ATT iPhone Customers Hit With Massive Data 'Sipping' Bug

It starts innocently enough -- with AT&T customers getting a text that they have used half their data plan. For most users, the initial reaction is,"that's weird." But then, in just a day or so, even casual data users are in 'overage' -- being charged significant fees for data usage that is far from normal.

The bug is the result of an IOS 6 problem that connects the phone to the cellular data network whenever the phone is connected to a WiFi signal.

AT&T message boards are full of confused customers complaining that since they upgraded they are using "tons of data." Wingrider01 wrote: "I upgraded to iOS 6 on the iPhone 5 and ever since my data usage has skyrocketed even though I am on WiFi 75 percent of the time." And jgarriot posted: "I upgraded to iOS 6 on the iPhone 5 and ever since my data usage has skyrocketed."

The bug was first discovered on Verizon, and Apple released a patch to fix the problem. But so far, no AT&T patch has been offered.

Verizon has confirmed to CNN Money that iPhone owners who have been affected by the bug will not be charged for their data overages. So far, AT&T has publicly declined comment, but any user who calls AT&T will find they are very much aware of the bug. "How much credit do you think you'll need?" offered a friendly AT&T phone rep when asked about the bug. AT&T says they have no idea when the fix will be provided from Apple, but in the meantime, just keep calling in and requesting credit for the data overages. AT&T seems more than happy to rebate the overages until Apple gets around to fixing the issue.

 

 

 

Follow Steve Rosenbaum on Twitter: www.twitter.com/magnify

Comments

[paguy2286]

09:55 PM on 10/21/2012

I didn't have the same friendly response from AT&T when reporting my high data usage over a phone support call and two emails (3 different reps). They each were more interested in up-selling my data plan. For me, at least, iOS 6 uses significantly more data. Is that AT&T's problem? Not directly, but wish they would at least recognize and get answers on behalf of their customers. An initial response to a user to upgrade their data plan is not a very warm response to a long time customer with a concern.

This was one response when I referenced this article:

> The issue you reference in the Steve Rosenbaum article was a Verizon
> problem. AT&T has never had the issue and data usage is charging
> correctly.
>
> Please make sure your WIFI is turned on so that you are not using data
> from your plan.
>
> I do recommend upgrading your data plan if the overages occur.
>
> If you have any additional questions about this issue, please respond to
> this email. Thank you for choosing AT&T; we appreciate your business.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Noreen K.
> AT&T National Solution Centers

[brflux]

07:17 PM on 10/14/2012

Totally inexcusable.