A new T-Mobile internal memo has leaked, detailing the increased enforcement of the existing Terms & Conditions regarding the allowed usage of the unlimited data access on those specific service plans, which restricts the specific activities outlined below:
“Using the Service in connection with server devices or host computer applications, including continuous Web camera posts or broadcasts, automatic data feeds, automated machine-to-machine connections or peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing applications that are broadcast to multiple servers or recipients, “bots” or similar routines that could disrupt net user groups or email use by others or other applications that denigrate network capacity or functionality.“
“T-mobile has identified customers who are heavy data users and are engaged in peer-to-peer file sharing, and tethering outside of T-Mobile’s Terms and Conditions (T&C). This results in a negative data network experience for T-Mobile customers. Beginning August 17, T-Mobile will begin to address customers who are conducting activities outside of T-Mobile’s T&Cs.”
While the above is not as severe as Verizon’s planned changes for those on the older unlimited data plans, it’s important to note that carriers have always had some sort of the above language for years, yet it didn’t completely prevent such activities from taking place. The increased enforcement begins on August 17th and will consist of throttling for a full billing cycle after being warned of abusing the service under the Terms and Conditions, though T-Mobile also reserves the right to disconnect those users with no warning or legal recourse for the customer.
With T-Mobile taking a much gentler approach to data network management, it remains to be seen whether the behavior will be reduced in the next month and whether the FCC will raise any concerns regarding the increased enforcement, especially as the FCC has ruled that tethering apps with or without direct carrier sanctioning are still legal.
