In a blog post, T-Mobile CEO John Legere issued a warning to customers "stealing data" from the carrier, calling out a fraction of users that are using workarounds to consume as much as 2TB (yep, terabytes) of cellular data a month. Legere mentioned that these users, who constitute a "fraction of a percent," have been masking mobile tethering and hotspot usage, allowing them to use their cellular plan as a substitute for broadband:
We are going after a small group of users who are stealing data so blatantly and extremely that it is ridiculous.
These violators are going out of their way with all kinds of workarounds to steal more LTE tethered data. They're downloading apps that hide their tether usage, rooting their phones, writing code to mask their activity, etc. They are "hacking" the system to swipe high speed tethered data. These aren't naive amateurs; they are clever hackers who are willfully stealing for their own selfish gain. It's a small group – 1/100 of a percent of our 59 million customers – but some of them are using as much as 2 terabytes (2,000GB!) of data in a month.
T-Mobile already offers a 7GB limit for tethering purposes through its $80 unlimited data plan, following which speeds are throttled. However, there are apps available that give users the ability to conceal tethering activity. A few users have been taking advantage of the workarounds to obtain unlimited tethering bandwidth.
In a detailed FAQ, T-Mobile mentioned that it has developed technology which can detect when customers are undertaking workarounds to mask such activity, and that users who fail to heed warnings about breaking the carrier's terms and conditions will be moved to a tiered plan:
We're warning these customers that they are violating our terms and conditions. If they continue to break the rules at any time, they'll lose access to our Unlimited 4G LTE smartphone data plan and we'll move them to a limited 4G LTE plan. That way, we can enforce our terms and conditions and protect the network experience for all customers.
Legere reiterated that the measures are targeted at users abusing the system, and not an issue centering around throttling data:
These abusers will probably try to distract everyone by waving their arms about throttling data. Make no mistake about it – this is not the same issue. Don't be duped by their sideshow. We are going after every thief, and I am starting with the 3,000 users who know exactly what they are doing. The offenders start hearing from us tomorrow. No more abuse and no risk to the rest of our customers' experience. It's over.
Source: T-Mobile, T-Mobile FAQ
Reader comments
T-Mobile going after data 'thieves' who abuse unlimited data
Allegedly T-mobile upgraded their network to *support* more data use - at least if you can believe all the pop-up and imbedded advertisement one suffers through while surfing the web. And now they're complaining because folks actually *use* it? Go figure.
If you sell "unlimited high speed data", then that's what you need to deliver. T-mobile, like all cellular providers, is merely a *conduit*. They are not a data source, nor a data sink. All they do is transport it. Logically, they should have no say over where/how the data is generated, or what use it is put to.
Phone companies, in general, have since almost their original inception more than half a century ago always held that they were merely a "venue"; or conduit, not the keepers or controllers of the content that passes over their network, or the deciders of what is done with it after it's delivered. That's why they don't get named/convicted/punished for the crimes their users may commit; even though they obviously provide the means to carry out many kinds of crimes.
You can't really have it both ways. Either you're just a conduit, or else you're part of the liable decision making process.
The Android operating system used on many phone models has hotspot capability as an integral part of the operating system. It's not an "add-on" app. It's part of the phone you purchase, just like the screen, keypad, speaker, camera, or whatever. Why should you have to pay extra to use it? You don't for taking pictures with the camera, using the speaker, or viewing something on the screen.
As for data *consumption*, while it's certainly true that hotspot *can* up data usage, it's not a *given* that it will in all cases. A person "tethering" his/her/it's laptop in order to view a movie on a larger "screen" isn't really going to use appreciably more data than someone just watching it on their phone. For that matter, one could easily write an app that would download the entire contents of some avi or mp4 site to a SD card, or even to the Android equivalent of the "trash can" - just doing data transfer for the "fun" of it. Nothing in T-mobile's terms of use would prevent that.
No, the obvious ploy here is that T-mobile, like most other carriers, don't just want to supply your phone's *connection*; they want to control *how* you use it, even though it might be paid for and thus totally yours.
Let's be realistic. Your local, state, or federal government doesn't build a road and then tell you you can only drive your car on it at the posted speed limit for x number of hours each month; and only 25mph if you go over that amount. You drive as much as you want/need, at any speed under the posted speed limit; and if the road gets congested, then they widen it, or build a new one. Your power company doesn't reduce your voltage after you exceed some number of kilowatt-hours. Your water company doesn't cut back your water pressure after some number of gallons you consume; and, in general, doesn't say you can only take a sponge bath rather than a shower. Why should your cellular provider be allowed to do anything different? They are a utility, too.
"We are going after every thief, and I am starting with the 3,000 users who know exactly what they are doing."
So, they go after the first 3,000 largest data users. Then they pay out ridiculous amounts of money to lure 3,000 customers to replace them. Then they go after the next 3,000 largest data users. T-Mobile will soon reach a point where customers using less than 20GB of data will be considered 'thieves'. T-mobile needs to invest in adding capacity and stop foolishly paying for people to violate their agreements with other companies.
Who are the real thieves? To sell 'unlimited' plans, then implement limits is theft by deception.
"T-Mobile already offers a 7GB limit for tethering purposes through its $80 unlimited data plan, following which speeds are throttled."
This is an outright lie. Once the limit is reached tethering is disabled for the remainder of the billing cycle.
T-mobile has made a leap from being the best deal to being no better than AT&T
On my street the best speed AT&T can provide is 3 Mb/s. They're too concerned with buying other companies to replace 30 year old wires and provide reasonably priced service. It's a shame the FCC personnel are so deep in the pocket of the telecoms they fail to meet their responsibility to license frequency spectrum for use "in the public interest" as is their responsibility. It's pathetic that in so many other countries unlimited means unlimited but here it means anything the provider decides it means and can be changed at any time.
Good!
Posted via Nexus 6
This video just goes to show how difficult it is to use 2 TB of data on your smartphone alone, these guys abused the tethering plan like there was no tomorrow.
https://youtu.be/I-yqMnkSrGI
Posted via the Android Central App
I feel like all they would have to do is say that:
"All data, when projected solely on to the phone(s) activated with the phone number(s) associated with the T-Mobile account, is unlimited. All other uses of T-Mobile network data is limited to 7GB and will be throttled thereafter."
I'm no lawyer, but to me that reads roughly as "Your phone's data use is unlimited, but using your phone to transfer data anywhere else is not."
Hallid is one of the peeps that was using 2 TB of data and got busted, the hammer is coming soon, via JL, LOL.
Posted via the Android Central App
Shame on you hackers. You don't behave and they'll move you to a different plan. Tsk tsk.
Posted via Android Central App
Lol I'll tweet Legere a screen shot of me using 10 terabytes on hotspot and he can't do shit about it. Fact is maybe 100 out of 40 million use over a terabyte in hotspot and its not worth fighting it. Napster did exact same thing with file sharing and it only made it bigger. My warning to Legere is leave it alone or i will train anyone and everyone how to get unlimited hotspot.
Posted via the Android Central App
I knew our school systems were going to hell, but never knew it was this bad. Some of these comments by the entitled blow me away. Please read your agreements, this is all I ask.
Posted via the Android Central App
What kind of apps are being used to hack? I need one to pass over Three UK 4 GB cap for tethering. I had unlimited with their previous plan bun now the get clever.
Posted via the Android Central App
Call and ask JL, LOL.
Posted via the Android Central App
Does anyone make a USB to sim adapter for getting service? I'm talking remove sim from phone, plug into USB adapter, profit. It's not tethering or broadcasting, similar to swapping to a different phone for a day.
Funny coming from Legere, but it's ridiculous to use 2TB of mobile data a month, especially when tethering 7GB is supposed to be the max.
Listen. Ppl download movies using unlimited data. U paid for it. Now if you use hotpot its not ok. Its exact same amount data if u use to download something or stream using hotspot. There is no risk to service going down on tmobile. They have plenty of bandwidth and towers. They just wanna make money on hotspot fees. Don't believe their propaganda. If service suffers they should build more towers and do lte upgrades.
Posted via the Android Central App
Man. Go get on some pull-ups, grab your bottle and teddy bear. It's time for bed.
Posted via the Android Central App
Gator.... U been on my ass and replying to all my posts. If u wanna be the 0.9 percent of the users that take advantage of tmobile hotspot than say so and i will teach u.
Posted via the Android Central App
I have the exact plan discussed in the article and see no problem with tmobile going after them for it. I use around 50GB on my phone plus about 5 or 6GB of the 7Gb tethering on top of that on my Note 4. Tmobile never once told me to cut back on usage because under the terms that's what I'm paying for. Also, it have nothing to do with Net Neutrality. It has everything to do with a small percentage of users violating the company's terms of service which, to me atleast, are pretty fair.
I like John Legere he doesn't mess around and always gets results.
Posted via the Android Central App
Legere should be so concerned about customers who live in areas where T-Mobile LTE signal strength is average to awful. Unless, of course, by throttling those users my service will improve. In which case go for it.
Posted via the Android Central App
2tb being used throughout a home to substitute as broadband is breaching the terms of the contract, period.
T-Mobile went to great lengths to single out THOSE 3000 users and nobody else. The fact that some people on here are trying to yell FCC violations and marketing lies are the same people that refuse to pay $1.00 for an app they use all day, everyday and give a bad review to the dev because its not free - and then steal it. T-Mobile is trying to protect their customers that abide by the rules and I will slow clap for them on this. I'm betting the same people who are "internet outraged" over this are also Bernie Sanders fans. Always crying to the government to stop the evil companies, blah blah blah.
Go T-Mobile! Beat the snot out of them.
Posted via the Android Central App
+1
Posted via the Android Central App
I am the absolute last person to say unlimited isnt just that, but in this case I think I have to agree with TMO on this. If they are being honest and only going after people that are doing hacks and masking tethering abuse its a fair call. Unlimited on your phone is fine, but when you use it to replace your home internet service and are using over a TB of data in a month, well thats just crazy.
I'll just use att dsl than john.. Ohh its not unlimited either... Nor comcast. They all have caps. So to all who say this fair on tmobile part is a sorry ass idiot.
Posted via the Android Central App
I can't even make sense of your incoherent ramblings. Here it appears you are actually agreeing with Legere. All data providers have terms of service. T-Mobile's are more generous than most and yet you are mad?
You dont wanna war with me Leger I'll blow this shhh so wide open on forums everywhere I'll make sure to widen that small percentage of users to something like 10 percent and than we gonna see how nice and speedy your network is. Leave it alone sucka.
Posted via the Android Central App
You're mad, so you want to bring down the network that YOU are using, which will result in a deteriorated performance for YOU and other customers.
Yeah, you're a smart one alright.
No it wont. Its all a scam. You cant bring down anything by using more data. They just mad that ppl don't want to pay extra fees for hotspot. If it does than they need to add more towers and upgrade their lte. Dont be a sucker feeling sorry for a mobile company.
Posted via the Android Central App
If you be a hackuz, den you kno what a DDoS is. Dat aight der bringz networkz down by what? Huh? Can't heer youz! Speak upz!
Posted via the Android Central App
What da fuck are u saying? U trying out slang?
Posted via the Android Central App
I'm not gonna lie. When my ISP is slow (comcast) or Internet is down, or when I take my laptop out and i am out of reach of my WiFi. I use my hotspot on my phone to do stuff, facebook, music and games. I don't torrent, unless I'm on wifi. Some times i go chill with friends and watch my xfinity on my laptop while using my hotspot.. it's convenient to me that i can rig my hotspot to work without paying extra. I usually use 20-40 GB of data by myself and that's with or without the hotspot.
Posted via the Android Central App
It's not net neutrality.... Use 2tb on your broadband..you're slowing down everyone's data experience.. Including mine by tethering 2tb of data...
Posted via the Android Central App
I don't understand your reasoning. Net neutrality is about not discriminating between data. Are you making the argument that net neutrality is rendered void if it slows down other people's experience, especially yours?
Some sweaty man in his man cave using 100GBs of data a month, is throwing (slowly raising) his hands up in disgust.
* sent from my Note 5, with an S Pen safely inserted TIP FIRST.*
It should be illegal to data cap our mobile hotspot. We are paying for our data. How do these companies get away with charging us twice? Fcc should step in.
No. You have a 2 choices. Data plan with tethering, or no tethering. Tethering is extra. Like buying a car with optional packages.
Posted via the Android Central App
I don't tether but what if I stream Netflix on my phone and use my TV as monitor with my phone plugged in?
Posted via Moto X 2nd/moto g 1st/ Lenovo Tab S8/ Lenovo Yoga 2
That has nothing to do with tethering, you are still using your mobile phone as you would "just on a bigger screen connected with a cable" , do you know what tethering is, what is wrong with some of these posters.
Posted via the Android Central App
Dude! Don't be so rude. He/she just asked an honest question because he/she was confused.
Uncarrier
Posted via Android Central App (Moto X)
Most Millennials, not all though, is on the gimme gimme gimme for free crap and if it's not free, it should be, or I'm going to steal it so nah! Attitude.
People need to read. It's fundamental for making you NOT look stupid in a conversation. I swear, I've lost 10 I.Q. points reading some of these comments.
And yeah, tmo is clearly in the right and should throw the idiots in jail. Period.
Posted via the Android Central App
Hey fool i pay for unlimited.. If i use chromecast screen cast with app i can watch whatever is on my phone using unlimited data.. If i use hotspot to stream without mirroring phone than i am capped. Which is ridiculous. Just cause u don't know how to hack ur all up in arms.
Posted via the Android Central App
Hey numbskull. You can use as much data as you pay for. No one is saying you can't. What you cannot do is break the rules of your agreement with T-Mobile. don't like the rules and the way they're choosing to enforce them? No problem. You can leave. You are only entitled to what is spelled out in your agreement.
I can tether hot spot all day and night as much as i want to. They can't do shit to me. But listen.. Instead of falling for their bullshit why dont u ask them to install more towers and give more coverage? They make billions. Capped data is a scam. Ur a sucker if u believe towers will collapse if someone uses a terabyte of data through hotspot. I can use terabyte downloading movies all day. There is no difference. They just want to make extra money for capping hotspot. Your service is fine. Do u get that? If your service slows down tell them to install more towers and upgrade old ones. Dummy.
Posted via the Android Central App
You sound more stupid everytime you type.
Posted via the Android Central App
?
Posted via the Android Central App
Maybe you should learn to read the terms and conditions of your services. You get unlimited data with the exception if you tether products you on get 7GB.
Just because you want to doesn't make it correct. I guarantee if they raised the rates because of it you would also be screaming at the top of your lungs.
Posted Via my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 using the AT&T Network.
Exactly. They be saying, "it's not fair they raised rates! All I'm doing is tethering against my agreement! Not fair! "
Posted via the Android Central App
Throw the ppl in jail?! Now that sounds ds absurd and I'm sure you're just being extreme to drive home your point. If not u fall in the same category as those who still rally behind that reefer madness video
Posted via the Android Central App
Well of course they don't want people unfairly clogging up their thin network. Can you imagine if T-mobile's network carried the same amount of traffic as Verizons or AT&T? The network would collapse down to 2G speeds probably...
Posted via the Android Central App
I would hate for t-mobile to start locking bootloaders because of this. Do anybody use wifi anymore ?
Posted via the Android Central App
I do, and so do millions of others that pay for home and business Internet services.
Posted via the Android Central App
What about (Net Neutrality) ? ? ? ?
This has NOTHING to do about Net neutrality.
Posted via the Android Central App
This has nothing to do with net neutrality. You have unlimited LTE Data on your phone and only 7gb of data for tethering. It's in the contract. Plus net neutrality applies to how you use your data not how much. But either way it's clearly stated that users only get "7gb of tethering" so if you circumvent that then it's against their policy.
Lol! "net neutrality applies to how you use your data"
Wouldn't using your data to tether constitute "how you use your data?" It definitely applies.
Net neutrality is the principle that the ISP treats all data equally, not favoring some data (ie phone) over other data (ie tethered).
Also see here:
"[Under net neutrality,] your phone carrier can't block tethering apps, which turn your phone into an Internet hotspot for your laptop or tablet."
http://money.cnn.com/2015/06/12/technology/net-neutrality/
T-mobile isn't blocking those apps. They are simply going to enforce their rules as stated in the contract people signed when they chose their plan. Yes, the have unlimited LTE data for their phone. The plan clearly states that for the purposes of tethering, they limit it to 7GB of full speed LTE. After that, they still have the ability to tether, it's just throttled.
Posted via the Android Central App
Or instead, someone can use a third-party tethering app and not face the throttling. You say that violates the terms of their agreement. That means T-Mobile is, for all intents and purposes, saying you can't use those apps, which is against net neutrality (ie the terms of their agreement do not comply with net neutrality).
I have unlimited plan with T-Mobile with 2-3GB of tethering.
Because I bought Nexus 6 unlocked (not from t-mobile), apparently they cannot tell whether I am tethering or not. Having said that, I am only tethering to laptop if I have to when on the road, but mostly to other mobile phones or tablets.
the most I've used per moth was about 10-11GB, the average is much less.
But if someone is using 2TB every month then I am not surprised T-Mobile is going after them.
Pay for your non-mobile data (above 7gigs) and stop slowing down the networks cheapskates.
I agree with him.
WELL i dont think networks no the meaning of unlimited
Posted via the Android Central App
What
Posted via the Android Central App
"know". And t-mobile is one those companies that does "know" what unlimited is, which is the reason why it's "unlimited LTE data on phones and only 7gb of LTE data on tethering.
And I don't think you know how to read...
Posted via the Android Central App on my HTC Desire 610
Good job John, I also have unlimited data and never went over 8 GB a month, only one used 10 GB, when I am home or friends or family I use wifi, there are prime just like John said that advise their MOBILE data plan, it is and was not intended to be a substitute for home Internet.
Posted via the Android Central App
Let's face it, nothing good comes out of 2000GB of tethered data per month.
Posted via the Android Central App
I can't even imagine using Terabytes of data, that has to stop. John Legere is the guy who will stop it. Been a T-Mobile customer for over 8 years, never been happier, my signal is very strong, 5 bars inside my house, my data speeds average between 30-50mb during the day, even faster at night. Love it, Thank You T-Mobile, Thank You John Legere.
T-Mobile should go after data thieves. These thieves, yes thieves are using staggering amounts of data and are the same people complaining the most. They are using T-Mobile As their home data source and tether while using root, vpn services and apps to get by. They are the same people making the most noise. The staggering amount of data that they steal daily is mind boggling. If they think they can go elsewhere and do better then don't let the door hit U in your ass on the way out.
Who the hell is using 2TB of data and why, that's what I'd be more interested in. What the hell are they doing. We are cable cutters and even with sling TV + Netflix we only use maybe 150 GB a month on the home Internet. Even if I added my 25 gb and the 1 gb my wife uses on her phone I might hit 200 on a heavy month.
Posted via the Android Central App
They learned from Verizon. Notice he said root. I think they will be locking up their phones soon as well
Posted via the Android Central App
T-mobile clearly states unlimited data with 7gb hotspot. I don't see a problem with T-Mobile going after those people who hack to go beyond the 7gb hotspot limit.
You can go with the Verizon legacy unlimited unthrottled 4GLTE data plan with unlimited unthrottled 4GLTE hotspot addon, if you are using 2 terabytes of hotspot data. Yeah it is legacy, but those using 2 terabytes of hotspot most certainly knew about the Verizon unlimited data plan with unlimited unthrottled 4GLTE hotspot addon, which you could have gotten less than a year ago by assuming liability, when people were giving away unlimited lines for free. They chose t-mobile simply because it was cheaper. Personally I have used 5 terabytes of hotspot before and Verizon hasn't said anything.
Posted via the Android Central App
It's true, it is literally the only unlimited wireless internet option, and people chose to not go with that option. But 5 TB, that's insane! I'm quite impressed with Verizon for standing up to their end of the bargain. I bet they had to increase capacity on your primary tower to keep up with the demand. Anyway, as much as we hate them, deep down they do occasionally do the right thing ha.
Posted via the Android Central App
I also always thought it was unique that Verizon allows you to put your Unlimited sim into any compatible device legally. If you aren't going to pay for the $30 tethering option on your phone, legally, you could transfer the unlimited phone sim to a tablet, jetpack, 4G Router etc and be OK with Verizon, though they typically don't advertise this for obvious reasons.
T mobile let them sign up for unlimited data. They should be able to use as much as they please. UNLIMITED doesn't mean unlimited any more apparently.
Posted via the Android Central App
READ.
The plan is unlimited data on your phone, + 7GB for tethering. Phones optimize data usage. Computers? Not so much. As such they use more bandwidth and that's not great for T-mobiles speeds. That's why they have a limit on it.
Google knows why kids love the taste of cinnamon toast crunch. And they're willing to sell it to you.
They signed up for unlimited data on their phones not unlimited tethering. Cap is at 7gb
Did you READ the article, or only what YOU wanted to read.
Posted via the Android Central App
A little research would help before blurting out things that aren't true. Per tmobile terms that you sign when you get their service, "unlimited LTE is only on phones", for tethering you have "7gb of LTE" after that it's throttled. Other companies stop it completely instead of throttling. so what is happening here is people are tricking the system and going pas the 7gb and still have LTE. So yes, per the terms you are "stealing data".
Or "stealing speed" ;)
Don't give a warning. Just get rid of them.
Awesome! I'm glad they're doing something about this. I'm an unlimited customer but I don't use that much tethering, usually less than 1GB a month. This is awesome for those of us who abide by our Unlimited + 7GB Tethering agreement. This way we can get the full speeds of the network without it getting bogged down by users who don't understand "7GB Tethering" means you only have 7GB of data to tether with.
Posted via the Android Central App
Well, it is called unlimited.. how anyone could possibly use 2TB of data in a month beats me.
Posted via the Android Central App on My Nexus 5
Tether to a computer, torrents, games, media. Etc
The issue is of course the fact that tethering is limited and it's stated as such.
Google knows why kids love the taste of cinnamon toast crunch. And they're willing to sell it to you.
Someone would have to be tethering nearly 24hrs a day downloading torrents, etc. to use that much data. I'm surprised T-Mobile waited this long.
Posted via the Android Central App
Unlimited on your MOBILE phone, and 7 GB for tethering, you can never use 2 TB on your phone alone, even watching YouTube all day long, mobile carriers are not stupid, did you read the article.
It's like going to a restaurant buffet, which means all you can eat while you are there, not bring your Tupperware and fill them up for home.
Posted via the Android Central App
Actually, it's unlimited on the phone if you have unlimited LTE plan. It's only 7gb for tethering. It's in their terms and it's clearly pointed out when you sign up for service.
Another one who didn't read.
I don't use more than 100gb each month on my home Internet...
2tb... Wow
Posted via Android Central App on 1+1
That's what I have been saying, 2TB, wtf.
Posted via the Android Central App
Did any of you morons read the f'ing article!?
Posted via the Android Central App
nope post first bash the company then look stupid and back track on whats said
I don't think it's a question of reading, I think a lot of people simply don't understand what it means.
+1000000000 ^
Posted via the Android Central App
No,, most just can't read
Posted via the Android Central App
Nope.... Any article that mentions the words "Unlimited data" and then "complaints" instantly puts people in rage mode. :)
Playfully Posted by a Moto X Play
I was gonna try something similar by paying T-Mo $20+ more and cancel my WiFi with AT&T...
I guess I'm stuck where I am; I really would hate to be called thief after paying extra.
Pay for broadband internet. T-Mobile is not a ISP, don't be a theif.
Posted via the Android Central App on my HTC Desire 610
Good for them you pay for unlimited data NOT unlimited tethering people are so quick to bash with out reading
3000 people is a small amount I'm sure if they dig deeper more will be found.
2TB holy hell that'd a shit ton of data
I have used 32 gigs this month because of YouTube and Netflix (nights are hell)
Still haven't been trottled use 42 last month wasn't throttled
I know right! Can you guys read an article?
Posted via the Android Central App on my HTC Desire 610
Yay for T-Mobile. I wish they would put thisuch effort in to their coverage areas. I'm tired of being the only.one in the room that doesn't have service. It's damn 2015. You can't get service inside a tin metal building?? everyone else at the table has service. Att, Verizon, even sorry sprint. But no T-Mobile. As soon as you walk inside ANY building no service. As soon as you get on ANY highway outside of the city, no service. But, yeah. You go after that 1/100% screw the rest of us that are doing shit right, right Legere?
Agreed. That is why I got rid of them. My wife had a major operation back in July and there was no reception at all inside the hospital. Had to use wi-fi calling just to make phone calls. Their reception sucks period. Be aware of the coverage map they claim to have. It's less.
Posted Via my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 using the AT&T Network.
And then, when I call customer service, they treat me like I'm doing something wrong. "Oh no sir. We show that we have coverage in that area." Well my phone shows that you don't a-holes.
sounds like you need a new carrier!
+1. Coverage map is way off.
Posted via the Android Central App
You're the one that switched to the Un-carrier.... switch back! There are all sorts of carriers out there that are willing to buy you out.
I TRIED t-mobile for a week. It didn't take me long to figure out that their entire company is built on marketing to the younger generation... the ones who are less likely to travel outside of their home area. If you're in a metro area with good upgrades, then hey.. works awesome! So congrats, they built a better Metro PCS service. But, for any practical use... T-Mobile isn't ready for prime time... and neither is their customer service department... worst experience ever.
Marketing scam? You mean having lower prices and faster service than Verizon? Please.. I just traveled outside of the country and I still had service (international roaming). I can pretty much go anywhere in Southern California and get great service. Visiting DC on friday.. maybe I'll eat my words.
Maybe you should just ditch T-Mobile since their service obviously sucks for you. Problem solved.
Posted via the Android Central App
You must be in an area without 700Mhz coverage. Building penetration has greatly improved for me this year due to it.
Posted via the Android Central App
I've had tmobile for 8months now - never been throttled - I use over 30gb of data a month. No streaming music. I don't tether - so I'm not worried about this subject matter.
Posted via the Android Central App
John never said anything about customers like yourself, read the article again.
Posted via the Android Central App
How about read the comment you replied to, where they said they weren't worried about this subject. They know it's about tethered usage
Playfully Posted by a Moto X Play
Sounds like he's admitting in writing he's going to break contract terms. On behalf of a new T-Mobile subscriber: enjoy the lawsuits.
Posted via the Android Central App
Not really. He's talking about tethering. You get 7GB of data to tether. They are abusing it by rooting phone so they can bypass what they are allocated per month.
Posted Via my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 using the AT&T Network.
You need to reread what's written clearly says teathering and it's not unlimited
READ...
Tethering is not part of these people's contracts.
---
This message brought to you via the sarcasm keyboard available for download at the Google Play Store.
LG-G2 on Lollipop.
Really, I don't care if you keep using YouTube all day on your MOBILE device "what your contact is for", you would never come close to 2TB a month, do you have any idea what 2 TB is.
Posted via the Android Central App
The contract terms would clearly state the 7GB unthrottled tethering limit, so the ones breaking the contract terms are actually the people circumventing this.
Nice try though......
Playfully Posted by a Moto X Play
2TB of data that is insane. Must be doing a lot of downloading at empornium.
Posted via the Android Central App
Let's get this straight. Nobody downloads porn, except criminals who like little kids. 2TB could easily be achieved when downloading games, movies, and tv shows from torrents. Not porn.
Posted from my Asus ZenFone 2.
Yes that's insane, I don't even use all that for my home connection, it's just absurd.
Posted via the Android Central App
Guess the ISPs don't know the meaning of unlimited and that it doesn't matter what device you are using. A byte is a byte.
They don't allow tethering? then i can use my mobile device as an ftp server, client, torrent "box" just fine without tethering. If i pay for unlimited data i would expect to get unlimited data or there should be a class action against them.
And if there is a thing in their terms not allowing p2p or whatever, i would made a loop of upload/rename/download/delete with a large file to and from a cloud storage just for fun, running in the background, 24/7, to "steal" THEIR data, even tho i pay for my bytes :)
They paid for 7GB of tethering data. Not 2TB. They are thieves just like Tmobile stated.
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+1000000000 ^
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Just because you know how to steal doesn't mean it's OK. Everyone has to play by the rules they agree to. Even if they don't like to read fine print
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Nice rant. Now go RTFA again.
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LG-G2 on Lollipop.
METROPCS gives me Unlimited 4GLTE Data for $50.00 flat rate.
I use about 25GB per Month.
They use the TMOB network and I get about 25GBPS speed.
25GBps seems slightly unrealistic. Typo?
Posted from my Asus ZenFone 2.
25GBPS
So 250Gbps?
Or typo and a more plausible 25Mbps?
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LG-G2 on Lollipop.
Did you read the article, read it again, SLOWLY.
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Good.
It's always been in the terms. It was bound to happen at some point. With all the growth T-Mobile has had, capacity and network management is absolutely going to become more of a concern. If you have a single user consuming 2TB in one month, they are taking serious amounts of bandwidth all the time. It's not really fair to everyone else.
Also, he only called out 3000 people, or at least for now. I can guarantee there are far more than 3000 people who are exceeding their data limits in tethering this way. But while a lot of people do it, not everyone goes crazy and abuses the hell out of it. Using 10gb isn't going to make much impact compared to someone using 2tb, or even 500gb. It's like passing cars on the freeway at 70mph over the speed limit. You're going so much faster, you're going to get noticed. Going with the flow of traffic at 10mph over the limit is far less likely to get you noticed. You could still get caught, but the chances are MUCH lower.
Yeah, if they'd stop calling their plans "unlimited" that would be a start...
Unlimited Data with 7gb of tether..
It would be a start if people start reading the plan !!! Unlimited data on your phone with 7 GB tethering.
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It's not just data thieves that T-Mobile is throttling. My account is being flagged for "data prioritization" because I've exceeded 25GB of my unlimited data this month. No tethering, just streaming music, Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube. It's times like this that I regret giving up my unlimited Verizon. They never throttled me no matter how much data I used. And I used a lot, hundreds of gigs a month.
Just curious. Monetarily, are you saving a significant amount of money with Tmobile compared to Verizon?
I'm planning to stick with Unlimited Data on Big Red as long as possible.
Funny, my unlimited with Verizon was throttled like crazy. That is why I left. I would barely get 2-3 gbs. I couldn't even watch a YouTube. It took FOREVER to load something.
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that sucks, I have unlimited data on VZ and never been throttled ... I don't go over 7-10 though so maybe that's why. I live outside Philly if location has anything to do with it.
I had the same issue.
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Verizon will not throttle their unlimited customers when they are on the 700 LTE band, as long as you are paying them the $30 per month for your unlimited data and the $30 per month tethering fee. I think they got blocked from throttling / optimizing customers on the AWS LTE band, but I'm not certain. They have areas where the LTE network is pretty much worthless (around Mayfaire shopping center in Wilmington, NC and also Wrightsville Beach in the summer and between Thanksgiving and New Years) so perhaps you thought you were getting throttled but it was just the network being highly overloaded. I always pay the tethering fee if I am using my device for anything more than simply using my Chromebook for browsing (which is a random occurrence one day every other month or so, maybe 50 MB total), so I don't abuse the privilege, but I am sure some people do.
Anyway, there are places where literally the only way to get high speed unlimited internet is through a grandfathered Verizon unlimited data plan (High Rock Lake, NC near the hydroelectric dam, for example), and people should have planned for that instead of going to limited plans or switching carriers!
They are allowed to throttle (network optimize) users on their 3G network if you use more than 5 gigs a month...which makes the 3G network almost always completely worthless 90% of the time for me.
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That's because you're telling the truth and the other guy is full of shit.
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i use 30 gigs + monthly never once been throttled
Hundreds of GB a month, really, man are we glad you left big red, seriously how much pron do you watch.
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Exactly!
Posted via the Android Central App
I've NEVER been throttled on T-Mobile, and I've regularly used 20-30+ GB/mo.
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It's a pretty bold move to call customers "thieves" for using something they had to pay for ;-) But hey, why not customers just pay monthly fee for just having a service, and not using that? How much profit that would make?! ;-)
When your "agreement" states 7gb max tethering and you purposely circumvent the system to go beyond your agreement you are stealing.
Posted via the Android Central App
If you are tricking the system to make it believe the data is terminating on the phone and not the tethered device, and then you proceed to suck up 2tb of data.. yea... you're a thief! This is the same as having your house hooked up to power, but pulling power before you hit the actual meter. That's stealing when you circumvent the meter.
If you pay for 7 loaves of bread but end up taking and eating 10 loaves without paying for the extra 3 loaves you are being a thief. You stole those three extra loaves of bread. Now does it make sense?
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Crystal clear. I am not show how someone could miss the meaning.
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They're paying for unlimited data, they're entitled to unlimited data.
Simple as that.
Posted via the Android Central App on the Note5.
Totally that... If T-Mobile doesn't want to be a victim of their own marketing bullshit, just make what they do in Germany: "a flat rate, 2GB at full speed and then 50kbps"
That is absolute garbage. 2GB isnt enough to do anything. and 50kbps is utterly useless.
2 GB is plenty.....................in 1998
I'm a Brit, so perhaps I'm misreading the post it seems that you have unlimited data on your phone but a 7GB tethering cap. If that's the case more power to T-Mobile if not then as Komrath says - if they paid for unlimited tethering good luck to them
No you read it correctly!! It's everybody else who is reading it wrong. This is about tethering limits.
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You're reading it right. Lots of people are just babies who don't want to abide by their contract terms. Often they are too cheap to pay for home broadband.
1/10 of a percent isn't lots.
Most people behave.
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LG-G2 on Lollipop.
Its not that those people are cheap its just that they are tired of all the restrictions brought on by all big companies.
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They can always go out and start their own company. Look, technology isn't cheap, fast and reliable anyway. Data caos are coming to home ISP as well, unlimited is on the way out. It was fun while it lasted, but there are people like these .01% that have ruined it for others.
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Really? So you agreeing to their terms and then saying later " i don't like those terms so i am going to cheat the system" is ok to do? great, that is probably one reason why companies like verizon and att no longer do unlimited. because of selfish inconsiderate people that ruin it for everyone else. Great.
+1.864567 million
Posted via the Android Central App
-1
Posted via the Android Central App
No, you're correct. These are immature kids who have an entitlement complex and don't do research before they post.
T-mobile is a business, cell service is that, a service. I'm happy they are doing this and fuck those people who are abusing the system.
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Did you even read? They paid for unlimited data on their phone but not tethering. They are trying to find out those who are rooting and using mechanisms to bypass the 7GB tethering limit.
Completely fair to me, they are not advertising unlimited tethering, they are selling unlimited data for your phone and they will let you have that with no issues.
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+1
Posted via the Android Central App
This!
Posted via the Android Central App
Yup
Posted via the Android Central App
Read first, comment second.
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Entitled. Wow. Greedy much.
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Except the terms of that use didn't include tethering. So it's stealing.
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LG-G2 on Lollipop.
+1
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They are paying for unlimited and getting unlimited for their mobile phone. That's all. Tethering as a replacement for broadband is not included. These cheap asses can do like the rest of and pay for internet
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They are paying for unlimited data per that device, without tethering. If you use it as a hotspot you have 7gb of data, after that speeds are reduced. More than reasonable.
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completely agree with tmo. I have 0 problem if they want to offer data with a cap, but unlimited data is exactly that, unlimited, and this is about tethering, two different things.
Unlimited on their MOBILE device, not to be used to tether their home and business, there is A BIG difference, get educated.
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Please read the article...........
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Reading no fundamental
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So they're taking advantage of T mo's stupidity.
I have no problems with this. Maybe t mobile should fix this then instead of whining about it online.
Posted via the Android Central App on the Note5.
What? That's the thing they are doing. Fixing it by going after those who are misusing the unlimited data via tethering.
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You cant argue with someone who blames the victim.
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LG-G2 on Lollipop.
A little research can go a long way. They still have unlimited "LTE Data on their mobile device", but for tethering they are alotted "7gb of tethering data" which is then throttled so technically it's still unlimited just at lower speeds. so when you circumvent the network and "cheat" the data system then yes they have every right to stop it.
And so long as it's coming from their phone, and not the tethered device tricking the system into making it think the phone is where the data is terminating.. then yes... T-mobile has no leg to stand on. However, as was stated, people are tethering to their phone pulling the data which is unlimited, and making the system believe it's not coming from a tethered device, which does have a meter on it.
Idiot. Data is NOT data. Try reading before you run your mouth.
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I guess some took the meaning "unlimited" a bit too seriously
Posted from the LG G4 "Spigen + Anime" Edition. It says "Pointy end of the S Pen goes into the slot first. NOT the other way around".
Haha
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Reasonable enough to restrict someone bypassing the 7 GB tethering limit, unlimited is for your phone not to tether and use as broadband connection for your home or business..... Go get them T-Mobile !!!
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7GB seems more than ample. These people need to pay for cable or dsl Internet.
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What if cable or dsl isn't available?? I mean in the metro areas that tmo is available I would think its available...but who knows.
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I get that it might not be available in rural areas. But I'd also be willing to bet in most cases TMobile isn't going to be fast enough in those areas to use it heavily but may be your best option.
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So much for net neutrality... data is data. T-Mobile is calling out these users' ethics. I question the ethics of a company that would classify "tethering data" differently than "phone data."
If I watch an HD video on my phone, why can't I tether my network-enabled TV and watch the same video? What's the difference?
I realize most (if not all) cellular companies do this, but go back and read the comments on people espousing net neutrality and then read the comments here. There's a pretty big divide.
Great points here.
Agree...the FCC may strike back...they did to Verizon
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Exactly what did the FCC strike back at Verizon over that you're referring to? I don't believe it had anything to do with anything this article discusses.
No... it's not a good point.. not at all. There is a difference between data use and per-seat. The fact is that when you use your device on an unlimited plan, the device is the point of demarc. When you tether, you're attaching a different device to the smart phone creating a second demarc for data termination.
So here's the point. If you're using your phone itself and consuming the actual data to the phone, you're fine - that's the plan's terms. If you hook up a computer or second device and it is the one where the data is destined, then you re tethering that device to the phone. The keyword here is TETHER. You are adding a "seat" to the setup/term and that has been around, I'm guessing, a lot longer than most people posting here. Your tethered device has 7gb of data to use and then it's throttled and there is currently nothing wrong with that. You are buying an unlimited plan for your smart phone, and are being GIVEN a 7gb plan for a DEVICE you want to TETHER to the SMART PHONE.
Where you CAN run up the meter is when you download or watch HD video on your phone and then MIRROR your device with your TV... but if you're making a NETWORK CONNECTION from your TV TO YOUR PHONE, then it's a tether.
Network neutrality has NOTHING to do with tethered devices. And at no time has T-Mobile ever once said what you can and can't watch on your tethered devices.. it doesn't even stand in the way of the speeds of the data. You're just on a meter. And, some people are trying to TRICK the system into thinking that the actual data being pulled from the network is actually coming from the smart phone, not the tether.
I question the intelligence of people who have, for years, tried to bend the issue at every turn in order to skirt the system. With mentalities like yours, T-mobile will likely pull the plug on the complimentary tether plans all together and turn off tethering on smart phones and require hotspots. Is this what you want? ...I've been calling this for years back when people pulled these same stunts on cable TV,... just before we got data caps put in place.
In short - your argument and point is invalid as network neutrality has nothing to do with this.
Yea, plus multitasking on a computer can make your usage go crazy high. Multiple window browsing plus streaming plus downloads/torrenting...
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Always that one person.
Posted via the Android Central App
You would know.
Posted via the Android Central App
I'm not 100% familiar with demarc points. However, after doing a little reading, it seems that you'd still have a single demarc point (the phone) when tethering since it's using NAT. It's like using a router on a cable/dsl line. You only have 1 public IP but could have dozens of devices sharing it. Or am I not understanding demarc points?
"Net neutrality (also network neutrality, Internet neutrality, or net equality) is the principle that Internet service providers and governments should treat all data on the Internet equally, not discriminating or charging differentially by user, content, site, platform, application, type of attached equipment, or mode of communication."
Seems to me T-Mobile is discriminating by application (third-party tether vs their own/built-in tether app) and by type of attached equipment (tethered computer/tablet vs just the phone).
I could not disagree with your points any more. T-Mobile isn't discriminating against anything. They are just reiterating that YOUR PHONE only (not devices tethered to it) is allowed unlimited data. Any device tethered (i.e. NOT YOUR PHONE EXCLUSIVELY) is only allowed 7GB, and attempting to trick T-Mobile is against the agreement you signed when choosing T-Mobile.
Whether my phone is the ultimate end of the data stream or if it passes it off to another device shouldn't matter. The phone itself is the conduit. It is a classification (ie discriminating) to say this data is destined for the phone or this data is destined for another device beyond the phone.
Either all data sent to the phone is treated the same (ie data is data) or data is classified/discriminated/etc and some is considered ok and others not ok (phone vs tether).
With all those points said I can understand why they don't want you to have unlimited tether, but the rates at which they throttle you is fucking ridiculous.... 128KBs..... REALLY!? There are dial up connections faster than that shit, it should be criminal to reduce speeds tha low when tethering.
Net neutrality says T-Mo can't say you can use your data on sites A, B, and C and NOT on sites X, Y, and Z. If someone is violating the terms of the agreement they signed when establishing service, it has NOTHING to do with net neutrality. These idiots are ruining it for the rest of us.
What if the terms of the agreement would say you cannot use your data on sites X, Y, and Z? Based on your logic ("If someone is violating the terms of the agreement they signed when establishing service, it has NOTHING to do with net neutrality."), it wouldn't have anything to do with net neutrality. But, that also contradicts your first sentence. So, I'm just confused by your comment.
If those were the terms, then it would be a violation of net neutrality and the FCC would hopefully step in. Nothing about net neutrality is related to amount of data used -- it's about discrimination against sites or services. Every other wireless carrier sells data by amount. We're fortunate T-Mobile still has an unlimited option. T-Mobile has no unlimited tethering option -- nor do any of the other wireless carriers.
According to the terms of service, you can only tether with the built-in app to 7GB. That is perfectly legitimate. However, under net neutrality, they cannot force you to use their app to tether. You can use any app. Since they have no way to distinguish between tethered data and phone data with third-party apps (unless they discriminate data), it's not a breach of the terms of service and it complies with net neutrality.
How does net neutrality have anything to do with what app you use to tether? That would be app neutrality, not net neutrality ;)
Look up any definition of net neutrality and it'll include apps.
There is no official definition -- that's why it has taken legislators so long to "figure it out." In its simplest form, net (as in network) neutrality is the idea that the network does not prioritize, block or favor traffic to/from one destination over another. Current FCC law states that ISPs may not charge for Internet "fast lanes" where a company such as ESPN, for example, could pay your ISP to ensure their site loads faster than any other sports site out there. It does not require ISPs to provide certain speed tiers, does not prohibit throttling (as long as it's done equally to all traffic from all services) and does not ban usage caps. It is permitted that ISPs can sell you data buckets and charge you overages if you exceed those predefined amounts of data. T-Mobile's terms of service provide you with a 7 GB bucket of data for tethering. Whether you are tethering through the default app or another app does not matter. If you exceed 7 GB of data while tethering, you are violating their terms of service. I'm not sure why you are confused -- it's pretty straight forward. These people are knowingly violating the usage terms and are mad because they are getting caught. The FCC's net neutrality laws do not make it okay for people to violate T-Mobile's perfectly legal usage terms.
https://www.google.com/?#q=net%20neutrality
"the principle that Internet service providers should enable access to all content and APPLICATIONS regardless of the source, and without favoring or blocking particular products or websites."
Wikipedia:
"Net neutrality (also network neutrality, Internet neutrality, or net equality) is the principle that Internet service providers and governments should treat all data on the Internet equally, not discriminating or charging differentially by user, content, site, platform, APPLICATIONS, type of attached equipment, or mode of communication."
Caps/emphasis are mine.
At some point the line needs to be drawn so that other users on the same network aren't affected by people who literally hog all the bandwidth and slow everyone else down. T-Mobile isn't necessarily making the distinction between "phone" and "tethering" data, but drawing the line at the AMOUNT these people are using in a specific situation (one that was never unlimited in the first place). If they decided to go after people who were streaming Netflix on their phones, this would be a different story, of course.
A mobile data network simply cannot keep up with wired cable internet services, let alone one as small as T-Mobile's network. The tethering restriction of 7GB is in place because typically devices that are tethered (desktops and laptops) use high amounts of data, with the potential of using MASSIVE amounts (Netflix and torrenting). T-Mobile is primarily a mobile phone provider, and it is in their (and their customers') best interest to keep the majority of the data usage to phones, not computers.
Besides, when you signed on with T-Mobile, you agreed to keep it below 7GB while tethering or be throttled. I think T-Mobile has more than shown that they are all for giving their customers the freedom of unlimited data and protecting the speed of that data seems to be a priority for them, so I am OK with all of this.
How would they know the AMOUNT unless they were discriminating the data?
For clarification discriminate in this context is "recognize a distinction; differentiate."
My original point was that people were praising net neutrality. This falls under that and now people want to put limits on it. How fickle people can be.
This has nothing to do with net neutrality.
If T-Mobile said you can't watch Netflix but only Amazon prime, that would be a net neutrality issue.
T-Mobile is saying that you can't turn your phone into a hotspot and use your personal account as ISP for everybody in your dorm.
I agree that you first scenario is a specific example of a net neutrality issue.
However, net neutrality as a whole, is much broader than favoring one service over another.
You sound like the kind of guy who parks his car across 2 or 3 parking spaces just because "I'm in a parking lot. I should be allowed to park here."
If the parking lot was governed by the principle that all parking styles are treated equally (even the a-holish one you are describing.. for the record, I hate it, too), then I would definitely say, "either change the rule or deal with the consequences."
Again, my original point is that everyone is for net neutrality (which includes using any app you want on your phone... including third-party hotspot apps) but then against this because it affects their service.
Reminds me of gov't spending. Across the board people think we should cut gov't spending. But when it comes to specifics, no one wants their particular program cut.
Nobody seems to want to grasp the point that, these may or may not be your opinions on the subject, but that's irrelevant... Rather, they are a contradiction to net neutrality, which you've REPEATEDLY stated!
Simply put and based upon current LAW, TMo wants to have it's cake and eat it too.
"Even today a cell can only handle so many concurrent users at a time. This is why you are not suppose to substitute cell for home broadband."
Funny that you say that because T-Mobile does sell home broadband: http://www.androidcentral.com/e?link=http%3A%2F%2Ft-mobile.7eer.net%2Fc%...
Reading is fundamental
Just curious. How they would managed you this if you used a vpn.
Capturing ttl values is one easy and very possible way. With each extra device, there is one extra hop, reducing the ttl value that is default for the operating system. And even with a VPN, the ttl value will still be decremented, so you can still identify it without even having to use any invasive measures.
For example, Windows uses a ttl value of 128. When you connect through your phone, even with VPN, the ttl will still be reduced by 1 to 127 due to the extra routing step between Windows and the network. So, T-Mobile can just capture ttl values and they will know immediately that a ttl of 127 means Windows tethering. And then just compare to recorded official tethering usage. And Linux/Mac/Android/iPhone all use a ttl of 64. So if the data all has a ttl of 64, they know it's coming directly from the phone. If it's 63, that means it's a Linux, Mac, Android or iOS device tethered through a smartphone.
And there are other ways too. This one is probably the easiest, however and detects even VPN users.
Yeah but what about TTL spoofing (with an app like TTL Editor) + VPN?
+1
Posted via the Android Central App
If ttl is the only measurement used, that may work. But we don't really know what exactly is being used. I didn't mention it because I don't want to help the assholes that are ruining it for everyone.
Lol that sucks
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Love the words, "It's over."