Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

AT&T Could Cut Off P2P Users

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the take-their-ball-and-go-home dept.

malign noted that AT&T has stated that using P2P on their 3G wireless network is grounds for disconnection. The lobbyist told congress "Use of a P2P file sharing application would constitute a material breach of contract for which the user's service could be terminated."

9 of 397 comments (clear)

  1. Nice... by courteaudotbiz · · Score: 5, Interesting

    It could widely open the door for such clauses in regular ISPs contracts...

    1. Re:Nice... by tambo · · Score: 5, Interesting
      • Buy subsidized iPhone tied to lengthy, pricey AT&T service contract
      • Activate iPhone and run P2P application, causing AT&T to cut off service and cancel contract
      • Sell iPhone on eBay for PROFIT!

      AT&T has discovered Step 2 for us! Awesome work, AT&T scientician people! We can bail ourselves out of the recession this way!

      - David Stein

      --
      Computer over. Virus = very yes.
    2. Re:Nice... by eXonyte · · Score: 5, Informative

      If we terminate your service for nonpayment or other default before the end of the Service Commitment, or if you terminate your service for any reason other than (a) in accordance with the cancellation policy; or (b) pursuant to a change of terms, conditions, or rates as set forth below, you agree to pay us with respect to each Equipment identifier or telephone number assigned to you, in addition to all other amounts owed, an Early Termination Fee of $175.

      Quoted from AT&T Wireless's Service Agreement (emphasis mine). So yes, they can in fact charge you the fee if they are the ones canceling the contract.

  2. I don't really blame them... by slk · · Score: 5, Insightful

    3G wireless data networking is a service with very limited total bandwidth. It has a premium price, and is primarily targeted at business users. Given the basic physical limits involved with the radio spectrum in question, you really have to either do this or have specific bandwidth quotas to effectively manage a network.

    Having said that, I prefer Verizon's solution of clearly stated 5GB quota with overage at a known and stated cost. I don't use their service as a primary internet connection, but it's invaluable for the ability to connect from *anywhere*. This is particularly useful as I run my own consulting company, and need to be able to have access no matter what.

    (Ultimate lightweight setup: Xseries Thinkpad plus Verizon EVDO modem)

    --
    ERROR: Null .sig, core dumped.
  3. Not Unreasonable by whisper_jeff · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Over their cell network, I don't think this is an unreasonable stance for them to take. Sure, it may be annoying for the .05% of users (or whatever miniscule percentage of people) who are affected by this, but this isn't about internet access for the home computer - it's about wireless internet access for a cell network. Sure, when our cell phones are much more advanced and p2p applications make sense I'll think they need to rethink their stance, but for now, it's pretty reasonable. imho.

  4. Re:Step in the right direction by Tabernaque86 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    While this may be oppressive, at least users now know where they stand.This has to be better than an invisible, 'if we think you're using too much we may slow you down, and then lie about it repeatedly' policy.

    Similarly, it's better that they're reminding customers of this and giving them a heads up. If it's in their contract, couldn't AT&T automatically pull the plug on their service and say later "You breached the contract...you *did* read the contract, didn't you?"?

  5. Re:It's THEIR network. by wizardforce · · Score: 5, Insightful

    the fact both comcast and AT&T are doing this and not getting punished by the market as it is says pretty clearly that one of two things are true: 1) there is little if any competition and/or 2) people really don't care enough to switch sadly both are probably true to some extent.. which explains a lot of why the US is near the bottom of industrialized nations in terms of the capabilities of our broadband/wireless networks...

    --
    Sigs are too short to say anything truly profound so read the above post instead.
  6. Other policies under consideration... by burris · · Score: 5, Funny

    1. Profanity on AT&T's network will be fined at $0.99 per incident

    2. Failure to return mother-in-law's call will temporarily disable all other outgoing calls.

    3. Calling ex-girlfriend after 10 pm will be charged at time-and-a-half.

    4. Using map feature to locate a Verizon retail store will cause your handset to be remotely bricked.

    5. Calling AT&T customer service will result in temporary data throughput reduction.

    6. Calling three friends in a row within a three minute period will result in suspension of outgoing call privileges.

  7. Re:Step in the right direction by TheRaven64 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I know the US has very weak consumer protection laws, but surely something like this is grounds for a lawsuit - if they are advertising Internet access and only providing web-and-email access then this sounds like misleading and possibly fraudulent advertising.

    --
    I am TheRaven on Soylent News