, just saying it's possible. I missed out on unlimited data, but I do agree with the person on page 1 who numbered out the steps. That is definitely the right way to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with post on page 1 for sure. I wouldn't be very optimistic on being released from contract obligations though
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
00mred00 said:
All I use is foxfi and got the letter FWIW
And no, you can't get put of your contract with att on something like this ....its in the fine print that they can change pretty much whatever they want.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used foxfi too... first time this month. Probably around 30mb only, decided to try it to see if it works. I received the exact same mail.
Wonder if I should call or not because it says if you stop they will not switch you over. Now, I'm thinking maybe I should. I spent 3gb last month (our area is not LTE but my phone is LTE). What's the best advice on how to go about calling them? SHould I admit to using it or pretend I didn't.
droidbabyxda said:
I used foxfi too... first time this month. Probably around 30mb only, decided to try it to see if it works. I received the exact same mail.
Wonder if I should call or not because it says if you stop they will not switch you over. Now, I'm thinking maybe I should. I spent 3gb last month (our area is not LTE but my phone is LTE). What's the best advice on how to go about calling them? SHould I admit to using it or pretend I didn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last time I got the letter I just told them I downloaded some app , was unaware of it being an issue, thanked them for the warning and let them know I wpuldnt do it again
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Att probably targets high usage customers for data profiling. When your WoW user agent pops up... bam, they send the letter.
Replace "WoW" with your favorite easily-profiled bandwidth-sapping client, Windows time request, etc.
And that's ignoring any differences between Windows/Linux/android networking stacks that can be finger printed...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Did anyone else see the FCC ruling last July? A quick google search will bring up several articles about how verizon is not allowed to charge for tethering.
This does not seem to apply to their current plans. Even they are allowed to say that you need to be at a certain level plan, the 4GB tether plan is the same price as the 5GB plan (ie tethering cost $10)
If you're still on one of the old tiered plans, you can tether at no extra cost. Family Share plans are excluded, most likely something in the fine print that you "accept" when you get your contract.
I am still on the old tiered plan.
The way the settlement was worded, they cant use fine print to get around it. The reason for the suit is that LTE is on the new Block C, which has open source type requirements
Got a good answer from Verizon
Dear Matthew,
Good morning! My name is Kay and I am here to help you regarding the tethering service.
The FCC ruling did not say that Verizon Wireless cannot charge for tethering service. The ruling prohibited Verizon Wireless from blocking you from using a third party application to tether or share your data connection. You can download a third party application from the Play Store and tether at no charge. You can also use our tethering service at the applicable fee.
I trust that this resolves your issue. Thank you for being a valued Verizon Wireless customer and have a great day!
Sincerely,
Kay
Verizon Wireless
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
blindguyinanorgy said:
Got a good answer from Verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you can do it for free or pay Verizon? Hmmm I wonder how many pay Verizon?
From what I've read, you can use any app to share the connection but they can still charge you. The ruling prohibited them from blocking third party apps from sharing.
See...Verizon doesn't exactly fall into the C block verbage. It is a colossal mess. This was brought up like crazy when it happened. They were excluded I just forget why.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
My understanding is that if you are paying for an amount of data, like 5gb, then they cannot charge you. It's your data and how you use it is your business.
However unlimited data was still able to be charged for tethering because it allows you to use more of their bandwidth that you wouldn't have otherwise used.
But I am no expert so feel free to correct me.
Sent through mental telepathy...or my unlocked SGS3
piiman said:
So you can do it for free or pay Verizon? Hmmm I wonder how many pay Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of the peons who don't know any better. Plus its not like Verizon is advertising this simple workaround lol
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
grandfathered unlimited, tethered for years. never paid for it.
Wait so you guys are saying that the data used during tethering can't be charged or the ACT of tethering can't be charged?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
xdreaper15 said:
Wait so you guys are saying that the data used during tethering can't be charged or the ACT of tethering can't be charged?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, why is this thread even here. There are countless ways to tether for free. No-one has ever been charged for doing so.
End discussion
Via my Google Galaxy S3 running magic beans