September 24th, 2008
T-Mobile’s G1 Throttled After 1 GB Data Usage
By Michael Santo
Editor-in-Chief, RealTechNews
Today was the introduction of the T-Mobile G1, the first Google Android cell phone. The launch event didn’t include details on the service plans, but closer examination of the plans after they were posted to T-Mobile’s site reveals some worrisome details.
First of all, T-Mobile’s 3G network is the smallest among U.S. carriers. T-Mobile insists that they’ll have HSDPA up and running in twenty one markets by mid-October when the phone hits stores — and twenty seven markets by year’s end. Many of T-Mobile’s customers will be relegated to EDGE anyway.
But then, here’s the kicker: the fine print at the bottom of T-Mobile’s 3G detail page (emphasis T-Mobile’s):
If your total data usage in any billing cycle is more than 1GB, your data throughput for the remainder of that cycle may be reduced to 50 kbps or less. Your data session, plan, or service may be suspended, terminated, or restricted for significant roaming or if you use your service in a way that interferes with our network or ability to provide quality service to other users. Some devices require specific data plans; if you do not have the right plan for your device, you may not be able to use data services. Some downloads, such as movies, music, and games, not included. Domestic use only.
One thing’s for sure: you’re not going to be using the G1 for tethering purposes.
Some will say, big deal, 1 GB is a lot of data. Well, in reality, nowadays, it’s not. And the way they advertise their service plans is somewhat misleading:
You can choose from a data plan that offers 400 messages and unlimited data access for $25 a month—or add unlimited messaging for just $10 more a month.
While we all know that cell phone data plans aren’t really unlimited, this is the first time I’ve heard of throttling like this, and after only 1 GB of usage. Comcast, meet T-Mobile.
I expect users to buy the phone anyway, but I also expect to see some fallout.
Jeff says:
hmmmm I like my 3g…
September 24th, 2008 at 4:21 am
Kevin K. says:
They can sooooo avoid this claptrap by just offering an up front plan UP FRONT!
What’s so hard about
1GB/Month = $49
Each additional 500k = $5
Or something similar. Just tell us the way it is and if we are ok with it, we’ll buy it. If not, we’ll go somewhere else.
Just don’t tell me “unlimited” any more if that’s not the way it’s going to be!
Jeez!
September 24th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
LZW says:
I think that’s what Comcast got in trouble for… Saying they offered unlimited internet access and people discovered torrents were infact limited. (a common internet file sharing protocol)
The problem with this phone plan is it’s way to complicated for the average person! People will find themselfs wondering… “If I make a phone call right now, will my account be suspended, terminated or restricted?” (like it says in the contract)
Imagine you’re driving home from work and you get a call from your wife who says pick stuff at the store on your home… You’re in the store now but can’t remember what she said to get so you think about calling her back.
Would you call her back on the cell phone?
Or with such a confusing usage contract, would you just go outside and drop a quarter in the pay phone booth? You don’t want risk having your account suspended or terminated because you might need the cell phone for emergency use some day.
What’s the point in even getting a cell phone if they’re going to terminate the account because they don’t like the way use it?
September 24th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
El Guapo says:
Oh please. Looks like we have some iphone users here doing some serious hand-wringing.
Nobody is going to not call their wife because they think their contract would be terminated. What planet are you on?
Also, no way that I or any other user wants to pay per GB of data used. I want to know how much I’m paying each month ahead of time. And I don’t want to worry about downloading something cause it might cost me another $5.
By the way, the plan is $25 and not $49. Not sure where you got $49 from?
Go G1!!!!!!
September 25th, 2008 at 3:41 am
Kevin K. says:
Yo! El Guapo!
I don’t own an iPhone as the cell phone I use is provided to me by my place of work. AND it does not have a data plan on it at all. I only use it for phone calls.
Second, the $49 was a hypothetical example. I could have used the *real* number but that’s not the issue. Fill it in with whatever number you want but the principal is still the same.
And you ARE paying per GB (something you say “no way” to) but just don’t seem to accept that fact. They give you 1GB/$49. That’s paying per GB in simple math.
And I disagree with your statement about “nobody is going to not call” because, if you know you are at some nebulous data cap and ONE MORE CALL will terminate or suspend your account (which these companies clearly do without contacting the user beforehand) you definitely would think twice before making that call.
I’d rather not call than go through the hassles of trying to reinstate my account for sure.
September 25th, 2008 at 8:49 am