[therayban]

ATT has price gouged us making millions and millions of dollars by over charging us for Text Messaging, other ridiculous fees and many other over priced services.

Don't be fooled... They are making big profits off their unlimited data plans and they will be making even more off the new limited data plans. Please don't think for a minute that ATT was thinking of the customer and they were lower the data prices. ATT knows and has figure it out, they will make even larger profits. I guarantee you that ATT thought out these new data plans and saving money for the customer was never in the equation. You are going to use data with a smartphone and they know it. In the end the customer will be the loser here. They want to keep those high profits and so, they decided to limit data. It's not good enough for ATT to make a fair profit.

I can remember when early evenings was around 5 bucks and now it's something like $16.99! That's just one example and if you look closely at your bill they have hidden fees that are not regulatory fees. They are ATT fees and boy does those dollars add up for ATT.

They have plenty of money and it should of been used to upgrade their system. However, they do not want to use any of those winfall profits, so let's not spend the money and limit services to keep those profits! We are over charged for crappy service and they are not fixing their their system.

ATT does not really care about the customer's experience.... ATT has pushed the iPhone because they are making big bucks.

Shame on ATT!!!

[ridesno159]

Do you feel better now?

I'm sure you know but I should mention that your not forced to have Att be your carrier. There are other carriers out there.

[therayban]

I would think that you would realize that we are gouged by ATT with high terminations fees. Many of us are stuck! I would leave ATT!

BTW... no I do not feel better, but I do have a grasp on what is over pricing is and poor service.

Thank you and I hope you have a great weekend!

[TheQ805]

Verizon has the same fees for texting. (too high? yes.)

Verizon's ETF for smartphones starts at $350, AT&T starts at $325... (both decrease by $10/mth)

Everyone has bad experiences with carriers, others have good. Same old song and dance, no one stands out incredibly from the other....
Pop onto T-Mo or something when your contract runs out, or is close enough to endure the ETF.

[pilsbury]

This is like buying a car and then griping about the price. Maybe a little front end research would have saved you some aggravation. AT&T and Verizon have spent the most money on their networks, hence they are probably the highest. But, they also have the best coverage. So maybe you get what you pay for?

[K Bear]

I loved having Cingular. They had awesome customer service and their pricing plans were great. Never had a major problem with them until AT&T bought them out. Once AT&T bought them out, my family and I had nothing but problems with our bills. We had dumb phones, rarely texted, and were constantly charged overages for text, but customer service could never find where the phantom text were coming from. I was so happy that I moved to T-Mobile.

Every carrier has it's pluses and minuses. If you are not happy with your carrier, you should have the right to move without penalty, if you can prove your case. Carriers should wave the ETF if the customer returns their phone which truly is the only reason for the ETF.

[therayban]

Yeah, Verizon is about the same, but they do have a better network than AT&T. I still have 11 months left on my contract.

I did my research and they have changed the game by adding more and more fees and raising their prices. You get stuck with them too with these 2 year contracts. The phone dies and they make you an offer of a phone at a discounted price, but they extend your contract two more years. They used to be one years and the devices were just as expensive back then. It's a rip!

Some interesting facts...

I think they are charging 25 cent per use now...

"AT&T is charging you twenty cents for 160 bytes of data. To illustrate how absurd that is, consider the following.

If 160 bytes of data costs twenty cents then 1MB (1,048,576 bytes) of data would cost 131,072 cents, or $1,310.72.

In other words, if AT&T charged data downloads at the rate they charge text messages downloading 1MB of data would cost you $1,310.72.

That math assumes you max out each text message you send. AT&T will charge you twenty cents whether you use all 160 characters, or simply write “K“ to your friend. Multiply $1,310.72 by 160 if you really want to freak out. That works out to $209,715 per megabyte. Chump change.

May I suggest everyone complain to AT&T about this? It seems so dishonest, twenty cents for 160 bytes of data.

Other fun: at $5 for 200 text messages you’re paying 2.5 cents per text message. At $15 for 1,500 text messages you’re paying 1 cent per text. All that makes $20 for unlimited texts—when are you ever going to send more than 1,500 text messages in a month?—“seem” like a deal. It’s not.

Bottom line is, AT&T is absolutely screwing each and every one of you with these text messages prices. I don’t want to say they should be free, but there’s no way they should cost what AT&T charges."

"Apple's Iphone 4 smartphone, for which it's charging at least $500 at retail, is built of parts that cost $187.51, according to market research firm Isuppli."

"Forget $199, An iPhone 4 Costs Thousands of Dollars... The absolute minimum total cost of an iPhone 4 over the two-year AT&T contract is $1,674.52 before taxes, regulatory and miscellaneous fees. That’s with the bare-bones 250MB per month data plan, 450 peak minutes per month, 200 text messages and zero paid applications or downloads. If you never use more data, messages or minutes than your allocated, you can squeak under $2,000 over the contract after taxes and fees."

The $199 base cost of the iPhone 4 might sound affordable, but you also need to consider AT&T’s and Apple’s various fees offering. The upfront cost of an iPhone 4 is a relatively small percentage of the total cost of ownership of the device once you consider the monthly subscription over 24 months, accessories, services, downloads and applications.

Besides the upfront cost of the iPhone 4, you’ll need to sign a two-year agreement with AT&T and consider the following:

* AT&T Voice Plan: AT&T’s voice plans start at $39.99 for 450 anytime minutes and range up to $119.99 per month for unlimited family plans with two lines of service. Additional family plan users can be added for $49.99 per month.
* AT&T Data Plan: Existing AT&T subscribers who already own iPhones can continue to get to unlimited data for $30 per month. However, new subscribers will have to choose between 250MB per month for $15 or 2GB per month for $25. Additional MB/GB are available if you run over this limit and your bill can go well north of $30 if you stream a lot of music or video. Those planning to take advantage of the iPhone 4’s many HD video features should budget some extra money each month for overage fees. AT&T is offering some flexibility however and those who are usually connected to WiFi networks at home and work shouldn’t have too much trouble. You can see more details about AT&T’s new iPhone data plans here.
* AT&T Tethering Fee: iPhone 4 owners (as well as those who upgrade their iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS units to iOS 4) will be able to use their devices as mobile modems for their laptops. AT&T will charge $20 per month for ‘tethering’ your iPhone to your laptop. Once connected to your laptop, it’ll be much easier to blow through your 2GB cap if you’re a new subscriber. This service is optional and only a minority of iPhone 4 users are expected o sign up for it.
* AT&T MMS: Text messages or and Multimedia Messages (SMS and MMS) are not included with AT&T’s data plan. You’ll have to add on at least $5 per month so you can send/receive up to 200 messages. Of course, AT&T offers more expensive plans for heavier users.
* AT&T Activation Fee: Activating an iPhone on AT&T incurs a $36 activation fee.
* Extra Tax: If you pay state on local tax on retail purchases, be prepared to pay tax on the total unsubsidized cost of your iPhone. AT&T is technically discounting the iPhone 4.0 by $200 to get to the advertised price points of $199 and $200. Many states, including California, require consumers to pay tax on the unsubsidized price, which means you could spend an extra $20 if you live in a tax-heavy state like California or New York.
* AT&T Upgrade Fee: AT&T is offering many existing subscribers an early upgrade option that is accompanied by an $18 upgrade fee. This sounds small in the face of a $299 purchase, but these fees add up.
* Insurance: Thought it’s not official, AT&T is rumored to start offering iPhone insurance for $13.99 per month. Third party insurance is available at various rates. Many iPhone owners find themselves having to spend money on repairing or replacing broken iPhones."

[Laura Knotek]

AT&T's texting plans are not that different from those offered by other carriers. If you think the texting plans from AT&T are too expensive, you should investigate the plans offered by other carriers. Nobody is forcing you to use AT&T.

[therayban]

Thank you lak611... TOO FUNNY and from a CrackBerry Genius! You are forced to stay unless you can afford their HIGHLY EXPENSIVE EARLY TERMINATION FEES! I cannot.

You have a good weekend!

[2000 Man]

Funny how some clown signs a contract and then complains about it afterwards.

[therayban]

Funny how a Genius thinks things have not changed since a contract was signed over a year ago. Read the news, reviews... research and you will learn!!! While you are at, why don't you skim over some of the facts in my earlier post. It might help you understand. We don't want you losing that "Genius" status do we.

Again, hope you have a great weekend and thank you for taking the time to give your input.

[2000 Man]

Funny how a Genius thinks things have not changed since a contract was signed over a year ago. Read the news, reviews... research and you will learn!!! While you are at, why don't you skim over some of the facts in my earlier post. It might help you understand. We don't want you losing that "Genius" status do we.

Again, hope you have a great weekend and thank you for taking the time to give your input.

Exactly how did AT&T change your contract without your permission? Don't bother answering that as you'll only make yourself look more foolish.

[Laura Knotek]

Thank you lak611... TOO FUNNY and from a CrackBerry Genius! You are forced to stay unless you can afford their HIGHLY EXPENSIVE EARLY TERMINATION FEES! I cannot.

You have a good weekend!

Sell your device on eBay or Craiglist. You'll make more than the cost of the ETF if you want to get out.

[cherryjuice]

After 3 years with ATT I left and went to T-mobile. I was paying 100.00 a month and now I'm paying 67.00 and getting the same thing I was getting with Att + 50 more minutes a month!! SHAME ON YOU ATT!!!

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[therayban]

Oh my gosh... Truth and Facts really get some people going! Be careful... FACTS do sting!!! Laughing!!! Read the articles posted by CRACKBERRY concerning AT&T's Network and Pricing!! Gosh... you guys are too funny!!! You must just sit here putting down anyone that says a bad word about AT&T and never read the real news and articles on what is fact! You are definitely in the minority when it comes to this subject, as the majority of customer reviews and the from the Pro's (the real Geniuses!) when it comes to AT&T's poor service and price gouging! Talk about making yourself look foolish. HA!

Have a wonderful weekend and thank you again for your input!

[therayban]

CherryJuice.. I hope I can change to T Mobile or one of the others after my contract ends. My phone is dying and it's a month of warranty. Not having the funds and if the phone dies completely I will probably be forced to stay. I hope the phone can hold about for 10 or 11 months!

You have a great weekend and thank you for posting!

[2000 Man]

Sell your device on eBay or Craiglist. You'll make more than the cost of the ETF if you want to get out.

Shhhh. What would she have to complain about then?

[TheQ805]

It goes back to how people love to complain for attention or whatever. and we all have granted that attention, yes amusing, but attention nonetheless. eventually... she will be ok... eventually...

[TheQ805]

research should also be more in-depth and scrutinized..

AT&T subsidizes the iPhone $400, not $200...
State taxes on retail price? yeah that's up to the state, not AT&T
upgrade/activation fees are common on all carriers, nothing special there
Take into consideration also, that Apple has a HUGE say in a lot of the policies and such (at&t doesn't really make any money off the iphone)... is it AT&T's fault that the iPhone is such a data hog? Nope, get a blackberry, and even with constant tethering, it'll be difficult to hit the 2GB mark. I use internet on my berry constantly, listen to streaming mlbatbat app radio, and tether it consistently throughout the month, and i'll hit only 400mb...

2 year agreements for more inexpensive phones occur on all carriers... plus, would you prefer the declining ETF? or the flat rate ones that are still couple hundred bucks even the day before your contract expires on the other carriers?

[pilsbury]

Will someone pass the popcorn?

[TheQ805]

*crunch crunch crunch*

let me pop another bag

corn nuts? raisinets?

[ridesno159]

Yeah, Verizon is about the same, but they do have a better network than AT&T. I still have 11 months left on my contract.

Some interesting facts...

I think they are charging 25 cent per use now...

"AT&T is charging you twenty cents for 160 bytes of data. To illustrate how absurd that is, consider the following.

If 160 bytes of data costs twenty cents then 1MB (1,048,576 bytes) of data would cost 131,072 cents, or $1,310.72.

In other words, if AT&T charged data downloads at the rate they charge text messages downloading 1MB of data would cost you $1,310.72.

That math assumes you max out each text message you send. AT&T will charge you twenty cents whether you use all 160 characters, or simply write “K“ to your friend. Multiply $1,310.72 by 160 if you really want to freak out. That works out to $209,715 per megabyte. Chump change.

Other fun: at $5 for 200 text messages you’re paying 2.5 cents per text message. At $15 for 1,500 text messages you’re paying 1 cent per text. All that makes $20 for unlimited texts—when are you ever going to send more than 1,500 text messages in a month?—“seem” like a deal. It’s not.

"Forget $199, An iPhone 4 Costs Thousands of Dollars... The absolute minimum total cost of an iPhone 4 over the two-year AT&T contract is $1,674.52 before taxes, regulatory and miscellaneous fees. That’s with the bare-bones 250MB per month data plan, 450 peak minutes per month, 200 text messages and zero paid applications or downloads. If you never use more data, messages or minutes than your allocated, you can squeak under $2,000 over the contract after taxes and fees."

First of all, where are you quoting these facts from? A link would be helpful.

Second, I'm confused with the math in bold. Please explain how that works, because right above that you did the math to find out what 1MB of data would cost if Att charged like they do texts. Why are you doing it again? If a maxed out text (160 charcters) would cost $1,310.72, then a text with "k" to your friend would be $8.19 ($1310.72/160). I'm not sure why you would multiple it. Also, as you explained it gets cheaper and cheaper with each plan you get. When you priced out the cost over two years you added the 200 text plan, so the majority of people aren't being charged that.

So a text (with 200/month plan) costs 2.5 cents for 160 bytes. A MB would then cost $163.84. That seems better...

The 1500/month texting plan would be $65.54 per MB. A lot better but still expensive. The unlimited plan would be even cheaper then. Every person that I know (many of them) that have the unlimited text plan always break at least 3000 texts per month. I don't send that many, but there's lots of people out there that love to text.

This information is nothing new, every carrier has pricing like this. It's always been this way too, carriers just make lots of money off texting.

So you did the math on the overall cost of an iPhone with a two year contract, was just under $2000. That's $83.33/month. Not too bad of a price considering all that you get; a nice smartphone (to some it's the best one available), loads and loads of free apps, email straight to your phone, access to wifi hotspots almost everywhere...

Here's some math for you now in regards to getting out of your Att contract. Your current ETF to get out of your contract is $110 {175-(13*5)} Your ETF is $175 since they started the $325 one after 6/1/2010. They drop it $5 each month and you have 11 months left.

AT&T An Open Letter
AT&T Jacking Up Early Termination Fees To $325

So if you switch to Tmobile now you would save some money. Lets say that your plan would roughly be $20 less/month with Tmobile. So you would save $110 by switching to Tmobile tomorrow. $220 dollars with Tmobile minus your ETF. You could save even more money by unlocking your Bold and using that on Tmobile.

Maybe instead of using math to find out how much Att is ripping you off it would have been better used to find out how to save you money.

Finally, I'm not defending Att at all, I don't like them. I switched to Verizon because they were able to save me money, plus I get better coverage than Att. All carriers love to nickel and dime us, they all have hidden fees and taxes.

[mark_rivers19]

AT&T and dropped calls = perfect combination.
blame it on the iphone antenna, or the data hogging of teenagers..
STILL
if the customer can't maintain a conversation or miss a call entirely, the company (AT&T) should be held liable and compensate the subscriber.

[travelingfool]

I like how the op makes the phrase, "Have a great weekend," sound suspiciously like, "#@*% off, loser!"

Ahh, the fun never ends.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[Artemis68]

OP,

I understand that you're upset about the prices, but why did you sign a contract if you're so unhappy? AT&T's text messaging prices are clearly visible on their site so you could have decided then that they were too pricey. The limited data thing also doesn't apply to you if you signed a contract BEFORE they did that...so I just don't see why you're complaining.

Sounds like you should have done a little more research before you signed a contract. Sorry you got burned.