cancelling iPad 3G order because of ATT new plans?

[DotCom2]

Can someone please explain to me why there are so many people saying they are going to either cancel or return their iPad 3G because of the new AT&T data plans? I don't get it. I realize that there is no longer going to be the unlimited data for the $29.99 charge that was originally advertised, but why would that cause someone to dump their 3G iPad???
I have a 32GB 3G on order and I am concerned.

 

[mac jones]

They just like to complain. That's why we come here.

To whine, and moan.

Feel free to join in.

 

[MacModMachine]

Good....more data for everyone else

 

[Robbadore64]

....I have a 32GB 3G on order and I am concerned.

Why are you concerned? I imagine many people (and I seriously doubt it's "many") would return it out of principle or spite? Doesn't change YOUR iPad.

My only concern would be if you seriously planned to consume more than 2gigs of data over 3G each month - only you know the answer to that.

I jailbroke my iPhone for the sole purpose internet tethering with my wifi iPad for those time I'm away from wifi (which isn't very often). My data usage jumper from an average of 200 megs a month to almost 800 megs. That's 800 megs for BOTH my iPhone and iPad combined.

But that's me, not you.

My only personal concern is how Steve plans to get us into cloud usage when we have capped data plans. I have Avatar (using a very large file for example I know) on my iMac, my iPhone, my iPad, and my TV because eventually I'll get around to watching it. If we moved to cloud system I wouldn't have four copies of the same file but just one on the internet I can stream down to the device of my choosing at the time I wanted to watch it. Doesn't work so well if I only have 2 gigs and have to pay a bunch more when I go over.

For what it's worth, I wouldn't worry. Odds are you're in the majority of people that will be saving $5 a month with no other impact.

 

[DotCom2]

Why are you concerned? I imagine many people (and I seriously doubt it's "many") would return it out of principle or spite? Doesn't change YOUR iPad.

My only concern would be if you seriously planned to consume more than 2gigs of data over 3G each month - only you know the answer to that.

I jailbroke my iPhone for the sole purpose internet tethering with my wifi iPad for those time I'm away from wifi (which isn't very often). My data usage jumper from an average of 200 megs a month to almost 800 megs. That's 800 megs for BOTH my iPhone and iPad combined.

But that's me, not you.

My only personal concern is how Steve plans to get us into cloud usage when we have capped data plans. I have Avatar (using a very large file for example I know) on my iMac, my iPhone, my iPad, and my TV because eventually I'll get around to watching it. If we moved to cloud system I wouldn't have four copies of the same file but just one on the internet I can stream down to the device of my choosing at the time I wanted to watch it. Doesn't work so well if I only have 2 gigs and have to pay a bunch more when I go over.

For what it's worth, I wouldn't worry. Odds are you're in the majority of people that will be saving $5 a month with no other impact.

Thanks, I feel better now.
My concern was that I wasn't seeing something that might a liability in owning a 3G iPad now. But you are right...I don't even come close to using 2GB of data per month.
So I will indeed be saving $5 a month.
Thanks again. My iPad 3G order will stand.
I just hope my ISP doesn't start putting a cap on interent service and then I'll have to start watching my wifi consumption as well as my 3G!

 

[nj-mac-user]

Can someone please explain to me why there are so many people saying they are going to either cancel or return their iPad 3G because of the new AT&T data plans? I don't get it. I realize that there is no longer going to be the unlimited data for the $29.99 charge that was originally advertised, but why would that cause someone to dump their 3G iPad???
I have a 32GB 3G on order and I am concerned.

No need to be concerned. Believe it or not this announcement is actually good news for the rest of us who don't even come close to using 2GB a month. Not only will the data plan now be cheaper, but we'll have less power users hogging up the data network and making it slower for the rest of us because they just have to watch their netflix movie no matter where they are all of a sudden.

 

[DotCom2]

No need to be concerned. Believe it or not this announcement is actually good news for the rest of us who don't even come close to using 2GB a month. Not only will the data plan now be cheaper, but we'll have less power users hogging up the data network and making it slower for the rest of us because they just have to watch their netflix movie no matter where they are all of a sudden.

That's how I see it too...just wasn't sure I wasn't missing something!

 

[bluedog3401]

Can someone please explain to me why there are so many people saying they are going to either cancel or return their iPad 3G because of the new AT&T data plans? I don't get it. I realize that there is no longer going to be the unlimited data for the $29.99 charge that was originally advertised, but why would that cause someone to dump their 3G iPad???
I have a 32GB 3G on order and I am concerned.

Because it could be construed as a 'bait and switch' selling people on a device that for $130 extra and $30/mo gives you unlimited data.

For many people that was enough to say, cool now I can stream movies and not pay reams extra for the option. By changing their pricing structure to $25/mo and capping the data allowed to 2GB, it effectively kills anyone's notion of streaming media onto the device while using the 3G service.

Of course it could be said, they're protecting the ability to provide 3G service by not allowing customers to abuse the service, but they OFFERED IT. And Apple AND AT&T were selling it on the unlimited data.

2 months later, changing the rules significantly (after selling something like 2million devices, albeit not all 3G models) it really is crappy of AT&T.

Apple may or may not have had the ability to have any say on it, so the real bait and switch is by AT&T. While one can 'manage' their data usage by staying on Wifi as much as possible, when they advertise and promote a product and service as unlimited they should stay with it.

I'm somewhat tempered by the fact their grandfathering people in who already got the service, but I haven't read or seen definitively if these people 'stop' their service for a month if they will continue with the plan or be resigned to the new terms and 2GB cap.

 

[DotCom2]

Because it could be construed as a 'bait and switch' selling people on a device that for $130 extra and $30/mo gives you unlimited data.

For many people that was enough to say, cool now I can stream movies and not pay reams extra for the option. By changing their pricing structure to $25/mo and capping the data allowed to 2GB, it effectively kills anyone's notion of streaming media onto the device while using the 3G service.

Of course it could be said, they're protecting the ability to provide 3G service by not allowing customers to abuse the service, but they OFFERED IT. And Apple AND AT&T were selling it on the unlimited data.

2 months later, changing the rules significantly (after selling something like 2million devices, albeit not all 3G models) it really is crappy of AT&T.

Apple may or may not have had the ability to have any say on it, so the real bait and switch is by AT&T. While one can 'manage' their data usage by staying on Wifi as much as possible, when they advertise and promote a product and service as unlimited they should stay with it.

I'm somewhat tempered by the fact their grandfathering people in who already got the service, but I haven't read or seen definitively if these people 'stop' their service for a month if they will continue with the plan or be resigned to the new terms and 2GB cap.

Although this does not affect me I see your point.
However, the term "Bait and Switch" is used very loosly and I am sure that AT&T has a slew of lawyers advising them on what they can and can't do! On the other hand, there is always that gray area that can get you into trouble everytime. But I don't think this is one of them. Otherwise, they wouln't have done it! I am sure there are some heavy users that are going to be upset, but in all fairness, us lesser users have been carrying them for quite a while now.

 

[fishmd]

....I'm somewhat tempered by the fact their grandfathering people in who already got the service, but I haven't read or seen definitively if these people 'stop' their service for a month if they will continue with the plan or be resigned to the new terms and 2GB cap.

I think that this is the key here. The original idea was you could sign up for a month, but did not have to keep renewing it each month. There was no contract involved. That is what sold it to a lot of people. Now however, say you do sign up for a month cause you are traveling a lot or something, and then another month you know you will not need it so you don't renew. What happens later when you do want the service again? Do you still get access to an unlimited plan for 29.99$, or will you be limited to the two newer plans of service? AT&T really needs to clarify this for a lot of the iPad users.

 

[DotCom2]

I think that this is the key here. The original idea was you could sign up for a month, but did not have to keep renewing it each month. There was no contract involved. That is what sold it to a lot of people. Now however, say you do sign up for a month cause you are traveling a lot or something, and then another month you know you will not need it so you don't renew. What happens later when you do want the service again? Do you still get access to an unlimited plan for 29.99$, or will you be limited to the two newer plans of service? AT&T really needs to clarify this for a lot of the iPad users.

Hmmmm good point! That is confusing!

 

[emptyCup]

What happens later when you do want the service again? Do you still get access to an unlimited plan for 29.99$, or will you be limited to the two newer plans of service? AT&T really needs to clarify this for a lot of the iPad users.

If you have the unlimited plan and you cancel it you will not be able to sign up for it again.

For some people the new rates will be cheaper. For others slightly more expensive (after using up the original 2GB, additional 2GB chunks are $10).

The people streaming GBs of movies over the cell network should stay where they are. Although, like the people who camp out all day at Starbucks for the price of a coffee, it's okay with me if they go.

 

[nj-mac-user]

If it were Apple in control of everything then I'd agree this was all nothing but a Bait and Switch. But these are technically two different companies providing two different products, albeit the products need to work together. In the end, it's not like we're locked into AT&T. What I'd like to know is where in the world is T-Mobile in the midst of this with some kind of special ipad exclusive data plan????

 

[PBG4 Dude]

If it were Apple in control of everything then I'd agree this was all nothing but a Bait and Switch. But these are technically two different companies providing two different products, albeit the products need to work together. In the end, it's not like we're locked into AT&T. What I'd like to know is where in the world is T-Mobile in the midst of this with some kind of special ipad exclusive data plan????

They've been locked out as the iPad doesn't support T-Mobile's 3G frequency.

 

[WilliamG]

No need to be concerned. Believe it or not this announcement is actually good news for the rest of us who don't even come close to using 2GB a month. Not only will the data plan now be cheaper, but we'll have less power users hogging up the data network and making it slower for the rest of us because they just have to watch their netflix movie no matter where they are all of a sudden.

See, this logic is completely wrong! What it means that at BEST-CASE scenario the AT&T network issues won't technically get any WORSE after June 7. People still on the unlimited and who are *abusing* the network can still continue to do so and stay on the unlimited plans!

So I don't think this is a particularly great solution. You know AT&T are only doing it for the money. So basically it's $15 for 200MB vs $15 for 250MB at iPad 3G launch. Where's the logic in downgrading it 50MB, AT&T? How does that help ANYONE but yourself? 50MB less abuse? Yeah right...

 

[Robin4]

I think that this is the key here. The original idea was you could sign up for a month, but did not have to keep renewing it each month. There was no contract involved. That is what sold it to a lot of people. Now however, say you do sign up for a month cause you are traveling a lot or something, and then another month you know you will not need it so you don't renew. What happens later when you do want the service again? Do you still get access to an unlimited plan for 29.99$, or will you be limited to the two newer plans of service? AT&T really needs to clarify this for a lot of the iPad users.

I will stop hyperventilating if they can grandfather this part of the original offer. I need the security of an unlimited plan when I travel.

 

[WilliamG]

I will stop hyperventilating if they can grandfather this part of the original offer. I need the security of an unlimited plan when I travel.

My understanding is that if you cancel the unlimited at any point, your only option at re-sign-up is the $25 2GB or the $15 200MB.

 

[nj-mac-user]

They've been locked out as the iPad doesn't support T-Mobile's 3G frequency.

What about edge?

 

[nj-mac-user]

See, this logic is completely wrong! What it means that at BEST-CASE scenario the AT&T network issues won't technically get any WORSE after June 7. People still on the unlimited and who are *abusing* the network can still continue to do so and stay on the unlimited plans! ...

Not really. Chances are the majority of data unlimited users aren't planning on staying with it permenantly... And when they cancel and then sign up again they won't have the unlimited option anymore, only 2GB since nothing is based on a contract and is prepaid. And network abusers (which they're really not since it is supposed to be unlimted) are the ppl who put a load on the network with things like constant audio or video streaming. Those ppl who have an ipad now or planning to get one will be discouraged from doing so because of fear of going over the 2GB limit, so less constant use = better 3G experince for everyone else.

 

[WilliamG]

Not really. Chances are the majority of data unlimited users aren't planning on staying with it permenantly... And when they cancel and then sign up again they won't have the unlimited option anymore, only 2GB since nothing is based on a contract and is prepaid. And network abusers (which they're really not since it is supposed to be unlimted) are the ppl who put a load on the network with things like constant audio or video streaming. Those ppl who have an ipad now or planning to get one will be discouraged from doing so because of fear of going over the 2GB limit, so less constant use = better 3G experince for everyone else.

Hypothesis contrary to fact, at this time. On June 7th, we will notice no difference in our networks. Neither will we notice anything different on July 7. In a year? Maybe? Two years? Maybe? But for now, this doesn't affect us.

 

[goobot]

let them cancel. i can get mine quicker.

 

[aristobrat]

Not only will the data plan now be cheaper, but we'll have less power users hogging up the data network and making it slower for the rest of us because they just have to watch their netflix movie no matter where they are all of a sudden.

So I'm a power user for wanting to use my iPad 3G to stream an hour-long TV episode from ABC.com while I eat my lunch at work?

 

[nj-mac-user]

So I'm a power user for wanting to use my iPad 3G to stream an hour-long TV episode from ABC.com while I eat my lunch at work?

Yes, if you're constantly streaming video throughout the day. Seems simple and minor to you, but it bogs down the network with so many people trying to do the same thing.

 

[DotCom2]

So I'm a power user for wanting to use my iPad 3G to stream an hour-long TV episode from ABC.com while I eat my lunch at work?

You can title yourself whatever you want!
And you can use your iPad to do whatever you want it's just that you have to pay for what you use and the rest of us who don't want to do that, don't want to pay for you to do that! Seeeeeeeee

 

[WilliamG]

Yes, if you're constantly streaming video throughout the day. Seems simple and minor to you, but it bogs down the network with so many people trying to do the same thing.

No, he said during lunch.

And please define a power user? I'd like to know what criteria one needs to meet to become so.