yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Cole28:
Yes it was only over webtop. I'm absolutely sure no one else used my hotspot since no other devices were allowed to connect to it. So I'm not sure how exactly I could have been using it for the last couple months as they claim. Kind of worried about the whole thing I don't want to lose my unlimited data.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] big ach:
Hey guys,

Ok, I've been reading this thread for a while and figured I could add my two cents.

I DO NOT have a Motorola Atrix (but I plan on getting one next month when my contract is up for renewal - thats why I was in this thread)

I'm with AT&T and I currently have a Blackberry Bold 9700, and an unlimited data plan which I was grandfathered into.

I tether every now and then... not a whole lot, but I do it every now and then to my laptop and my android tablet (an Archos 101) tethering via bluetooth. No hacking or modding needed.

So far, I have not received any warning from AT&T and I don't see any unusual tethering charges.

This is the first time, I find out that tethering is not allowed unless I have the tethering plan... I always thought that if I have an unlimited plan, the tethering would be charged per usage (Which I really don't mind paying). But now I'm guessing thats not the case, right?

This was my plan (all a hypothetical scenario)

I will probably be upgrading my tablet to the upcoming Xoom 2, and was hoping (if thats even an option) to just get a wifi version, and whenever needed I would tether it using the Atrix, that I hope to buy next month. Also whenever needed, I would tether my laptop too.

I'm not really planning on rooting the Atrix (just cause I always saw it as a pain to do - my Archos is rooted).

So what would be my options? I really don't mind paying extra for tethering, but I want to maintain my unlimited plan!
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Phoneguy589:
I'd like to what roms people are using that have been sent letters. I wonder if something in a blurred rom may have a way to detect and a deblurred rom may not.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] xfinrodx:
Well... Officially, your only option is to "upgrade" to a current tethering plan. You will still have "unlimited" data, but it will be billed at $10/gig once you exceed your plan's default cap. This is your only AT&T approved option for further tethering.

I also have the unlimited plan. I simply can't stand the idea of a cap, no matter how high. I detest these low 2GB/4GB caps. I rarely use over 1GB, but just the knowledge that it's hanging over my head gets under my skin... With a rooted device and some skill, there are still ways of gaining reasonable assurance that you can go unnoticed via legal methods used by big brother...
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] lurchbyrep:
Sorry. Was on CM7 when I was caught. My best guess from what I've seen: they can detect anyone tethering, period. I don't think any of us are safe, even if there are some people who haven't been accused.

But, by all means, if anyone can figure out a safe way to tether, I'm all ears.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Phoneguy589:
I know CM7 only has 1 APN. On the ROM I'm running I have a tether APN that isset to entitle and using wap.cingular. Were you using an app or the built in hotspot?
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Simba501:
Incorrect.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] s1mpd1ddy:
+1

You can definitely keep your data plan just make sure you fight for it in case they give you a hard time. It took the customer service rep at the at&t store about 1 hour to keep my data plan because the phone representatives he was talking to had no idea how to keep it

Sent from my CM7 Atrix
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] xfinrodx:
Incorrect. (I can be purposefully useless too, but I will go ahead and provide a short reply.)

AT&T will happily charge you $10/gig and leave you to rack up all the data you can manage. I suppose there's still the possibility that they'll make you quit if you're ruining the local network with completely ridiculous use- but officially, they have no limit on how many times they are willing to assess the $10/gig add-on per bill cycle.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Phoneguy589:
+1..... There are only 3 smartphone data plans. 200mb, 2gig and 4gig tethering. Unlimited is not and option for new data plans. If you have unlimited and want tethering, you lose unlimited.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Simba501:
I see what you mean. Well, when you put it like that, obviously everybody has unlimited everything :rolleyes:.

I was referring to still having the unlimited plan.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] xfinrodx:
Yeah, I was attempting to play "devil's advocate" and say what AT&T's perspective on the matter must be. "Sure, use all the data you want! We'll just charge you through the nose!" From that perspective, and if you really don't mind paying per gigabyte, it IS unlimited.... we all know better than to accept that, but it kinda satisfies a technicality. Corporate America is not an arena for the consumer faint-of-heart (or wallet).

If he wishes to continue tethering without modifying devices, his only option is to go to a tethering plan... Which of course is not the same kind of unlimited as he currently has... It's more of a........ limitless...... plan. :rolleyes:

P.S. Please forgive my snarky tone in my first reply. It was unnecessary.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] HWOW:
Should an unlocked nexus s be affected as well? I've gone at most 8gbs on one month and I haven't received anything yet.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] dLo GSR:
they are probably looking at people who are using the "wap.cingular" gateway APN. if you look at your bill, data comes up as "phone" normally and "wap.cingular" when you use the custom tether APN. that's how they can tell.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ranova:
oh wow, NEVERMIND.

I misread it because I was freaking out:

AT&T Free MSg: 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.

I checked my account and I still have the iPhone 3G unlimited data plan, dont know why they care its still $30
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Techcruncher:
delete your old post now! people will freak out
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] dLo GSR:
Did you buy your Atrix off-contract or anything? What phone did you have before? When you purchased the phone if you had a non-"regular" smartphone data plan (ala BB or iPhone, which are specific plans), you have to switch it to a regular one. you can keep your unlimited but the way they handle data and such to BB and iPhones is different, so they use different plans.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ranova:
yeah, I updated my post - I still have the iphone 3g unlimited data plan ($30) on my account. dont see why they care, same price
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] mchimney:
I just got the same text message above, saying i'm on the iphone data plan, which is funny cause i've been on that plan since last july when i made the switch to the captivate and now the atrix. I can't find a difference in the plans, internet works fine and i doubt ill see an improvement in speeds.

In my town with full bars, 10kbps down, 17 up
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] shanghei:
Crap, I just got back from Verizon where I switched from att atrix to Thunderbolt because I thought they were dropping the ban hammer.

Crap crap crap
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] lsxrx7:
haha i am not planning on changing that unlimited iphone3g plan either

i'll see if i'll get more txt msg from AT$T
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Clienterror:
Ouch! I've been reading blogs and people are saying the Thunderbolt gets like 2 1/2 hours of actual usage before it hits 0%...if this is true it's a pretty hefty price to pay to have web pages load 1 second faster (If that).
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] dLo GSR:
dude, you won't lose your unlimited plan. just call in and have them switch you to the regular smartphone unlimited. almost EVERYONE did that when they bought this phone. i switched from my Blackberry Unlimited to a Smartphone Unlimited. My sister switched from her iPhone unlimited to Smartphone unlimited. you WON'T lose your unlimited. you have every right as a grandfathered customer to keep your plan under AT&T's current policies. no one here has lost their unlimited plan.

however from what they're sending you, I'm lead to believe that if you DON'T do anything, you WILL lose your unlimited because they will just switch you to a DataPlus 2GB plan. So call them and have them switch you to smartphone unlimited. ignorance is not going to be bliss in this case
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Mustang302LX:
Yeah I watched a video of the TBolt load a site on LTE connection. I decided to load the same site on my Atrix will full 3G connection at home. Loaded just behind what the TBolt did. Also they were blowing it for smooth scrolling and no stuttering and low and behold my Atrix did the same thing. Not that impressed with the giant phone with 23.5 minutes of battery life.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] hotleadsingerguy:
You don't pay for "data"...you pay for "mobile data". Read your EULA. You pay for 250Mb or 2Gb of mobile data (and the release actually specifies you're not even allowed to use it for standard websites, video gaming, etc...).

Don't get me wrong, I use my unlimited plan for tethering occasionally, but I still never break about 2-3Gb per month. I have no idea how people go so high with it. Then again I have a Verizon account with my Galaxy Tab and I never go over around 1Gb with that too (and that offers *SUPER* simple tethering for no extra charge).

As for the "if they change my account I'll tell them they're breaking MY agreement" thing...LOL they'll just say good luck with that and change you anyway. You expect that to do anything?

You have to remember...you're doing something that AT&T forbids and you know it. Just because they're catching on doesn't mean you're somehow being shafted...it's, in essence, the same as the cops one day finding out you've been parking in a handicapped zone for the past year. They won't charge you for the past year, but they'll charge you from here on out. You're just pissed they found out.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Marand55:
Well, not exactly. I've used 148 MB and got today an email from AT&T.

On the other hand I have non smartphone plan for $15/month and that could be the case and before I used to buy my smartphones on line and not directly from AT&T (if that matters?).
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Clienterror:
Thats sad.....and to make it worse the usb charging port is facing down when you use the kick stand, so you can't even charge it while watching a video and using the kick stand lol. Amazing design.

Sent from my Nook Color on Honeycomb 1.1 OC
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] live4nyy:
Its because they want you to buy a dock for it
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] jarsh92:
That's not techincally true.....when you drop to edge service, its uses the wap.cingular apn and shows this on your bill. Plus when you make the custom APN you can just change the name filed to PHONE instead of "wap.cingular" and it will show phone on your bill just like when you browse on your phone.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] djkinetic:
it might be because u have a non smartphone data plan, not sure but on any of my phones that has the smart phone data i havent gotten any type of alert even with a 10gb spike on one of my lines
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] lsxrx7:
LOL let me change mine to superman real quick
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] live4nyy:
I wonder if you can change it to "Eat my shorts" and have that show up on the bill.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] lsxrx7:
lol

i just tried

the only one that works are "phone" and "wap.cingular" :p
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] stewartsoda:
I'm using the stock 4.5.91, the only thing I did was remove the entitlement check using sql editor over adb. No APN changes. (but I haven't gotten a letter yet, either).

I don't tether other devices, just webtop. (that shouldn't be considered tethering, it's THE SAME DEVICE)

If you clear your logcat, insert the phone in the lapdock, then dump logcat to a file and look at it, there's a lot of crap that goes on in the background when you start up webtop. I noticed it ALWAYS kills my phone's data connection. If I'm streaming something, it gets interrupted.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] lurchbyrep:
I did not use a tethering APN. I was using Barnacle with modified TTL in Windows registry.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Simba501:
+1 :(

10 characters
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Schoralous:
What OS are you using?

---------- Post added at 05:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:14 AM ----------

I never said it was a 'valid' way, I simply said it is ONE way that a network administrator can use to attempt to see people "playing" - if it were my network and I had something looking for this, I would not use it as 'proof' but I would use it as an indicator that would make me look for other things.

---------- Post added at 05:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:17 AM ----------

Nope - never had an iphone and never will - neither has anyone else who has a phone on the account I am on.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] seanandrsn:
I used the same trick (remove the entitlement check) but I do not use a webdock device. I just tether my HP Touchpad or my laptop. I also stream music from googlemusic and from sirius on average about 2 hours a day as I drive about an hour to work and home. I average about 5GB per month for well over a year as I have unlimited data from when I bought my iPhone 3GS and never gotten a notice.:D
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Phoneguy589:
Are you stock as well other than rooted? My thought is maybe a "blur-less" 2.3.4 rom might be not have a folder that stores mac addresses or something. I had an phone and in one of the updates they added a location that could monitor tethering.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] gammite:
i am stock and rooted on 2.3.4.

i got an email this morning. i have yet to call.

i was using the sqlite method and adjusted the ttl on all computers that i tethered on.

i have been traveling between the midwest and the west coast over the past few weeks.

the most data i have ever used was ~25 gigs and that was over two years ago. lately (past couple of years) it is really rare from me to exceed 5-6 gigs.

this really puts a cramp in my style.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ChumleyEX:
Man I feel like a loser, I only use about 2gb a month and tether to test the wifi of devices.

I need to get better at this and bump up my usage.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] gammite:
well i just called customer service and as my account had been flagged i was told i needed to be transferred to the "Excessive Off Network Usage Group."

upon being transferred i was told that the reason that my account had been flagged is that my phone had shown that there were "data sessions that had started on the phone but had not ended on the phone." the dude i spoke to was really cool and was not an a**hole at all.

he said that if there was any tethering detected after the end of the month that i would immediately be put on the data pro tethering plan.

i would rather keep my unlimited data than be able to tether so it is what it is.

the dude also said that they have developed a special group in order to specifically target unauthorized tethering. i cant remember exactly what he said the name of the group was but this is all they do all day.

if you haven't gotten a notice i suppose it is just a matter of time.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Bruce Lee:
I just got served today on my atrix. I got an email today about it. I was using barnacle.

Sent from my Atrix XDA Premium App
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] HWOW:
This is why I haven't renew my contract with them so if they decide to take away my unlimited plan away I'm ready to move to sprint.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Alcapone263:
if they change your plan isn't it voiding the original contract anyways? technically you should be able to refuse the change and just drop the plan altogether if they refuse to honor the original contract.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] phro321:
When you call and they tell you that you've been warned. That call probably means that you accept to the change if and when it does happen. But you did agree to not tether when you signed up for the plan in the first place?...right or no?..... I'm asking because I don't know.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] edgeicator:
No. Your ToS explicitly states that tethering is against your contract unless you have signed up for a tethering plan.

6.1

AT&T data plans are designed for use with only one of the following distinct device types: (1) Smartphones, (2) basic and Quick Messaging phones, (3) tablets, and (4) LaptopConnect cards, and (5) stand-alone Mobile Hotspot devices. A data plan designated for one type of device may not be used with another type of device. For example, a data plan designated for use with a basic phone or a Smartphone may not be used with a LaptopConnect card, tablet, or stand-alone Mobile Hotspot device, by tethering devices together, by SIM card transfer, or any other means. A data tethering plan, however, may be purchased for an additional fee to enable tethering on a compatible device. An Activation Fee may apply for each data line.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] narezese:
Hi. I didn't tether this month! I only use about 2.5gb. An the last day from my cycle( 10-18) they send me email, about tethering plans.. I call them, and I told them that I didn't use it. I didn't knew what they talking about, and she said that maybe I was using Pandora application,, and said yes.. She told me too many ways I can tether, without a pc, at the end she said I'm going to put a note on the system, but we going to be watching you. U can keep ur unlimited data plan.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Napsterbater:
I still have a $30 dumbphone unlimited data/txt plan, they still think I have some POS $10 prepaid Nokia phone.

Use anywhere from 500mb to 1.5g a month and not a peep from them.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] rjohnstone:
They know exactly what model phone you have.

Your IMEI tells them all they need to know about your phone. ;)
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] rpolansky:
They can tell from the IMEI but unless it has changed their system only notices a phone that was originally ATT. Doesn't pay attention to unlocked phones even if they sell the same model.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Napsterbater:
This phone is a branded AT&T refurbish when i got it (I didn't get it from AT&T tough), I have had it for 4 mouths with put a peep from AT&T.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] twayneo:
To clear everything up

I am an at&t rep in customer care, ive worked there for one year... i have never in the thousands of accounts ive seen ever seen an android with an off network team note on the account I ONLY SEE THEM FOR IPHONES, THE IPHONE CUSTOMERS ARE IN FACT THE REASON WE NO LONGER HAVE UNLIMITED DATA, YOU CAN THANK STEVE JOBS, oh WAIT. HE IS DEAD. so, first you need to make it to the top 5% hence the throttling then if you continuely rock out 12 gb+ in the first half of your cycle you will receive a notification, then if it continues, off network team is going to call you and you wont answer cuz the number will be 1105789 and you will be left a voicemail, then when you call in to customer care a rep will be either very honest and tell you you use a **** load of data or they will be very suspicious, trying not to reveal anything and transfer you to a guy or gal who will tell you to stop.. and then thats it. in most instances they do let you cancel without etf if they revoke it,, just like how we revoked all the altell customers unlimited laptop connect data plans, or you wont get your etf waived and you will be going up against a company that im pretty sure has spent millions of dollars in contract provisions and amendments that in the normal contract agreement are not fully stated or worded in such a legal way you are not going to win, and then if you take them too court you are going to spend much more money than the etf you could have paid instead of going up against multiple lawyers who will defeat you. so in other words just tether, they really only are watching the iboners, and if you call in they say they are watching you, get all creepy and tell them you have a sock on your weener or something and ask them if you like what you see. but that is what i have to say and hopefully it brings peace to the paranoid schizophrenic tetherers.

love,

tHe NOoB
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Schoralous:
Then either your in the statistical minority of customer service reps (not having seen anything other than an iphone get flagged) or just plain full of kaka (this one is my vote)

I have NEVER had an iphone, nor has anyone on my account, nor will they. We have Motorolla (Atrix/Android) and Blackberry and DEFINATELY got the warnings/messages/calls about tethering and using to much data

Your post is BS IMHO
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] phro321:
Listen everyone if you are unlimited data!

let's download the same file every day the size of about 2 gigs or close to that size. and see if they say anything.

I've already been warned so I know they will put me on a pro data so I can luck and scream to get out pig contact without etf.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] defnow:
I've just hit 12GB this month and hit 10 the past 3-4 months. I've gotten no warnings... :/
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] phro321:
Tethering or just using your phone?

I hit 9GB for the past 4 months and last.month I hit 11GB and that was the month they contacted me. I don't know what file to download.anyways. Lol
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] jaketc:
+1 . No iphone here either. And no unlimited data.

It is either the usb tether, wifi hotpot, or webtop over 3g hack that got me caught. Or possibly pandora over my car stereo. Apparently other phone users have been told that is tethering. This seems like a lose lose situation that will continue to worsen for us power users.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] defnow:
I tether every other day but really just regular use..(pandora, netflix, downloading ROMS)...
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] HWOW:
That day has come... what shoud I do?
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] defnow:
"I use netflix, pandora and watch tons of porn...I don't tether"......say that....done.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] G-Man.:
Wont work. Just dont tether without the tethering plan. Simple Fix.

They know you're tethering by how the data is sent/recieved. You can lie all you want. You will lose.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] HWOW:
Im just gonna ***** them out if I see any changes abd move to sprint.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] katz:
been served .... called and clueless person on the other end claimed to be a manager but couldn't give me answers.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] phro321:
Deny it.!!!!!!

tell them. You use Bluetooth to talk on the phone
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] phro321:
See above. And Deny it!!!
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] nacixem:
I got served today aswell and I work for the damn company...guess my tether days are over for now till we get a fix or I can get some internal info on the house tracking DAMMIT!
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Schoralous:
ROFL!!

I'm not laughing at you, I am laughing at AT&T's audacity and stupidity to go after one of their own.

Someone who is probably in a position to release a lot of very sensitive information AT&T would not want out publicly, like the internal details of this little witch hunt of theirs (hint, hint)

:D
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Simba501:
:D

..........