yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] klub242:
So I got a short passive-aggressive text saying that tethering requiring a plan today, but no email. I called 611 from my Atrix to figure out what was going on, and laughed at the fact that their computer system automatically transferred me to a whole special department that AT&T specifically created for this. Interestingly enough, they also have no authority to transfer your call to anyone else, such as a supervisor, I was told.

Anyways, there are a few things I found important. First, the rep refused to tell me exactly how or when their network determined that I was "tethering." Also, their definitions of tethering are a little weird. Ask a rep to read, word for word, the definition and exceptions that they were provided with. Basically though it boils down to if your phone is hosting an internet connection or simply passing along information that the phone itself requested. Example: your computer using your phone as a router is tethering, passing along audio via bluetooth that your phone's Pandora app requested is NOT tethering.

Once again, per their definitions, bluetooth audio originating from an app like Pandora is not tethering. Passing along a data connection, however, is.

Also, I said this was a little ridiculous that I was being harassed over this and I was going to cancel if it continued. The rep said she was adding a note to my file (it's sad how long my file is by now) that I had stated I was not breaking their tethering policy and would cancel if they continued bugging me about it or they changed my plan, and it sounded she said that they would be double sure if I was actually tethering before they bothered me about it again.

Edit: all of these little things about AT&T are really starting to annoy me, so I'm strongly considering switching. Sadly even without tethering I use a ton of data. For instance, all my music is streamed from Spotify. So I really need an actual unlimited plan, not T-Mobile's __GB of high speed then throttled. Looks like I'm stuck.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Clienterror:
Reading your quote it doesn't say you can't use BT, it says you can't use BT to tether it to a PC for purpose of data transfer. So basically they have to prove your streaming to a BT enabled PC vs a normal headset/radio. They can probably tell streaming to a PC because the TTL or whatever but streaming to a radio or BT headset? That's pretty fringe, it's like saying having headphones plugged in is tethering because you can use a mini USB to tether. I feel AT&T is kinda on thin ice with their way of interpreting that section of the contract.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] brucewee:
I got the nastygram yesterday. The letter confuses me though. It says they will automatically change my plan if they do not hear from me, but then later it says if I stop by the end of the month then I don't have to do anything and my plan won't change. So do I need to contact them or not?

I wonder if I got flagged because I was comparing speeds between the AT&T US (wap.cingualr) and AT&T US HSDPA APN's. I forgot to change it back from wap.cingular.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] pukemon:
Tethering is transfer of DATA to another device be it micro/mini usb, wifi or bluetooth. Id like to see the lawsuit that is coming defining 'streaming music' over bluetooth to another device. All you *****ers and whiners whining about atnt's poor service can blame apple and yourselves for hogging bandwidth and abusing what you got because of your cough entitlement. I got borked because i had a nexus one. Plain and simple. Just owning an unlocked phone. So it is very sad to see the tears and pissing match going on here. Here, have a tissue.

I voided my warranty and your mum.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] blackangel104:
Greatness!

Sent from my "Emo" rooted Motorola Atrix! Emo Thinks Possible!
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] RavenZwei:
So are people getting text messages or emails? I haven't received a text and i went through my emails and nothing recently from AT& T. I can't tell you the last time I tethered, but I do steam Pandora quite a bit, so I'm wondering if I've just lucked out or they haven't made it to me yet.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] s1mpd1ddy:
Glad that's cleared up.. ill just postpone my bluetooth headset purchase, cancel rhapsody, and go back to torrenting (as if I ever left)

Sent from my alien
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] live4nyy:
AT&T throttles "unlimited" users as well. :(

http://phandroid.com/2011/07/29/confirmed-att-will-begin-throttling-unlimited-data-plans/
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] nwelker:
This is my question as well and I'd greatly appreciate it if someone would give light on if we need to call at&t if we stop tethering. This morning I received a text saying the "did you know tethering requires a plan change...call this number or go to this website yada yada yada", but I have not gotten an email like those on here have. Currently I don't have a contract with at&t as my old alltel plan was grandfathered so maybe they aren't going after me as hard since I have no signed contract with them that could have been voided. Either way I'm gonna just quit tethering, I don't want to risk losing unlimited data.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] joemommasfat:
So is sending music to my car stereo through the headphone jack tethering? What about sending music to my earpiece via Bluetooth? What about sending music to an earpiece via the headphone jack? Is plugging headphones into my phone tethering? Care to clarify your stance there Mr. Lawyer?
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Schoralous:
If AT&T Has their way the answer to all of that will be yes.

Unfortunately Sprint just announced they are doing the same thing today.

hmm.. well I can't post links yet but it was on yahoo news with the title of "Sprint Caps Wi-Fi Data as iPhone Launch Nears" - you can search it

---------- Post added at 11:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:20 AM ----------

I got the nasty gram sms and email today. I use a ton of data and am grandfathered unlimited on AT&t business with 6 phones on the account.

Called the number, automatically got routed to the new fancy new department for handling this. Got all the BS script kiddy answer and the refusal to transfer me to anyone else or even a manager in the same department. She (the rep) refused to tell me what exactly AT&T considers tethering or how the network even determined I was doing it.

Hung up with her and called business support directly, got pretty much the same answers but at least was told I could be transfered to their tech department for tethering to find out exactly what they consider tethering. holding.... holding... holding... rep comes back on the line after about 20 minutes and tells me she will have to submit my request as a ticket for priority callback within 24 hours... we are now about 12 hours into that

With sprint announcing today they are going to also cap data plans (I can't post links yet but you can find the article on yahoo news), it's gonna be hard to push any of the carriers off these new policies without a class action suit against them all or something.

I ordered a Blue Mountain Internet Cell Dongle for my comp today since they say they do 100% unlimited data for $80 a month since I don't want to risk losing my grandfathered unlimited for the phone itself. Gonna be interesting to see if they remain unlimited too since according to the tech at BMI I spoke to when ordering, they are using sprints 4g network
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] pukemon:
I think we need a lawsuit to settle this. I think all the carriers should move everybody to a simple, easy and fair tiered plan. All the *****ing and whining would stop. All the customer service calls would be slooooowed down. Tethering should be included in your bucket plan. There should be 3 or 4 tiered plans. Throttling should be the 'penalty' for going over on a low tier bucket plan. No sense in trying to cash in on somebody trying to save money and bandwidth. On the top bucket plans, a reasonable allotment like 3-5gigs, tethering included for ~$30-$40, and the $10 overage fee per gig. Or some thing like that. Its fair to every body and has the management of data used built in, the throttling built in and alleviates network congestion all at the same time. Methinks the piss poor tiers the carriers are offering now are stockholders licking their lips assuming heavy users will continue their habits and just pay. I think probably 90% of users dont NEED more than 3-5 gigs a month. Streaming music all day and trying to cheap out on a home broadband is not NEEDED. Here, have a tissue if you disagree. And the other positive side effectof this is a simple TOS/TTL/TTU contract/agreement that doesnt waste paper or time outlining exactly how we can use our phone. Personally, i think american carriers/customers need to submit and do away with subsidized phones. Its pretty lame that carriers are still cashing in on how cheap you are, how ignorant some of these subsidized customers are, the ****ty phone selection, especially gsm carriers and that competition would be a lot more fierceif the subsidies went bye bye.

I voided my warranty and your mum.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Schoralous:
I agree with a lot of what you say there pukemon, however I can't get away from the aspect that I signed up for an unlimited data connection and I own my device, I should get the unlimited data I signed up for and not have anyone telling me what I can do with my own property.

Too bad AT&T wants to make more money, they should have thought of that in the first place before saying it's unlimited and then trying to re-write websters dictionary.

Unlimited is unlimited, period.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Incognitum:
Why does it seem like everyone is buying into carrier propaganda that caps are the only way to alleviate network congestion? What about tiered speed plans? Or God forbid, integrating app level agreements into plans (ie, something like unlimited data from the market, email and Facebook, other data capped). But we'll never see the market innovate new kind of plans while the FCC is all up in everyone's grill about neutrality son. Here, have a gun and shot yourself in the face if you disagree. Sorry, but I can't take anyone seriously when they purpose $10/GB is a 'fair' price.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] magecca:
"Unlimited"

Unlimited is defined as: not limited; unrestricted; unconfined; without bounds.

Unlimited data therefore means unrestricted and unconfined data [usage].

The fact that they added "restrictions" and "parameters" (ie tethering vs phone, hidden caps etc) to their "unlimited" plan they have corrupted the very definition of term "unlimited"

Does AT&T have the power to redefine words as they see fit?

$40.00 per/mo 2GB Data Plan ***Herein AT&T defines $1.00 to the equivalent value of $3.00 US Dollars.

Just opinion...
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] pukemon:
I dont think $10 is a fair price either. I do think caps help with congestion. That is obvious. All these peeps with unlimited that let their phone hog up bandwidth even when theyre not using is just plain silly. America is going to have to come to grips with how wasteful we are. The hard way it seems because very few people want to admit they are part of the problem and should get more than they pay for even when they waste what theyre given. This includes food, gas, electricity, water, petroleum, uranium, clothes, houses, cars etc etc.

I voided my warranty and your mum.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] magecca:
The general American disease is wastefulness and rationing out resources equally to all is... communism I believe... haha
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Schoralous:
This is not wastefullness. I have been an AT&T customer since almost day 1 that they offered an unlimited data plan, early in the nokia days when you were tethering through a modem emulation at 56k max. I signed up for the service specifically because of the unlimited aspect since I am a field service person and therefore use a lot of data on the go.

I bought a specific service and they do not have the right to change it at will. A contract is a two way thing and a dictionary is very specific on meanings of words.

There is more than enough cellular network bandwidth to allow the data usage. This is nothing more than the carriers being greedy.

When cellular first started and operating costs were VERY high compared to now, all the carriers were unlimited and had no problem with it. This is a voluntary thing by the carriers not something actually mandated by physical realities.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] pukemon:
I agree with the unlimited definition but the fact of it is, but it has grown a mentality of give me more than i need and then some. And i agree. Building out network is a lot cheaper nowadays. But atnt is tthe worst offender of pocketing all the profit and not building out. I used unlimited since nokia days also, and with my usage i have never gone over 2 gigs and ive tried. And im not saying that everybody usage is mine.

To the communist poster, that is waaaay off. I wasnt even trying to imply that. The two choices we have now are more communist than what i proposed. I was just making an example. Honestly i think $10for the first gig and $5 for every gig thereafter is the most fair for everybody. Tethering included. But atnt, or X carrier is out to make a profit. Something like a $10 plan for first gig and throtlling to edge speed for the cheapos who dont need much data. Then a plan for $10 1st gig and $5-10 every gig thereafter for the next tier. And then like a 5gig plan for ~$$25 and and then throttle to edge if over. And then something like ~$30 and $5 a gig if you go over for a top tier plan. Tethering included. Thjs last example is something closer to what i think is fair and the networks should make a deadline to get everybody on. This unlimited entitlement ride everybody thinks the networks should give them for free or whatever does need to end. Im sick of tgreads and *****ing about it. Yes i still wish i had unlimited for $15. I m not a heavy data user. I think $25 for 2 gigs is rape but i have little choice. Verizon sucks for data. I will never use sprint nextel again personally and i have a free work phone on nextel as backup for voice. Atnt is my best option for data and voice and, as a personal note satisfies me because of the gsm standard and the universal appeal it brings. When there are choices, it is not communist. And the way american carriers operate they arent built out enough to hold up as a broadband replacement with out degrading network QOS. But that is their greed more than their willingness to build out heavy duty networks.

I voided my warranty and your mum.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] magecca:
The principal argument I am making is: I pay $30/Mo for an unlimited data plan (while I use less than one GB/Mo) and for the service provider to modify the terms based upon the fallacy of insufficient infrastructure is absurd.

If I breach my contract (albeit with its incredibly loose definitions) I am forced with heavy fines, however they breach their contract under the guise of providing "equal" demand to everyone to compensate for an infrastructure than cannot support the current "high-demand" and I have no recourse what-so-ever.

Change all the definitions they want in new contracts but leave my contract exempt.

How exactly does the individual who has an unlimited plan and doesn't use it negatively effect the network? It doesn't, they get the benefit of receiving his payments and not giving him what he paid for. But then chastise the man who uses is unlimited plan to it's definition negating the equilibrium they gained by all those users who are allocated service (bandwidth) that aren't using it.

The communism reference was a euphemism to demonstrate the standard mentality of the American belief system of entitlement, for if one can afford the monetary compensation for said goods or services one should have them to whatever level of consumption one chooses, regardless to one's definition of wastefulness and equal consumption ideals; I was not actually calling you a communist, forgive me if that was misconstrued.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] pukemon:
Nah. I know you werent calling me communist. The two choices available now are communist. And i agree. They should honor the two year contracts. No doubt about that. But i have no problem with them starting to get everybody on something more fair for everybody, including the carriers. Unlimited was a dupe to get people on board when speeds were slower and not everybody had a smartphone. When apple made the smartphone for dumbpeople it changed things radically and the networks need to come face to face to everybody and move to a more dynamic tier system that still puts money in their pocket, and gives us the data in our pocket that is fair for what we choose or use. I got dumped for having a nexus one which pisses me off to no end but nonetheless it happened. People want that "unlimited" just in case , and that shouldnt be the case. The peeps that use a gig a day or more are the ones that are really pissed about this because they wont be able to hog network for one flat price anymore, whether theyre actually doing something productive or not. If they really want to offer unlimited, hell offer it for $100 or something and give us priority on the network instead of snooty apple users who are still proud that they are capable people now that an apple is in their pocket. Thats another thing that pisses me off. Iphone and phones branded 4g get preference on speeds and connection. Lame.

I voided my warranty and your mum.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] rhys42:
Got the email two days ago,then the text today. CM7 on an Inspire 4G using the wifi hotspot.

Called and got the same experience as others are reporting; claimed heavy Pandora usage, flag removed....for now. Apparently if they detect\decide I'm still 'tethering' after the 30th I may be flagged again.

FYI the rep I talked to said that streaming Pandora to Bluetooth headphones isn't considered to be tethering (my favorite part of the conversation was when the rep asked me what kind of cable I used to do that), but that streaming it to a car stereo over BT is. Crazy talk.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] sfate2009:
So correct me if im wrong pukemon, but your saying, since the people with Unlimited data plans, since the days of Cellular One and Cingular who have paid year after year for that plan at ridiculous amounts should be taken out of that contract for the nubs who just decided to get data on their phones? Im sorry but i could give a damn about everyone else, i too am a IT technician , i use my data frequently, not insane amounts like some, but maybe 15-30gb a month being on the road alot. I SIGNED an ORIGINAL contract for my UNLIMITED contract before AT&T was even so, so i refuse to give it up, especially after the decade+ of loyal service, loyal on time payment, and dealing with a far inferior network just because of certain features which no other carriers offered at the time, all you noobs just getting on this kick because you never had the opportunity to be on an unlimited plan, thats your fault not mine, I didnt choose to go with the other guys because they were cheaper and i didnt need specific features, I CHOSE to go with the best of the best at the time, because of what they offered, so back off and next time CHOOSE not to be so cheap with your choices......

P.S. A contract is a contract no matter how you look at it, They have not been able to rid the unlimited BECAUSE they offered CONTRACTS with it, like i said, mine wasnt even with at&t it was with Cingular since the beginning. Try and stop that, feel my wrath on your pockets!
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Sass86:
Not for nothing... when a contract reaches its end of terms, then can opt to change it. After all, the contract is expired. Im sure they thought of that and made some sort of clause or such. Sure they CAN keep you on the same plan month to month, but inevitably they hold the cards. The only reason they haven't dropped it is because they know their network isn't top quality. If they do, how many of you "loyal" unlimited customers will go to T-Mobile or Verizon? Most. You'd be stupid not to. When you pay top dollar, you want nothing less than top quality.

I piss excellence
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] sfate2009:
The hell with either of those, i'll goto boost mobile, where unlimited everything equals $45

---------- Post added at 08:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:02 PM ----------

Bottom line, in a court of law, they don't care about the terms of the expired contract, they care about what the original agreement was. If at&t has their reasons for keeping us "Loyal Unlimited-eds" thats more the reason AT&T is in the wrong. If I tell you im going to offer you unlimited nationwide calling, and then renig during or after our contract agreement, thats illegal as long as you are still with the company since the time of you original contract, thats the key, you be with the company since they sucked you in, and your in the clear, no matter what changes they make to a contract you didn't sign. those little digital sign heres don't count in a court of law especially when its about a service. Hence Your John Hancock Please.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Taas:
i got letter in the mail, also text msg. i am changing TTL to 65 on computer. Gonna still tether after the 30th. I have been using Android tether(open garden) We will see if i get caught still. Been doing 4-5GB last 2 months. I sent them email said i would take all 5 of my phones to Verizon if the change my plan to data pro. Atrix 4G CM7, windows 7 64 bit...
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] dupreeks:
I bought my Atrix at best buy and didn't change my old real unlimited plan. At&t has tried to get me to change to the unlimited 2gb plan every time I call but I wont. I use the phone as my home modem and probably push over 100gb a month easily. I use custom APN tethering and the last few days it has been doing weird stuff like not allowing DL of data and other stuff like that while on custom APN. If I turn the hotspot on with custom APN and then change it to regular att APN it works fine. Basically on Atrix try turning hotspot on while on custom APN then keep hotspot on and change APN back to normal. Has been trouble free. Hope that helps cuz it is working for me. Oh yeah screw at&t. Sprint is offering full unlimited now for 79.99 on the new commercial so its only a matter of time all the carriers will im sure.

Sent using the phone with the biggest balls....Atrix 4G
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] nwelker:
Received the letter today, just called at&t. I was completely honest with them and told them I wouldn't tether anymore. The rep was polite and told me if my tethering stops, nothing will happen to my plan and my unlimited data will be untouched. She said if I get flagged again for whatever reason they will send another letter informing me to call them asap to determine what caused the flag. I really hope this doesn't become a routine thing being flagged even though I won't be tethering. My unlimited data is more important to me than tethering.

My recommendation, call them and be honest and upfront with your tethering and let them know you wont be tethering anymore. They will not force us to the $45 tethering plan if unauthorized tethering stops.

With that said, I am not happy with how they are going about tethering and agree with everyone in that if you pay for data you should be able to use it how you desire. 4 gigs a month is weak and $10 per gig after that is insane, like most agree, this is nothing more than a greedy move that at&t and other carriers are taking.