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AT&T Consistently Overcharges for Data Use: Suit

Investigators left iPhones unused for 10 days in probe

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted May 20, 2011 10:32 AM CDT

(Newser) – AT&T “systematically” overcharges customers for data usage on their iPhones and iPads, a probe finds. In a lawsuit, investigators say the firm overcharges by 7% to 14% on a regular basis—and that charges have in some cases reached up to 300% of what they should be, the Daily Mail reports. In the study, AT&T overcharged for “every single” transaction, says a lawyer.

Investigators left brand-new iPhones unused for 10 days, with all internet-accessing software turned off. But their bill charged for 35 transactions. Engineers measured the quantity of data downloaded to determine the overcharging percentages. AT&T called the charges “without merit,” saying they “reflect a misunderstanding of the way data is measured.” Consumers, the firm says, may not realize the amount of data used in automatic updates and background processes.

In this April 28, 2011 photo, a customer holds a white iPhone at the Apple store on New York's Upper West Side. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

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AT&T Consistently Overcharges for Data Use: Suit

Investigators left iPhones unused for 10 days in probe

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