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Is AT&T stealing your data?

Still kind of curious why the point of having to pay for data is belabored here. I never thought the OP was about paying for data, that I understood. A main contention of Evil Joker's original message, that I think is a very questionable issue is: "I ended up finding out through contacting AT&T and Samsung, that certain apps that use data CANNOT be shut off, disabled, or uninstalled."


I then brought up about only discontinuing such data through these apps infinitely by rooting the phone and getting rid of the apps that were originally with the ability to be "uninstalled".

The contract is signed through AT&T, not Samsung. But as I said before, unless I'm mistaken I don't think it states anywhere in that contract that AT&T has the right to put uninstallable apps that will draw data, unbeknownst to the user and thus, incur potential overcharges from it's customers, even if the customer has the higher tiered data plan.

Right thinking Americans? Right = Conservative? Correct? Following the masses? Curious about your definition on that and why you would insult the OP because he happens to find a problem worth arguing over.
 
Even though I have unlimited data I check and keep track out of curiosity. I constantly go over 2G per month (so I'm glad I was grandfathered) and I really don't use my phone to an extreme and I have no need to tether nor have I ever tried it. I'm going to quit arguing the point because for often as I've mentioned it, I've never argued the point here that these phones don't have the requirement of a data plan in their contract or that you shouldn't watch your data usage. That hasn't been my point. That's why I said read more closely.
 
I had a Nokia 5800 before that popped a message asking me every time ANY app or process wanted permission to use data. I had FULL control back then. And I could grant default permissions too.

The excuse that this is a smart phone doesn't cut it. (The Nokia phone is a smartphone). We all know from airplane mode that these phones are more than capable of fully functioning in a self contained fashion.

A well designed phone should provide a list of apps with their data permissions and give us control.

And text messaging is theft in broad daylight. I already pay for it, so why should it use data? I had texting on dumbphones, with MMS, even before I had any data plans.
 
I had the same issue. I used up a 200MB chunk and then got notice tha tI was being billed another 200MB chunk. Fair enough I thought. I got that message about mid day Thurs. Spent the day at work on wifi, then went home to wifi. Friday was all day at work on wifi, then at home on wifi. On my way up the the UGA game on Saturday I got another notice that I was already 75% done with my current 200MB chunk of data.

All that they could suggest was (surprise) upgrade me to the 2GB package. One thing that has helped is setting my phone's wifi to NEVER SLEEP. Seems huge packages of data were being sent (some as large as 15MB) at like 1, 2, 3 am...

Here is a link to the thread.
 
Evil Joker said:
Its no big deal. I was expecting a few douche bag comments when I posted. And like I said before, 4MB isnt much, but the fact that they are doing it is wrong. PERIOD.
Click to expand...
i agree with the others get a dumb phone .your cry about 4mb thats what 1-50th of your data if you did send any mms you would use up more then 4mb and it doesnt come from ur text bucket it uses data on top of your text messages . you really got nothing better then to complain about this ?
 
Why shouldn't a person not want to have their resources wasted no matter how small? You cool with being overcharged $.25 for every $10 you spend, good for you - but that would certainly piss me off. Best you can do is refrain from even posting since you certainly aren't here to help. Trolling like that really should be against the rules...
 
Best way is to create a new APN connection. Set it as Blank, so it wont connect to 3g network. No connection, no data leakage. Whenever you want to connect to data, just switch to the ATT one..simple..

For juice defender, u need to get the pro one, which costs you. This is the free method.
 
This is a conversation I just had with an AT&T rep... copied and pasted from chat window
Thank you for your patience! An AT&T sales representative will be with you shortly.
You are now chatting with Laura C., an AT&T sales representative.
Laura C.: Welcome to AT&T online Sales support. My name is Laura, how may I assist you with your purchase today?
John: I am thinking of switching from TMobile to AT&T because I like the new iPhone. I was wondering why the data plan is required.
Laura C.: I would be happy to help you switch to AT&T.
Laura C.: We offer 2 data plans one is 200MB for $15 and the othere is 2GB for $25
John: OK... Back to my question. Why is a data plan required?
Laura C.: Our SmartPhones need a data plan in order to deliver the best experience. Since they have a large variety of software that can be installed that often accesses the internet, the necessity to have a data plan is an additional method of ensuring that you have the best experience with our service while avoiding any data overage charges.
John: Well, I am not going to use the phone for surfing the web or using any apps, so I dont need the data plan.
Laura C.: A Data plan is required for you to purchase the iPhone.
John: Will the phone use any data if I dont surf or install any apps?
Laura C.: It will use data to do automatic upgrades.
John: So the data plan is required so the phone can do automatic upgrades? not because I may need to surf? Can I just use the wi-fi for the phone to do its upgrades?
Laura C.: To purchase the phone you will have to buy a data package.
John: Can the phone use the wi-fi for the upgrades needed?
Laura C.: It can .
John: I'm just confused a little. I dont plan on surfing or using any apps. I just want to make calls, and send text messages, and use the wi-fi when its available, so I wont be using any data.
Laura C.: When purchasing a Smartphone the Data Plan is required for the phone to work at it full capabilities. That is why it is required.
John: Ok, I didnt realize the phone would not function properly without the data plan. I understand now.
Laura C.: Okay, Do you still want the iPhone 4 or do you want help finding a different phone?
John: Since I cant get the iPhone without a data plan, I will stick with Tmobile for now. Thank you for your time
Laura C.: Thank you for considering AT&T. Please click the close button to end this chat. Have a great day!


Wow really?

And this one will clear up all the myths about mms using from your data plan:
Please wait for a chat representative to respond.
All representatives are currently assisting other customers. At this time, our average wait is 2 minutes and you are # 4 Thank you for your patience. A representative will be with you shortly.
Welcome to AT&T Technical Support Chat. My name is 'Wallena Dunlap' and I
 
LMaxwell said:
Same concept. If someone is going to complain about a few MB of unauthorized data being used every month by a device that's designed to use data, they might as well complain about a few drops of gas being burned when sitting at a red light. Or the few watts of electricity being used by a television even when it's off.

Every smartphone uses data when idle. I don't care if it's an Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, whatever. If it's on, it's going to use data. Don't like it? Get a phone that doesn't use it.
Click to expand...

Are you from AT&T?
This is valid complaint. AT&T needs to invest some money to improve there software to include only valid data usage. Also they need to train their customer reps as well with correct information.
Your analogy with gas is not correct. Gas company doesn't charge you monthly fees.

Even though every smartphone usage some data but phone carrier needs to improve their system to correct that. If other people complaint than and you don't like don't just shut up and don't suggest not to use smartphone.

AT&T charged me data usage for OTA update and when I called them to say that AT&T can not charge me for such usage as per AT&T policy, the ill-trained reps told me there is no such policy and suggested not to use smart phone.
 
wampro said:
The quick start guide that comes in the box states "Internet connection required for email, web browsing, acessing online social networkds and other internet services. Data charges apply." It goes on to state "Some features rely on internet services which may require a fee."
Click to expand...

wow. I thought wi-fi can be used for internet access.
And nowhere in any of the agreements, does it say that the phone will randomly use data on its own.
 
Evil Joker said:
wow. I thought wi-fi can be used for internet access.
And nowhere in any of the agreements, does it say that the phone will randomly use data on its own.
Click to expand...

And nowhere in any of the agreements, does it say that the phone will not randomly use data on its own.
 
Don't forget guys, no matter what you think about other people's posts, we wont tolerate personal attacks here.
 
okay a couple of things, i read through most everything and just have a few questions/points for Evil Joker here.

1) I almost hate to ask becuase its not the only explation but a good one, I assume you are not signed up for any google services, (i.e. no gmail, no calendar, nothing google related) because that sync application does use the internet.

2) the only way you can prove that at&t is charging you for that data is to make your phone download EXACTLY 200MB in one month, and then make the mystery data push you over. it would be YOUR responsibility to prove this as its hard to sue at&t for charging you nothing, the damages are exactly that: nothing.

3) if your really all that concerned with it heres how you can prove what its doing (its quite a lot to do, but heres your solution):
-Get a MicroCell
-Put a computer between the MicroCell and the internet
-Build a Faraday Cage
-Sniff all packets from the microcell

if your not looking to do all that as well as prove that they are actually going to charge you if that 2mb puts you over than this thread dosent really prove or help anything as nothing has happened to you as a result of this.

edit:

Its like me selling you a pizza and eating 1 piece myself.
Click to expand...
p.s. that pizza has 50 pieces in your example (assuming your on the 200mb plan) so thats as much an exageration as you called other people out for making.
 
powerdomino said:
Are you from AT&T?
This is valid complaint. AT&T needs to invest some money to improve there software to include only valid data usage. Also they need to train their customer reps as well with correct information.
Your analogy with gas is not correct. Gas company doesn't charge you monthly fees.

Even though every smartphone usage some data but phone carrier needs to improve their system to correct that. If other people complaint than and you don't like don't just shut up and don't suggest not to use smartphone.

AT&T charged me data usage for OTA update and when I called them to say that AT&T can not charge me for such usage as per AT&T policy, the ill-trained reps told me there is no such policy and suggested not to use smart phone.
Click to expand...
I too called concerning the OTA update. Yes, it's on us.
 
mckooter said:
okay a couple of things, i read through most everything and just have a few questions/points for Evil Joker here.

1) I almost hate to ask becuase its not the only explation but a good one, I assume you are not signed up for any google services, (i.e. no gmail, no calendar, nothing google related) because that sync application does use the internet.
Click to expand...

I turned off everything that was automatic.
Gmail sync is off
Background data is off
use GPS is off
use My location is off
all selections in daily breifing app are off
and I have no aftermarket apps installed
 
ZDroid1 said:
I had a Nokia 5800 before that popped a message asking me every time ANY app or process wanted permission to use data. I had FULL control back then. And I could grant default permissions too.

The excuse that this is a smart phone doesn't cut it. (The Nokia phone is a smartphone). We all know from airplane mode that these phones are more than capable of fully functioning in a self contained fashion.

A well designed phone should provide a list of apps with their data permissions and give us control.

And text messaging is theft in broad daylight. I already pay for it, so why should it use data? I had texting on dumbphones, with MMS, even before I had any data plans.
Click to expand...

Ever tired to use Vlingo or the Android keyboard speech to text function in airplane mode? How bout google maps? Do you people realize that when you agree to allow google location services you're authorizing data transfer?
 
powerdomino said:
Are you from AT&T?
This is valid complaint. AT&T needs to invest some money to improve there software to include only valid data usage. Also they need to train their customer reps as well with correct information.
Your analogy with gas is not correct. Gas company doesn't charge you monthly fees.

Even though every smartphone usage some data but phone carrier needs to improve their system to correct that. If other people complaint than and you don't like don't just shut up and don't suggest not to use smartphone.

AT&T charged me data usage for OTA update and when I called them to say that AT&T can not charge me for such usage as per AT&T policy, the ill-trained reps told me there is no such policy and suggested not to use smart phone.
Click to expand...

You sir have bolstered my argument which was edited because it told the truth, er was offensive. Some people are not smart enough to own smartphones.
 
I've moved the thread to the Android Lounge as it's not device specific :) Continue the talk/debate but please do not insult other members directly or indirectly :D

Cheers,
-Roze-
 
Evil Joker said:
wow. I thought wi-fi can be used for internet access.
And nowhere in any of the agreements, does it say that the phone will randomly use data on its own.
Click to expand...

Your right you can use wifi for internet access. You are correct the agreements don't state that the phone will randomly use data, the contract isn't about the phone, it's about you agreeing to have service with at&t. It's your responsibility to ask and learn which device is best for you. If you wanted a device that doesn't connect to the mobile data network you should have bought an Ipod touch. Your argument is so specious, what are you going to do next sue Ford cause your contract didn't state that when you use your air conditioner you will burn more gas?
 
Phateless said:
You guys all realize that this is the reason AT&T eliminated their unlimited data plan; so they could charge all of you overage fees.
Click to expand...

That is not the reason the unlimited data was removed. The reason it was eliminated is so people that are smart enough to use wifi don't have to pay the same as people that refuse to use wifi and tie up the network. 98% of all at&t customers do not go near the 2gb threshold. For those exceeding the 2gb threshold another gb is added for $10. That would make the bill for the month $35 for data which is only $5 more than the unlimited data was. At&t is not getting rich off that because people aren't exceeding their threshold, they're using wifi. It also allows stay at home moms to use their wifi and the $15 data plan, so they can get a smart phone and not have to pay the same as some like me who uses their phone constantly.
 
wampro said:
If you wanted a device that doesn't connect to the mobile data network you should have bought an Ipod touch. Your argument is so specious, what are you going to do next sue Ford cause your contract didn't state that when you use your air conditioner you will burn more gas?
Click to expand...

You should read more carefully. I never said I didnt want to surf on the phone. I have wi-fi at work, at home, and 3 different friends houses. I dont use the data. And as far as the air conditioner? Thats just lame. People already know ahead of time that using air uses more gas. What everyone DOESNT know is that these phones use data "behind the scenes"... There is a huge difference, but you still get an "A" for effort.
 
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