In a fantastic move (sarcasm) AT&T has now publicly stated that the root cause to some of their service issues in highly populated areas is that iPhone users are simply using too much data, putting a high stress on their network.
The result of this according to AT&T is slow 3G speeds, dropped calls, and general network connectivity issues. AT&T is stating they may impose a bandwidth cap of 5GB on all users, even those with ‘unlimited’ plans, making them pay fees if they go over.
Look, I completely understand that being a service provider isn’t as cut and dry as just spending a ton of ‘profits’ to continually expand your services (in this case their wireless network), as they also have to consider being profitable in the long term. I get that, it’s not as easy as people complain about. However, this statement, combined with the recent Mark the Spot iPhone app that lets users track areas where service is weak (which also doesn’t work in a silly way) seems like a big deflection.
In-between defending themselves against Verizon’s recent all out AT&T attacks, and also the recent polls ranking AT&T as the worst wireless service provider in the U.S., they’re trying to save some face due to declining public opinion. Also, as everyone is well aware, AT&T is slated to loose iPhone exclusivity — which by many accounts is their saving grace — next year. AT&T is talking about taking on Android devices to fill in the gap left by no longer being the only provider carrying iPhones, but really, it’s going to be a big loss for them, made more severe by their wireless service and customer service issues.
I think we can all agree that no wireless provider in the States are perfect, or even really, really good. They all have their individual pitfalls. But, AT&T really needs to think about how they can improve on their core services, and even pricing model, within a short period of time before they loose iPhone exclusivity. If they don’t, they’re running the risk of getting into serious trouble in-between the iPhone loss, poor services, and high prices.
Source: AT&T to iPhone users: use less data or pay more
