Hi All,
I recently picked up an iPad Air (original, not '2') direct from Apple a few months ago. Decided I would stay a loyal AT&T customer and get the model compatible with their network. Turns out, after literally months of research and having contacted AT&T representatives numerous times, it turns out I have been lied to.
Here's the gist: I don't have a month-to-month plan on the iPad, nor do I plan on purchasing one. One of my primary reasons for getting the iPad was to utilize the 'hotspot' feature, essentially using it as a router for my computer while away on business. Hotel Wi-Fi is horrible and I am often on commuter trains.
Unfortunately/fortunately, my phone's data plan is grandfathered into the original unlimited data plan from yesteryear - something I have zero intention of changing. But the caveat is that I cannot use my phone as a hotspot device - enter my intentions with the iPad.
Here's where the outright lies come into play. Turns out, despite checking so many times with representatives on the phone, online, and in person, I cannot purchase just 'any' data plan with my iPad. I originally purchased the $30 for 3GB (lasts for 30 days) of data which would more than suit my needs while traveling this week. Much to my surprise and disappointment, I found the 'hotspot' feature to remain disabled. After speaking with literally 6 people at AT&T, being bounced around from department to department, I finally found a representative to explain to me that the only plan that supports tethering/hotspot access is the 5GB plan -- meaning that I would need to spend $50 for a 30 day plan. Outrageous! Especially considering I could find very little CLEAR information about any of this on their website - hence my reasoning for checking all of this for months ahead in the first place.
SO... here's my dilemma.
I'd like to either exchange (via sell and buy a new one - I'm well past my return date) or possibly change out SIM cards if that's even a possibility. I have no idea how any of that works. What are my options?
AND most important, is there a resource and/or personal referrals of each carrier and their data plan costs THAT INCLUDES whether tethering is included? (For instance, at AT&T the 3GB for $30 plan does not support hotspot; only the 5GB for $50 does.) It is important to note that I am not looking for a monthly plan as I will only be traveling infrequently. Need to buy packages on an 'as needed basis'.
Really hoping you can help me. The information I've searched online for the last 48 hours seems to turn up very little true information.
Thanks!!
TL;DR
- Newish iPad Air purchased with LTE on AT&T system.
- Personal Hotspot feature to connect to Macbook disabled unless I pay $50 per month for 5GB data.
- Outraged at AT&T for bad customer service, disingenuous marketing tactics.
- Looking to switch providers if possible. Only looking for month-to-month as needed plan, e.g., no contracts.
- Which carriers support the hotspot feature and at what price level? Are there any catches?
I recently picked up an iPad Air (original, not '2') direct from Apple a few months ago. Decided I would stay a loyal AT&T customer and get the model compatible with their network. Turns out, after literally months of research and having contacted AT&T representatives numerous times, it turns out I have been lied to.
Here's the gist: I don't have a month-to-month plan on the iPad, nor do I plan on purchasing one. One of my primary reasons for getting the iPad was to utilize the 'hotspot' feature, essentially using it as a router for my computer while away on business. Hotel Wi-Fi is horrible and I am often on commuter trains.
Unfortunately/fortunately, my phone's data plan is grandfathered into the original unlimited data plan from yesteryear - something I have zero intention of changing. But the caveat is that I cannot use my phone as a hotspot device - enter my intentions with the iPad.
Here's where the outright lies come into play. Turns out, despite checking so many times with representatives on the phone, online, and in person, I cannot purchase just 'any' data plan with my iPad. I originally purchased the $30 for 3GB (lasts for 30 days) of data which would more than suit my needs while traveling this week. Much to my surprise and disappointment, I found the 'hotspot' feature to remain disabled. After speaking with literally 6 people at AT&T, being bounced around from department to department, I finally found a representative to explain to me that the only plan that supports tethering/hotspot access is the 5GB plan -- meaning that I would need to spend $50 for a 30 day plan. Outrageous! Especially considering I could find very little CLEAR information about any of this on their website - hence my reasoning for checking all of this for months ahead in the first place.
SO... here's my dilemma.
I'd like to either exchange (via sell and buy a new one - I'm well past my return date) or possibly change out SIM cards if that's even a possibility. I have no idea how any of that works. What are my options?
AND most important, is there a resource and/or personal referrals of each carrier and their data plan costs THAT INCLUDES whether tethering is included? (For instance, at AT&T the 3GB for $30 plan does not support hotspot; only the 5GB for $50 does.) It is important to note that I am not looking for a monthly plan as I will only be traveling infrequently. Need to buy packages on an 'as needed basis'.
Really hoping you can help me. The information I've searched online for the last 48 hours seems to turn up very little true information.
Thanks!!
TL;DR
- Newish iPad Air purchased with LTE on AT&T system.
- Personal Hotspot feature to connect to Macbook disabled unless I pay $50 per month for 5GB data.
- Outraged at AT&T for bad customer service, disingenuous marketing tactics.
- Looking to switch providers if possible. Only looking for month-to-month as needed plan, e.g., no contracts.
- Which carriers support the hotspot feature and at what price level? Are there any catches?
