AT&T FaceTime Restriction Is Simple Extortion

22.08.2012
AT&T is embroiled in controversy after revealing that only customers subscribed to certain plans will have access to . AT&T has attempted to explain its way out of the mess, but the fact is that AT&T is using FaceTime as a bargaining chip to force customers to the new data plans.

Critics have accused the AT&T policy of violating FCC net neutrality rules. Skype, Google+, and other video chat apps are able to be used freely without regard for which data plan the customer subscribes to, so why should AT&T single out FaceTime?

AT&T to defend itself against those allegations. AT&T explains that the FCC regulations do not require that AT&T allow any pre-installed apps at all, and simply prevent AT&T from blocking apps that might compete with its own voice or video technologies

AT&T points out that it doesn't even have a competing video chat app, so this particular net neutrality rule can't apply. From AT&T's perspective, the limitations its placing on FaceTime over 3G and 4G cellular networks are really an altruistic move to help customers out. "With the introduction of iOS6, we will extend the availability of the preloaded FaceTime to our mobile broadband network for our Mobile Share data plans which were designed to make more data available to consumers."

I'll grant AT&T a pass on the net neutrality violation based on the technicalities it pointed out. However--net neutrality aside--the decision to extort customers to switch to more expensive plans is still indefensible.

It 's questionable whether switching to one of the new AT&T "Mobile Share" plans is a good idea for many customers. It may make sense for some families, or people connecting and using multiple mobile devices, but mileage will vary greatly depending on just how much data is being used, or what voice and text messaging plan the customer is currently using.