AT&T Changes TOS, Limits Streaming, Tethering

MojoKid writes "Just one day after announcing plans to subsidize netbooks, AT&T wised up to the fact that those netbooks and connections could be used to download movies and enjoy other bandwidth-intensive applications. Apparently trying to avoid bogging down their network, the company revised its data plan service terms to single out and prohibit 'downloading movies using P2P file-sharing services, customer initiated redirection of television or other video or audio signals via any technology from a fixed location to a mobile device, and web broadcasting...' The license agreement further prohibits tethering the device to PCs or other equipment. That's a pretty strict set of rules. After all, the new terms of service seems to limit applications such as SlingPlayer, Qik, Skype, and Jaikuspot, which many AT&T customers are currently using without issue." Update — April 4, 02:50 GMT by SS: Reader evn points out an Engadget report that AT&T quickly retracted the changes.

Comments

Already been reversed

[evn]

Engadget is saying the terms have already been retracted

The language added on March 30 to AT&T's wireless data service Terms and Conditions was done in error. It was brought to our attention and we have since removed it. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Re:Already been reversed

[syousef]

Perhaps they realised that people pay for Internet access so they can fucking well use it.

Well, you need to use the internet the right way

[tkrotchko]

In AT&T's world, you can have unlimited access to the Internet, provided all you want to do is look at static web pages and check your email.

Already retracted and Apologized.

[cwrinn]

http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/04/03/att.retracts.cell.tos/

Existing customers?

[JSBiff]

First, yes, I know people have posted that ATT has already retracted this particular TOS.

But, I have a more general question. When I sign a contract with any mobile company for service, shouldn't the TOS be fixed at that point? If ATT (or whoever the mobile co is) wants to require me to accept new TOS in the future, does that entitle me to get out of the contract without an early-termination fee?

Seems to me that a contract where one party can change the terms at any time and I must accept those terms without being able to terminate the contract, is a pretty darn aweful contract. So aweful, I would think it would be illegal?

Re:Existing customers?

[Ceiynt]

In general, yes, you can cancel your contract free of charge at that point.

Re:Existing customers?

[dfm3]

Ever notice how just about every contract/eula has some statement to the effect of "we reserve the right to change these terms at any time without notice"? When that happens, you have the option of dropping the service at that point, but that's about it. Continuing to pay your bill after the company changes their terms is considered "acceptance" of the new terms.

Of course, they'll do everything in their power to prevent you from noticing the changes while doing the bare minimum required to "notify" you. My credit card company is notorious for this. Whenever there's a change in the terms of service or interest rates, they mail you the notice as a tiny slip of paper with 5-point legalese text buried in an envelope that looks deceptively like a piece of junk mail, then cram the envelope full of glossy fliers advertising related "services" in hopes that you toss the whole thing out without giving it a second look.

If you find out about a pending change and you want to get out of a service contract without any fees, that's the time to do so. Of course, I'm sure if they could legally keep you from backing out without a fee, they would.

Re:Well, you need to use the internet the right wa

[wraithguard01]

Yes, it's quite ridiculous. Their terms of service are like not letting a fat person into a buffet, because they will eat more. Quite frankly I think terms like that are preposterous. I hope their TOS will get challenged at some point.

Re:Well, you need to use the internet the right wa

[fuzzyfuzzyfungus]

As soon as Bell Labs perfects a time machine, AT&T will begin offering unlimited, unfiltered cellular internet, connected directly to the internet of 1994.