FCC Fines AT&T $100 Million For Slowing Down ‘Unlimited’ Data

The Federal Communications Commission fined AT&T for $100 million for slowing down internet speeds for customers with "unlimited" data plans.

The FCC found that once customers reached a certain data limit, AT&T slowed down, or "throttled" their Internet speed to the point where they were noticeably slower than usual. Millions of AT&T customers were affected by this "throttling."

AT&T says they plan on fighting the $100 million fine—the largest in history.

Many complained to the FCC as far back as 2011 when the company began to intentionally slow down speeds.

Many consumers were puzzled being they were under the impression that they had purchased "unlimited" data. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler believes that AT&T customers deserved to get what they paid for.

Broadband providers must be upfront and transparent about the services they provide. The FCC will not stand idly by while consumers are deceived by misleading marketing materials and insufficient disclosure.

Many AT&T subscribers had Internet speeds slowed down to the level of dial-up when they should have been getting speeds of more than 30 megabits per second. According to Washington Post thats 60 times slower than what they agreed on purchasing.

AT&T is disputing the charges

The FCC has specifically identified this practice as a legitimate and reasonable way to manage network resources for the benefit of all customers, and has known for years that all of the major carriers use it. We have been fully transparent with our customers, providing notice in multiple ways and going well beyond the FCC’s disclosure requirements.

Have you ever experienced "throttled" speeds? Do you believe AT&T should be forced to pay the fine?

[via Washington Post]