AT&T Will Allow FaceTime Over Cellular for iOS 6 Users With Tiered Data Plans

[Anthony Bouchard]

Several Weeks ago, AT&T had begun enabling FaceTime over cellular for numerous subscribers to the carrier’s network. It was a prerequisite that the device needed to be LTE-capable and running iOS 6 to take advantage of the feature. This would mean Apple’s latest iPhone 5 and latest LTE-capable iPads would be the only candidates for FaceTime over cellular on AT&T’s network.

AT&T has announced Wednesday afternoon that they will be allowing all iOS 6 device users capable of FaceTime functionality, and who are linked to tiered data plan subscriptions, to use FaceTime over AT&T’s cellular network. The announcement does not make any mention of unlimited data plan subscribers, in what might be an attempt to get people to sign up with tiered data plans.

This includes the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, and the iPad 2, which aren't LTE devices, but can all connect to AT&T’s cellular network, have front-facing cameras, and can run iOS 6. iOS 6 is a requirement since iOS 6 is the first version of iOS to come native with the ability to enable FaceTime over cellular without the need for a jailbreak to do so.

AT&T says that the roll out will once again be slow and gradual, because they want to be able to examine the impact on their cellular performance since their goal is to provide a great mobile experience for their customers. The roll out will be free for everyone involved and the feature will be enabled automatically for users.

Sources: AT&T via 9to5Mac

[Evaded]

I'm on a mobile share plan, and it's already working on my 4S.

[Anthony Bouchard]

I'm on a mobile share plan, and it's already working on my 4S.

Shared data plans have had the feature even before AT&T released it for LTE iOS devices.

They used to limit it to the shared data plans only.

[Evaded]

Shared data plans have had the feature even before AT&T released it for LTE iOS devices.

They used to limit it to the shared data plans only.

You're correct, I just switched to the mobile share last week and hadn't thought about that. I didn't have it prior to that.

[vinaygoel2000]

I'm calling FCC today. I had filed a complaint with FCC more than 40 days ago and AT&T hasn't called me so I'll be calling FCC to check on the status. Per FCC's website, "The FCC will coordinate with the service provider identified in your complaint. If you do not hear back from your service provider within 40 days, please call us at the telephone number below with your tracking number for a status check."

I'm on unlimited data plan on iPhone 5.

[Senyaichiya]

I hate AT&T.

[Hondamaker]

From a grandfathered unlimited plan user's point of view, ATT is still the douchebag of cell carriers.

[barret752004]

I am on the unlimited data plan and tried t get them to enable this feature on my iphone 5. They told me this feature was not available on my plan and would have to convert to a tiered data plan. So sad. Can't wait for the jailbreak.

[steve-z17]

I just checked my iPhone 5 and it automatically switched me over to use FT over cellular....don't know how but-sweet!

[vinaygoel2000]

Spoke with FCC. AT&T responded to my complaint but their response was stupid talking about FaceTime is available on LTE capable devices on iOS 6. I mentioned that I have a LTE capable iPhone 5 on iOS 6 but FaceTime doesn't work. And that AT&T is forcing me to downgrade my data plan. So the helpful rep escalated my complaint to a higher level. I'll update in two weeks.

[Jj2345]

Spoke with FCC. AT&T responded to my complaint but their response was stupid talking about FaceTime is available on LTE capable devices on iOS 6. I mentioned that I have a LTE capable iPhone 5 on iOS 6 but FaceTime doesn't work. And that AT&T is forcing me to downgrade my data plan. So the helpful rep escalated my complaint to a higher level. I'll update in two weeks.

Yeah keep us updated,smh att

[TheDirtyDiddler]

Yep. I'm on grandfathered in unlimited and it's a no-go on my iPhone 5. To top it off I can't maintain a wifi connection in my house on this device only. 2 swaps later, still a problem. That combined with no jailbreak is a real drag.

[Norb]

Spoke with FCC. AT&T responded to my complaint but their response was stupid talking about FaceTime is available on LTE capable devices on iOS 6. I mentioned that I have a LTE capable iPhone 5 on iOS 6 but FaceTime doesn't work. And that AT&T is forcing me to downgrade my data plan. So the helpful rep escalated my complaint to a higher level. I'll update in two weeks.

This was the conclusion of my Better Business Bureau complaint:
"The FCC's net neutrality rules do not regulate the availability to customers of applications that are preloaded on phones."

Maybe Apple should not include it on their phone...

[severe]

What's AT&T's logic here? As longer standing customers we get the shaft, again. One may argue that we, because we have unlimited data, can abuse the service more than others. Yet there's still a 5GB limit on my plan before it's throttled and the feature is rendered unusable.

[Norb]

What's AT&T's logic here? As longer standing customers we get the shaft, again. One may argue that we, because we have unlimited data, can abuse the service more than others. Yet there's still a 5GB limit on my plan before it's throttled and the feature is rendered unusable.

Their logic is that they want unlimited users off of unlimited data so they are trying to find any legal way to make their limited plans look appealing.

[iBwizzle]

This is the prefect example why consumers shouldn't rely on Carrier subsidies! If everybody and their pets are locked in 2-year contracts, what incentive do Carriers have to lower monthly cost???

[thevmax]

What's AT&T's logic here? As longer standing customers we get the shaft, again. One may argue that we, because we have unlimited data, can abuse the service more than others. Yet there's still a 5GB limit on my plan before it's throttled and the feature is rendered unusable.

I think the logic is: AT&T doesn't make any more money on unlimited plans. So they switch you to a tiered plan where they are guaranteed to make more money! More Money! More Money!

[Evaded]

Shared data plans have had the feature even before AT&T released it for LTE iOS devices.

They used to limit it to the shared data plans only.

Doesn't work on my wife's iPhone 4, but does on my 4S. Both are on the same Mobile Share plan....

Under settings on the 4 it doesn't even give you the option to enable FaceTime over cellular. Both phones are running iOS 6.0.1. When I attempt to make a FaceTime call with her 4 it tells me to join a wifi spot, when I try to FaceTime her with my 4S it says she is unavailable to FaceTime at this time.

[bmwraw8482]

It's worth switching to Verizon (they actually have lte coverage) and giving up your unlimited data. Just be careful. AT&T will try to stick with a bill for the whole month, even after you cancel their service. This would never even be news for Verizon since they've allowed it from the start.

[wiipro]

Meh!