AT&T Clarifies Data Throttling, Numbers Are Surprising

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No one likes to be throttled — just ask Shep Smith — so when AT&T started sending throttling warnings to “unlimited” customers they considered to be the “Top 5%” data hogs, outrage and confusion ensued. After multiple complaints and an online petition, AT&T was forced to clarify their throttling policy and what it means to be in the “Top 5%.”

AT&T set up an information page online to clarify their throttling policy for “unlimited” data customers. While this probably won’t appease those who feel they shouldn’t be throttled at all, it was surprising to find that AT&T’s data cap is actually quite larger than carriers like T-Mobile who begin throttling after 2GB. AT&T reported that customers who use a non-LTE 3G or 4G smartphone will begin to see reduced speeds once they exceed 3GB of data that billing cycle. Users of 4G LTE smartphones will begin to see reduced speeds after they reach 5GB of data usage. What those “reduced speeds” are remain a mystery but we’re assuming you get bumped down to Edge.

The debate over throttling continues to burn and while some believe it should be illegal and have even sued over it, others think it is a necessary evil for mobile carriers. I admit, I’m against throttling, but unfortunately the carriers get around it by standing by the fact that they are still providing customers with “unlimited” data, just not unlimited high-speed data. I think it sucks, but at least AT&T has laid it out there for its customers to see.

To read more on AT&T’s throttling policy for “unlimited” data users, follow the source link below and get all the details. What do you think about carriers throttling “unlimited” data users? Sound off in the comments below, we’d love to hear your opinions.

Source: AT&T

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