Claim forms go out to 'Apple Class Members' for iPad 3G unlimited data lawsuit
As part of a proposed settlement over AT&T's cancellation of unlimited iPad data plans, a batch of eligibility claim forms were sent out to the suit's class members, or consumers who purchased Apple's first-generation iPad with 3G cellular connectivity.
On Wednesday, the forms were distributed via email to customers who ordered a 3G-enabled iPad on or before June 7, 2010, and asks that Apple Class Members submit the provided personal claim number to be eligible to receive benefits from a joint settlement proposed by Apple and AT&T.
By submitting the claim form, class members will be affirming that the ability to switch in and out of AT&T's now defunct unlimited iPad data plan was a factor in their decision to purchase Apple's tablet.
In September, U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Whyte approved a settlement from both Apple and AT&T that proposed Apple will pay $40 to every U.S. resident who bought or ordered a first-gen iPad with cellular connectivity.
By settling, Apple and AT&T are avoiding costly court fees, and the notice points out that the terms are not an admission of guilt by either party.
The class action suit deals with AT&T's decision to do away with unlimited iPad plans first offered when the tablet debuted in 2010. As some customers may have purchased one or more iPads based on the promise of flexible data plans, the telecom's abrupt axing of the program warrants damages, the suit says.
Following the shutoff of unlimited iPad data, AT&T offered tiered plans capped at 2GB per month, but iPad owners can now go as high as 5GB per month. Those who signed up for unlimited data were allowed to keep their month-to-month plans under the condition that there be no break in payments. It is unknown how many of these "grandfathered" accounts remain active.
In addition to the $40 payout, eligible class members are also be entitled to a discount of $20 per month on AT&T's current 5GB tier offering, bringing the end cost down to $30 per month. If AT&T changes pricing, the $20 discount will applied to the new cost structure.
On Wednesday, the forms were distributed via email to customers who ordered a 3G-enabled iPad on or before June 7, 2010, and asks that Apple Class Members submit the provided personal claim number to be eligible to receive benefits from a joint settlement proposed by Apple and AT&T.
By submitting the claim form, class members will be affirming that the ability to switch in and out of AT&T's now defunct unlimited iPad data plan was a factor in their decision to purchase Apple's tablet.
In September, U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Whyte approved a settlement from both Apple and AT&T that proposed Apple will pay $40 to every U.S. resident who bought or ordered a first-gen iPad with cellular connectivity.
By settling, Apple and AT&T are avoiding costly court fees, and the notice points out that the terms are not an admission of guilt by either party.
The class action suit deals with AT&T's decision to do away with unlimited iPad plans first offered when the tablet debuted in 2010. As some customers may have purchased one or more iPads based on the promise of flexible data plans, the telecom's abrupt axing of the program warrants damages, the suit says.
Following the shutoff of unlimited iPad data, AT&T offered tiered plans capped at 2GB per month, but iPad owners can now go as high as 5GB per month. Those who signed up for unlimited data were allowed to keep their month-to-month plans under the condition that there be no break in payments. It is unknown how many of these "grandfathered" accounts remain active.
In addition to the $40 payout, eligible class members are also be entitled to a discount of $20 per month on AT&T's current 5GB tier offering, bringing the end cost down to $30 per month. If AT&T changes pricing, the $20 discount will applied to the new cost structure.
Comments
They advertised and sold the "unlimited data plans" but indeed AT&T as usual is the greedy liar in the story. Why anyone would do business with these despicable thieves is beyond me. T-Mobile will be offering free 200MB/month for its iPad data plan, an incredibly generous offer that's enough to cover anybody's light browsing and email. I'm so glad the FCC rejected AT&T's merger proposal. AT&T must die.
Yay! Hopefully mine comes in the mail tomorrow!
Yay! Hopefully mine comes in the mail tomorrow!
Me too. Thanks ai...
Not sure why Apple'd be a party to this when it was AT&T that bent their customers over and screwed them, not Apple.
I believe it’s known as the “deep pockets” theory. Apple has deeper pockets than AT&T so they were included in the class action. Show me the money!
Update: I re-read the form and it does apply to me. Users qualify for $40 from Apple if they purchased before XX date, bought the 3G model, and say they bought 3G intending to use it. They get an additional benefit from ATT if they never signed up for ATT service. So I filed for the $40.
As a stockholder, I feel like ATT should be chipping in more. As an iPad owner, hey, i'll take the money.
Because there’s nothing even potentially illegal about that.
Also, as one who did use the service, you had the option of grandfathering it up to this very day. In this case, you made the decision to get rid of your unlimited, not AT&T.
Because there’s nothing even potentially illegal about that.
Also, as one who did use the service, you had the option of grandfathering it up to this very day. In this case, you made the decision to get rid of your unlimited, not AT&T.
Yes but the unlimited was advertised as a fixed cost for life with the ability to subscribe and unsubscribe as desired. Not a big deal though as I have two iPads (one Verizon and one ATT) and really only sign-up for the plan as needed and never really need unlimited anyway.
Where?
Where?
In Apple's keynote revealing the iPad
http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/apple-ipad-3g-service-plans-on-atandt-30-for-unlimited-data/
Apple allowed it to happen without protest.
Well technically those that signed up initially still have it, but the offer was quickly pulled for any new customers. I figured that the offer would last at least a year.
In Apple's keynote revealing the iPad
I don’t see “for life” there. If you have the plan, you can keep it as long as you pay for it. That’s as “for life” as anyone is obligated to be, and, when you take into consideration insurance, et. al., AT&T is being more generous with that than in many other things.
Neither Apple nor AT&T made claim as to “you will always and forever be able to get this plan, even in 2357.”