Forced into a change of terms for data plans

I have been with AT&T (BellSouth at that time) since 2000. Back when they started offering Internet access not too many people signed up, so AT&T offered free low-speed Internet access. Access was completely free, but data rates were limited to 8KBaud or something like that. Because of that service I have stayed with AT&T.

Last month I found that AT&T turned off my free Internet access without notifying me and started charging me for data. A $75 charge was added for the data that I used. I called to complain and found that they had changed my plan. Since I had not authorized such a change I told them to put it back. They refused, got belligerent saying that they can change their plans anytime they want to, and that I should be happy I'm getting the $75 charge reversed. That's the ol' AT&T I'm used to!

Perhaps part of the problem is that I have moved to Montana a few months ago. I just checked AT&T's coverage map to find that my area is not covered by AT&T but by a "partner". I suspect that my recent change in my plan was associated with charges from their partner. Not wanting to handle these roaming costs, AT&T yanked a key reason for me staying with them.

My plan was nationwide free roaming and free data (got the old bills in PDF that show the feature for my plan). I did not have a text plan nor used texting even though it was enabled.

Can they do this? Sure, they just did. I guess I mean, can they do this legally? It seems to be an abuse, and I feel abused by AT&T.

Feature on my plan said:
/NO CHARGE WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS

Thanks,

-Victim of the "New AT&T" (sure seems like the old one)

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› See More: Forced into a change of terms for data plans

They have the right to change terms, although most times they allow grandfathered plans. If they change terms, you have the right to terminate service without Early Termination Fee.

It states in the original contract that AT&T can change their terms at anytime with or without notice. You cannot terminated without an ETF, even if they changed your plan...YOU AGREED to the possibility of this happening.

Also, AT&T may terminate your service for you if you use a roaming partner for an excess of 3 months straight. This is because AT&T doesn't charge you for roaming, but the roaming partner charges them.

Another fact...considering you've been with this company for around 9 years, I'm sure you've upgraded your device and signed multiple new agreements over the years (considering AT&T faded out the TDMA technology, which Bell South devices used). Every time you upgrade, some features that you used to have with older plans may not be available any longer. Upgrading gives carriers the opportunity to change your plan to their newest plans and services...and to upgrade, you MUST get the newest plans.

It also states the following (copied from the "terms of service")

IF WE INCREASE THE PRICE OF ANY OF THE SERVICES TO WHICH YOU SUBSCRIBE, BEYOND THE LIMITS SET FORTH IN YOUR RATE PLAN BROCHURE, OR IF WE MATERIALLY DECREASE THE GEOGRAPHICAL AREA IN WHICH YOUR AIRTIME RATE APPLIES (OTHER THAN A TEMPORARY DECREASE FOR REPAIRS OR MAINTENANCE), WE WILL DISCLOSE THE CHANGE AT LEAST ONE BILLING CYCLE IN ADVANCE (EITHER THROUGH A NOTICE WITH YOUR BILL, A TEXT MESSAGE TO YOUR DEVICE, OR OTHERWISE), AND YOU MAY TERMINATE THIS AGREEMENT WITHOUT PAYING AN EARLY TERMINATION FEE OR RETURNING OR PAYING FOR ANY PROMOTIONAL ITEMS, PROVIDED YOUR NOTICE OF TERMINATION IS DELIVERED TO US WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE FIRST BILL REFLECTING THE CHANGE.

This does not apply to features, which are not part of your service contract.