Verizon Wireless will start offering the iPhone on Feb. 10 with a draw that AT&T Inc. no longer offers to new subscribers: a plan with unlimited data usage. But The Associated Press has learned that some AT&T iPhone users on limited plans won’t need to move to Verizon for all-you-can-eat data.
In an unadvertised loophole, AT&T has allowed subscribers who have had an unlimited data plan in the past to switch back. That includes anyone who had an iPhone before June, when the limited plans took effect.
Jose Argumedo, of Brentwood, N.Y., says he and a friend were switched to an unlimited plan recently after they called AT&T’s customer service. Both have iPhone 4s, and previously had earlier iPhone models.
AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel wouldn’t confirm the option to return to an unlimited plan.
“We handle customers and their situations individually, and we’re not going to discuss specifics,” he said.
The company has allowed iPhone and smart-phone users with unlimited-data plans to keep them when upgrading directly to a new phone. It’s the option to return to an unlimited plan after going limited that’s been secret.
Another iPhone subscriber on a limited plan called AT&T to see if he could switch to the unlimited one, but was told he couldn’t because he hadn’t previously had the unlimited version.
The unlimited plan costs $30 per month. There are two limited plans: one that provides 200 megabytes of data for $15 per month, and another that provides 2 gigabytes of data for $25 per month. Above that limit, every gigabyte costs $10.
‘Do Not Track’ tool available
The Firefox and Google Chrome browsers are getting tools to help users block advertisers from collecting information about them.
Alex Fowler, a technology and privacy officer for Firefox maker Mozilla, said the “Do Not Track” tool will be the first in a series of steps designed to guard privacy. He didn’t say when the tool will be available.
Google Chrome users can now download a browser plug-in that blocks advertisers — but only from ad networks that already let people decline personalized, targeted ads. According to Google Inc., these include the top 15 advertising networks, as rated by the research group comScore, a group that includes AOL Inc., Yahoo Inc. and Google itself.
The next version of Microsoft Corp.’s Internet Explorer browser, which is still being developed, will include a similar feature, though people will have to create or find their own lists of sites they want to block.
Google and Mozilla, however, are developing tracking-protection tools that will work automatically — once people decide to turn on that privacy feature, that is.
Microsoft, Google and Mozilla’s promises of stronger privacy comes on the heels of government complaints that online advertisers are able to collect too much data about people in their quest to target ads.
Last month, the Federal Trade Commission recommended the creation of a “Do Not Track” tool that would invite consumers to restrict advertisers from collecting information about them, including the websites they visit, the links they click, their Internet searches and their online purchases.
Satellite broadband services gets Fed OK
Federal regulators have given a satellite start-up called LightSquared clearance to use its allotted airwaves to provide wireless broadband services that could compete with AT&T and Verizon Wireless.
The Federal Communications Commission is granting the Reston, Va., company a waiver from federal rules limiting the use of those airwaves to providing back-up wireless connections for satellite phone service. Without the waiver, LightSquared’s network could only be used to provide ground-based broadband service if it can also connect to a satellite.
Associated Press
LightSquared, launched in July by private-equity firm Harbinger Capital Partners, has the spectrum because Harbinger already owns satellite company SkyTerra.
LightSquared is building a nationwide data network that can handle voice calls, but won’t offer conventional cell phone service. The company also offers slower mobile satellite services.
“Having an extra player in the mobile broadband field increases competition and provides consumers with more choices,” the FCC said in a statement.
LightSquared plans to sell its wireless broadband service on a wholesale basis to retailers, mobile device makers, Web content developers and even cable companies. They would then resell the service to consumers under their own brands. It’s a 4G network, the super-fast variety that existing phone companies such as AT&T and Verizon are building.
Associated Press
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