Hey AT&T!

If AT&T really has a capacity problem why is that my problem anyway?

I have a smartphone from AT&T. I am on their unlimited plan. I use my phone incessantly usually via WiFi. That’s about to change!

AT&T has begun taking the top 5% of their wireless users and throttling their data service. Instead of getting 3G or 4G service they are reduced to dial-up speed. Reports say this slowdown is happening at around 2GB downloaded.

AT&T, you’ve managed to piss me off even though I’m nowhere near the cutoff point!

Over time we will all demand more data. Putting limits on data now will inhibit innovation in new services. It protects AT&T’s interest at the expense of ours.

If things are really bad AT&T has the ability to be more flexible in who gets cut off and when. What purpose is there cutting someone off in the middle of the night or on an underutilized cell? They’re able to separate day from night on cell calls and even roll over unused minutes. Doing the same for data seems a trifle.

If AT&T really has a capacity problem why is that my problem anyway?

As a service to my fellow AT&T subscribers I’ll be turning off WiFi for data and using cell service instead. If each of us increases our usage the 5% threshold will increase as well. It’s the least I can do.