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Angry AT&T Customers May Disrupt Service

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the because-he-can dept.

g0dsp33d writes "Fake Steve Jobs, the alter-alias of Newsweek's Dan Lyons, is calling disgruntled AT&T users to protest comments from AT&T’s Ralph de la Vega that smart phone (specifically iPhone) usage is responsible for their network issues and his plan to end unlimited data plans. The post, dubbed 'Operation Chokehold,' wants AT&T customers to use as much data service as they can on Friday, December 18th at noon. While Fake Steve Jobs is notable for its satire, many Twitter and Facebook users seem to be rallying to its cry. It is unclear if there will be enough support to cause a DDOS."

6 of 572 comments (clear)

  1. Should be by Yvan256 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This thing isn't only for iPhone users. It's for every user of the AT&T network with a 3G device. And if AT&T had trouble with casual usage, wait until a lot of users try to bring the network down.

    Can't wait to hear how the whole thing went for both sides of this story.

    At least you guys have a choice of providers. Here in Canada, we almost have government-backed monopolies with even higher monthly bills.

    1. Re:Should be by Yvan256 · · Score: 5, Insightful

      If they change the terms of the contract then those contracts are no longer valid, allowing customers to cancel them prematurely.

      Given that those contracts are used to subsidize the cost of the phones, I don't think it's going to happen.

  2. Counter-Productive by Akido37 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    And if they can, AT&T will just say "I Told you So", and continue their plans to gouge iPhone users anyways.

    The only way this can go well for AT&T customers is if a large, well-documented group gets together, attempts a DDOS, and fails. Then what can AT&T say? "Well it's not THOSE iPhone users, it's the ones who live in their parents' basements..."

  3. Not the best idea by ezberry · · Score: 5, Insightful

    How could anyone really think this is a good idea? AT&T has effectively admitted that the data usage growth for smartphones is above the rate that their data network will be able to grow. Using more data intensive applications will only show them how correct they are ("Look how much data will be used in the future when more people are streaming data")

    In addition, what if this actually interferes with an emergency call?

    Sorry that this might not be anti-corporate enough, but Operation Chokehold really isn't a great idea.

  4. Re:some of the usage is ridiculous by Just+Some+Guy · · Score: 5, Insightful

    i have an iphone 3gs and i max out at 2GB per month if i stream pandora almost all day for a month.

    2*1024*1024*1024/(8*3600*30)*8 = 20Kbps. That's some darn good compression they're using.

    --
    Dewey, what part of this looks like authorities should be involved?
  5. I just want to make sure I understand. by buelba · · Score: 5, Insightful

    They are protesting AT&T's announcement that smartphones are disrupting its network. By using smartphones. To disrupt AT&T's network?