AT&T to offer refunds over data plan complaints
NEW YORK (AP) — AT&T agreed to pay the federal government $700,000 and offer refunds to customers for mistakenly forcing some smartphone users into monthly data plans.
In late 2009, AT&T began to require new smartphone customers to subscribe to monthly data plans. Existing subscribers with pay-per-use plans or no plan at all had to get a monthly plan when they upgraded to a new smartphone.
The requirement wasn't supposed to apply when subscribers replaced a lost or broken phone through an insurance program or warranty, or if they moved to a different AT&T service area. But a computer error moved those customers into monthly plans anyway.
AT&T Inc. now must offer to restore the older plans and give refunds, which the Federal Communications Commission said could be up to $30 a month.
AT&T said that the issue affected a small number of customers and that those who contacted AT&T had already been given refunds. Tuesday's agreement with the FCC requires the Dallas company to post notices on consumers' bills and offer them a chance to return to a pay-per-use plan or drop data use entirely.
In late 2009, AT&T began to require new smartphone customers to subscribe to monthly data plans. Existing subscribers with pay-per-use plans or no plan at all had to get a monthly plan when they upgraded to a new smartphone.
The requirement wasn't supposed to apply when subscribers replaced a lost or broken phone through an insurance program or warranty, or if they moved to a different AT&T service area. But a computer error moved those customers into monthly plans anyway.
AT&T Inc. now must offer to restore the older plans and give refunds, which the Federal Communications Commission said could be up to $30 a month.
AT&T said that the issue affected a small number of customers and that those who contacted AT&T had already been given refunds. Tuesday's agreement with the FCC requires the Dallas company to post notices on consumers' bills and offer them a chance to return to a pay-per-use plan or drop data use entirely.
Computer error my butt. They have been trying everything they can to get those of us grandfathered in the previous unlimited data plans off. They sold those plans in the past to compete and now their greed has led to regret and dubious tactics. They're already reeling from not keeping up with the 4G market. Another decision made in the past they regret, not re-investing in their own infrastructure.
Really don't like how you are "required" to have a data plan when you get a smartphone. Â I would love to get a smartphone, but monthly phone, text and data... that's a lot of money. Â I'd _almost_ rather just stick to a land line and voicemail.
Too many bad experiences with AT&T.
I would rather use 2 cans and a string before going back to them.
I want to keep my Smartphone, but I want to get rid of my Data Plan. Total waste of money, but they FORCE you to get the data plan. Garbage.
 @Stock Woodie Bummer you let companies push you around like that.  Did some AT&T rep come to your house and point a gun at your head?
 @cyclops I rarely let companies "push" me around, however, in this case, it was a little more out of my hands than usual. My wife needed a smartphone for work when she travels. She is at a senior level and responding to email is quite important. They had buy one get one free smartphones so we did take the deal. We have the lowest possible data plan with ATT ( $15 for 200MB / month). We also have the lowest possible texting plan with ATT ( $5 for 200 texts / month). I rarely use the data plan, which is why it's difficult to justify $15/month. My point is, they basically have a monopoly on the service/phone and you don't really have a choice if you "need" to have a smartphone capable of email.
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BTW, I cancelled my cable because of price increases. I also cancelled my Netflix the day I was notified of a 60% price increase for the same service. Anyone that knows me will tell you I don't put up with corporate crap, but in this case, I was forced to take the data plan.
 @cyclops They must be in line with the car salesman and mortgage brokers, they might even share the same gun.