Those lucky AT&T customers who were able to get grandfathered unlimited data plans will lose unlimited data for using unauthorized data tethering and mobile hotspot apps such as MyWi as soon as August 11.
"Earlier this year, we began sending letters, emails, and text messages
to a small number of smartphone customers who use their devices for
tethering but aren't on our required tethering plan. Our goal here is
fairness for all of our customers," an AT&T spokesman wrote in an email.
Unauthorized tethering and hotspot users have been given three options in letters, emails and text messages sent to them:
- Stop tethering and keep current plan (including grandfathered unlimited plan).
- Call AT&T or visit a stores and move to the required tethering plan.
- Do nothing and AT&T will add the tethering plan, after the date noted in their customer notification. The plan includes 2GB of smartphone data and 2GB of tethering data for $45 a month.
9to5Mac reported that the process will start as early as August 11. While AT&T reps have said the date will depend on the date the user was notified.