Senators request additional information about AT&T mobile data allegations

Politicians Probe AT&T Over Phantom Mobile Data Charges [Broadband Reports]

I recently wrote about a lawsuit currently pending about AT&T's data usage tracking. One of the key issues in that case is whether AT&T smartphones makedata transfers on AT&T's mobile network even when phone settings have been modified to avoid background data usage.

Now, two U.S. senators have become interested in AT&T's practices and plan to investigate the issue.

Lawyers in the case conducted a study to determine whether or not AT&T is over-charging and , if so, the extent to which AT&T was over-charging for data usage. Engineers hired by the plaintiff attorneys purchased new AT&T smartphones and did not enable any push notifications, location services, or anything that could inadvertently lead to data usage. Afterwards, several data charges appeared on the bill, even during late night hours when the phone's power was off. 

This development obviously changed the tone of the case, which AT&T previously described as "without merit." The lawsuit alleges that AT&T overbills its customers anywhere from 7 to 300% for data usage.

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Herb Kohl have taken an interest in the case and sent a letter to AT&T asking the company to explain the "phantom charges." Senators Klobuchar and Kohl also asked the company to provide a thorough accounting of their billing practices and whether or not they provide safeguards against over-billing data usage and whether or not there are ways for customers to verify their data usage. 

Comments

[Evy]

I remember how fusrtrating it was to teach D how to ride his bike, until I finally thought to take him to the elementary school playground. The grass there was gently sloped, and when I started him at the top, he was able to balance and pedal all the way down the slope to the other end of the playground. We both felt pretty victorious that day! (MD) That's a really good idea! It's always cool to use your mad parenting skills to come up with a clever solution to a problem like that, and have it make such an impact.

[Eric DiDomenico]

As an AT&T customer, I am very curious about this. I've always been satisified with AT&T, but even I have wondered why the prices were starting to get ridiculous. I own the Samsung Focus (Windows Phone OS) and am proud of it, but I have to wonder what the hell AT&T has been doing. I'll find out soon enough, I suppose. No inflammatory remarks, people. Please.