AT&T, Apple Getting Sued Over Removal Of Unlimited iPad Data Plan

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The iPad 3G was announced and at the same time it was touted as having an option for unlimited data. And it was also confirmed that the unlimited plan truly was unlimited. Originally that plan was selling for $30 per month, except its no longer available. Of course, I would imagine that most of our readers have already heard that story.

Still, people feel that AT&T and Apple offered up what was essentially a bait and switch. Or more specifically they feel as if the iPad 3G and the data plans were “deceptively promoted.” And coming as a little bit of news that makes you wonder what took so long — there has now been a class action lawsuit filed against AT&T and Apple citing “fraud and misrepresentation.”

According to the complaint, iPad 3G users that choose to go with the 250MB plan essentially had their ability to upgrade to an unlimited plan at a later time removed. Furthermore customers can no longer switch back and forth between unlimited and 250MB plans — something that was clearly stated as an option by AT&T and Apple. Finally, the complaint is saying that potential iPad purchasers were convinced to get a 3G iPad due to the unlimited data plan being available.

Me personally, I am pretty sure this does not make the complaint any more valid, but I agree on all points. I cannot really imagine ever wanting to switch to 250MB or cancel my plan for a month or two, but the option is no longer available for me, not unless I want to give up what I currently have. As for the convincing to get an iPad 3G, that is spot on, I purchased the 3G iPad for the simple fact of having a truly unlimited data plan available.

Honestly it feels a little bait and switch to me, but then again I believe the statements that most people do not use nearly as much data as they think. In that case its probably not a big deal to have a 2GB cap. That said, I am currently on the unlimited plan myself. Which is nice, except that I can never cancel that plan because if I do I will not be able to get it again. And yes, I use more than 2GB each month. Mostly thanks to Netflix, but that story is for another post.

Either way, the suit has been filed and now we will see where it goes.