A Loophole Means Unlimited Data For AT&T iPhone

NEW YORK — Verizon Wireless will start offering the iPhone on Feb. 10 with a draw that AT&T Inc. no longer offers to new subscribers: a plan with unlimited data usage. But The Associated Press has learned that some AT&T iPhone users on limited plans won't need to move to Verizon for all-you-can-eat data.

In an unadvertised loophole, AT&T has allowed subscribers who have had an unlimited data plan in the past to switch back. That includes anyone who had an iPhone before June, when the limited plans took effect.

Jose Argumedo, of Brentwood, N.Y., says he and a friend were switched to an unlimited plan recently after they called AT&T's customer service. Both have iPhone 4s, and previously had earlier iPhone models.

AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel wouldn't confirm the option to return to an unlimited plan.

"We handle customers and their situations individually, and we're not going to discuss specifics," he said.

The company has allowed iPhone and smart-phone users with unlimited-data plans to keep them when upgrading directly to a new phone. It's the option to return to an unlimited plan after going limited that's been secret.

Another iPhone subscriber on a limited plan called AT&T to see if he could switch to the unlimited one, but was told he couldn't because he hadn't previously had the unlimited version.

The unlimited plan costs $30 per month. There are two limited plans: one that provides 200 megabytes of data for $15 per month, and another that provides 2 gigabytes of data for $25 per month. Above that limit, every gigabyte costs $10.

Two gigabytes of data per month is more than enough for most people.

Argumedo, 23, said he used 4 to 8 gigabytes per month, because he uses video and audio streaming services such as Pandora. He said AT&T restored the unlimited plan after he threatened to go to Verizon.

Comments

[Raymond Dicks]

04:00 PM on 02/03/2011

This is crap, since I got the iphone 4 in August I have consistently went over 3 GB every single month.

[HerodotusWept]

09:24 AM on 02/02/2011

"Two gigabytes of data per month is more than enough for most people."

Ture, so long as most people don't watch youtube videos, stream music, send more than a hand full of emails, or download any apps.

So basically, plenty of data so long as you don't use the internet.

[Kevin Robles]

11:19 AM on 01/28/2011

Geez, I was considering getting an iPhone3Gs since its only 50 bucks. But 2gb doesn't sound like a lot for an entire MONTH!

[Matt Milsap]

08:27 PM on 01/27/2011

is this just the iPhone or will they allow the switch for any smartphone? (HTC user here)

[Mort]

12:31 AM on 01/28/2011

supposed to be any smartphone. I have unlimited for my Blackberry.

[fatbuckel]

10:12 AM on 01/28/2011

I have an unlimited at&t data plan grandfathe­red in and was told if I wanted a new iPhone I would need a new data plan. So I contacted at&t:
After receiving your email and reviewing the grandfathe­red data plan guidelines­, I have verified that if a grandfathe­red Smartphone customer changes to a new/differ­ent Smartphone­, they lose their qualificat­ion for continued grandfathe­red status and the automatic Smartphone data plan treatment will occur.

[dmann32]

11:01 AM on 01/28/2011

You've been HAD! I had a Blackberry and a Blackjack II BOTH w/ unlimited Data. We switched over to Two Iphones and we got to KEEP our 'grandfathered' unlimited plans!

They don't advertise that anymore but you need to press them on it! Get your money's worth! Don't settle! Oh Yeah: Adn your rollover minutes? Make sure they transfer those to your new plan as well! You PAID for them. That's what I pushed for . . .!

[Djjeffe]

07:43 PM on 01/27/2011

Remember AT&T's mid 90's slogan "Come Home to AT&T" when they were competing with Sprint and MCI? Here we go again!

[sushi27]

07:33 PM on 01/27/2011

AT&T - slimey as usual - horrible company

[fatbuckel]

06:49 PM on 01/27/2011

I have an unlimited at&t data plan grandfathered in and was told if I wanted a new iPhone I would need a new data plan. So I contacted at&t:
After receiving your email and reviewing the grandfathered data plan guidelines, I have verified that if a grandfathered Smartphone customer changes to a new/different Smartphone, they lose their qualification for continued grandfathered status and the automatic Smartphone data plan treatment will occur. Again, I apologize for any frustration this causes.
Absolutely no reason to stay with at&t.

[dmann32]

11:32 AM on 01/28/2011

As I said before, THAT answer is hogwash! Don't do that to yourself!

[Capn Scott]

02:54 PM on 01/27/2011

2 gigabytes of data is a lot of data. My android phone typically uses under 100mb a month (unless I'm loading a new rom and reconfiguring my phone), and even if I'm tethering it to my laptop to surf the internet it still only uses 5 or 10mb per browsing session ...because most common sites you visit are cached. People who use over 2 gigabytes of data are constantly streaming video and watching movies on their devices ...and they should pay more for that behavior.

[Kris McLaughlin]

02:35 PM on 01/27/2011

I was able to keep my unlimited plan when upgrading my phone last fall. No problem. No hassles. No question. I didn't even consider this to be a secret loophole. In fact, I didn't even have to ask. I did have to sign a new 2-year contract, but that's normal when buying a new phone.

[Paul Eck]

02:00 PM on 01/27/2011

Sounds to me like the magic trick ISN'T "I used to have unlimited, and I want it back" but rather is "I'm going to Verizon if you don't put me on an unlimited plan". Anyone who is on AT&T, old or new, should definitely take this tactic and run with it

[Blackjackii]

01:56 PM on 01/27/2011

Psst... AT&T. Here's a secret... people aren't switching to Verizon for unlimited data, they're trying to escape your Sh!tty network!

[Craig 212]

01:49 PM on 01/27/2011

I'm still waiting to hear what Verizon's long-term plans will be, since supposedly their $30 unlimited plan is just temporary.

[maigesheng]

01:40 PM on 01/27/2011

Apple is allowing them to come back? So its not a loophole. Why try to sucker people into believing that they are getting over on apple?

[Paul Eck]

01:56 PM on 01/27/2011

Huh? This is about AT&T not Apple.

[maigesheng]

07:05 PM on 01/27/2011

Sorry, I typoed. That changes my point entirely. =P

[V3GAdigi1]

01:39 PM on 01/27/2011

the image in my head now is great... I see AT&T on their knees , crawling to the Mirage Oasis... between NOW and the time Apple releases the iPhone 5, you'll se AT&T throw everything they can at their pre existing iPhone customers in hopes to keep them. BUT once the iPhone 5 is released...EVERYONE will leave AT&T FOR Verizon to get their new phone.... and that is the day AT&T is NOT looking for.

[Barringtonmorr]

01:34 PM on 01/27/2011

Why are cell phone bills ridiculously high? I'm sorry but 120 a month is a lot. I swear they are ripping the consumer off somewhere along the line.

[commentsareus]

02:07 PM on 01/27/2011

Text messaging ...

[democles]

08:16 PM on 01/27/2011

Everywhere. And you can thank the FCC for their cooperation.