June 26th in iPad News by

Throwing the Book at AT&T and Apple

The iPad 3G data plan offered by AT&T seemed like a grand deal when first announced at the iPad’s January 27 unveiling of the device. Those opting for the unlimited data plan would be able to do so, contract-free for $30 per month. Alternatively, if you wanted only wanted to use 250 MB of 3G data, you could do so for a scant $15 per month. That is until the bait and switch occurred June 2nd.

AT&T, one of, if not the most hated wireless carrier on the planet and possibly the entire galaxy, revealed that the unlimited 3G data plan was being done away with in favor of a plan offering 2GB of data for $25 per month. Consumers were, well, let’s just say, not pleased.

The end of unlimited data plans meant the beginning of the legal battle. Friday, a class action lawsuit has been filed against both Apple and AT&T, claiming misrepresentation and fraud. In particular, those filing suit allege Apple and AT&T “deceptively promoted” the 3G iPad.  Specifically, the plaintiffs in the nationwide suit allege that both Apple and AT&T “deceptively promoted” the data options available to customers. While current unlimited data subscribers could keep their unlimited data plans, should they decide to choose a lower priced data plan for one month, the consumer would lose the option to return to the unlimited option.

One of the selling points of the 3G iPad  were the 3G data options, which AT&T abruptly changed not only on those that already owned an 3G iPad, but those that had ordered prior to the announced data plan changes, but who had to wait on their device to arrive due to supply shortages. To one with a legal background, or anyone with half a brain, AT&T’s actions are an example of a classic bait and switch.  Apple’s role in the whole issue is a little less clear. While it is possible that they knew of AT&T’s plans to change their 3G data pricing structure, nothing is certain and it will be interesting to see what evidence comes to light if and when there is a trial.

Will the plaintiff’s case succeed? Is AT&T guilty of a bait and switch? Is Apple?

The author of this post is

Chief Overseer of C4 Universe, attorney, write for C4 Universe, The Next Web, iPad Fan, and other sites. On any social network under jffcrmr. http://about.me/jffcrmr

Visit Jeff Cormier's website

 

  • Jose

    I couldn't believe what I was reading. I have been hunting down an iPad 3G for the past month or so. With this notice, I might as well just go for the regular iPad + something like the MiFi or Overdrive.

    It seems to me that AT&T has really gone down. And as sad as it is for me to admit it, since there is no greater Apple product lover that yours truly, but it also seems to me that Apple had to know about this. There is no way AT&T would hide such a change from them or just reveal it suddenly. They had to know at least a month ahead.

  • Pingback: Apple and AT&T Sued Over iPad Data Plan Change | The Apple iPad Fan | Sideswipad

  • ROBERTRIVERA909

    YEAH IPAD RULES IDC GEMINI SUCKS BALLS

  • ROBERTRIVERA909

    a&TT BULLSHIT ALWAYS TRYING TO RIP PEOPLE OFF

  • Bballn33

    you idiot. first of all, there is multitasking. second i don't want flash on there, the browser would crash on every other website. and the iphone 4 is the best smartphone out there. read the reviews man. plus the death grip your talking about, you literally have to go out of your way to make that happen, you gotta hold it with two fingers on each of the little slits. who holds it like that?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Mane-Raieq/100000930799771 Mane Raieq

    i really dot't like AT&T, I have 3g iPhone and i almost finished my 2 years contract, it is my right now to use my phone with any carrier i choose. Why they keeps our phones locked. otherwise my iPhone will be useless.

  • icyyy

    You have to be an idiot to think that anything can beat the iPad. Well, let me, illuminated as I am, tell you that nothing can.

  • Albert

    I can't wait until the iPhone gets on Verizon.

  • http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/M6ZHI4UAAL3ZU6BSVEHKCBHNYI Rob

    Apple did choose them as a provider. And continues to do business with them. You dont think they had a say in it. Look at that crappy wireless that it has on it? No flash, no multi task. Why would you buy one anyways. Look at the iphone 4. What a piece of crap that thing is. The nerve of steve jobs to say “You are holding it wrong.”

  • http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/M6ZHI4UAAL3ZU6BSVEHKCBHNYI Rob

    You would have to be a idiot to buy a ipad anyways. Wait for a real tablet like the IDC Gemini

  • mommaDC

    AT&T is the guilty party! They control the data plan not Apple. Also after they made the switch they were still allowing unlimited for some of their smartphones but not all of their smartphones. AT&T ever since the Cingular Merger has done a lot of things that are just poor business practices.

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