[whmurray]

I do not understand the title of this thread. It is not about AT&T "getting ready" to do anything. It is not about "data." It is not even about the iPhone.

It is about AT&T enforcing its terms of use for data while roaming on other networks.

It is not even an abuse of its exclusive contract with Apple for the iPhone. They are simply saying that if you use large amounts of data while roaming on other networks, they cannot make money on you and do not want your business. They do not appreciate or value customer loyalty and are not willing to deal with marginally profitable customers to retain them.

All that said, this policy is one more piece of evidence that the "steaming pile of failure" does not get it. They are clueless. Instead of building out their network and services to efficiently provide what people want, they try to restrict use to what they can make money on with their limited facilities. While they may be able to get away with such policies in the short run, they cannot do so in the long run.

4G cellular will provide more network independence than 3G; they will have more competition. Their competitors are investing both in 4G and in customer loyalty.