AT&T Staff Confused on Grandfathered Unlimited Data
Grandfathers are supposed to be sweet and supportive, but AT&T is playing the crotchety kind. Thanks to Rob Pegoraro at the Washington Post, we see the iPhone’s U.S. cellular provider has stopped letting some longstanding customers keep their unlimited data plans on some devices, such as laptop USB “modems,” not just when moving to a new contract, but even on existing contracts. But what about iPhone data plans?
AT&T had said in June that existing iPhone customers could keep the unlimited data plan until they canceled or changed their service plan, even when upgrading to a new iPhone. However, some AT&T customer service reps are saying that the company has changed its mind and is forcing customers to choose the $15 DataPlus plan (200 MB/month) or $25 DataPro plan (2 GB/month) to replace their existing $30 unlimited plan, whether or not they want to switch.
An AT&T media contact assures us, “There has been no change to the policy that existing AT&T smartphone customers with unlimited plans can keep those plans if they choose when upgrading to another smartphone.”
If you’re told otherwise, ask for another rep, or a supervisor.
The WaPo article seems to be talking about a 3G wireless account for a laptop. It doesn't say anything about iPhone. Do you have any more info?
AT&T has gotten back to us to confirm that there's no change to the policy: existing iPhone customers can keep grandfathered unlimited data plans. AT&T reps forcing customers (like my mom, this morning) to change plans are confused or misinformed.
Yesterday I asked AT&T to move my (existing) data plan from one phone number on my account to another, and was told "no." Raised holy hell and shortly had exactly what I had asked for. I had been paying for that data plan for YEARS. ... To the geniuses setting "policy" at AT&T, and at other companies: Screw with us. I dare you. Guess what? We leave. P.S. Thanks for upsetting a long-standing customer who's paying for FOUR data plans. It shows your poor understanding of your market.
Go ahead, leave! The rest of us who pay for $25 for 2GB, and use data at a reasonable rate don't want your laggitty butt on our network.