AT&T is struggling under the weight of its own wireless network and is now asking users to limit their data usage, according to The New York Times. Analysts are concerned that over usage of smartphones leads to delayed text messages, voicemail, and slow download speeds, which lead to angry customers.
The problem with asking customers to scale back? Most plans for the iPhone (carried exclusively by AT&T in the U.S.) offer unlimited data usage. Potential solutions include payment options similar to pay-as-you go plans, but some may balk at this suggestion after hearing that 40 percent of AT&T data usage comes from only 3 percent of AT&T users.
The downloading time and data availability issues are part of a larger problem, however. Smartphone use is increasing exponentially, and more cells are needed to handle the traffic. AT&T responded by announcing plans for 2,000 additional cell sites across the nation and an app, called "Mark the Spot," where users can submit reports of spotty coverage, data issues, or dropped calls.
