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AT&T Removes HBO From an Unlimited Data Plan After Buying Time Warner (arstechnica.com)

Posted by msmash on from the change-of-plans dept.

AT&T revamped its two unlimited mobile plans this week, and in the process it raised the price for the entry-level plan by $5 a month while removing the free HBO perk. The entry-level unlimited plan now starts at $70 instead of $65. ArsTechnica adds: Existing customers can keep their old plan and the free HBO, but new customers or those who switch plans will have to buy the more expensive unlimited plan to get HBO at no added cost. AT&T did add some video options to both plans, however. Both unlimited plans get AT&T's new "WatchTV" streaming service that comes with more than 30 channels, and buyers of the more expensive unlimited plan can choose to get HBO or another premium add-on. While "HBO is no longer included on the lower-priced plan," "customers who remain on their existing plan won't see any change and will keep the HBO benefit for as long as they remain on their current plan," AT&T told Ars. Further reading: AT&T Is Screwing Customers By Almost Tripling a Bogus Fee.

4 of 103 comments (clear)

  1. So, can we say "I told you so" now? by Bryansix · · Score: 5, Insightful

    So basically all the things people were worried about came true? Reduce competition for one of the most evil an unethical corporations out there and they raise prices and remove perks. Who could have seen this coming?

    1. Re:So, can we say "I told you so" now? by khandom08 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I love this line:

      but new customers or those who switch plans will have to buy the more expensive unlimited plan to get HBO at no added cost

    2. Re:So, can we say "I told you so" now? by mwvdlee · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Corporations will always act as anti-competitive as they can legally get away with, because it improves profits.
      Corporations will make the net as anti-competitive as a lack of net neutrality allows them to do, regardless of any "pledges" or "promises" they make now.

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  2. No video over 480p is "unlimited"? by RhettLivingston · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Wow. Ignoring the so-called HBO perk (I "cut the cord" precisely to stop paying for bundled media), this is a heavily limited plan. From the details of the $45/month "unlimited" level:

    Data Restrictions: For all data usage, AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds during times of network congestion. Plan is not eligible for Stream Saver. For content we can identify as video, wireless streaming speed will be slowed to a max of 1.5Mbps, Standard Definition quality (about 480p). Video speed is capped at this amount, regardless of network device is on (for example 4G LTE). Ability to stream, video resolution, and other data usage (including speed) are not guaranteed, may vary, and be aected by a variety of other factors. Other restrictions apply. Tethering/mobile hotspot use prohibited (except Connected Cars).

    So, basically, at any point in time they may lower speeds when some undefined level of "network congestion" has been met. What do you reckon the chances are that that won't be an almost always condition? But video from any known provider will be limited to 1.5Mbps and 480p at ALL times. And tethering is completely disabled.

    Given that video and tethering are likely the two biggest reasons to get unlimited data on a phone, this seems like a pretty useless "unlimited" service. If you don't ever watch video or tether, you'll very likely stay within a 2GB or so limit on a cheaper plan with no problem, especially if you use WiFi for data where available.