WASHINGTON — AT&T is being sued by the government over allegations it misled millions of smartphone customers who were promised unlimited data but had their Internet speeds cut by the company — slowing their ability to open Web pages or watch streaming video.
The Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday filed its complaint against AT&T Mobility Inc., charging that the telecom company failed to adequately disclose to customers that it would reduce data speeds if they went over a certain amount of data use in a billing cycle. The practice, known as throttling, slowed Web browsing, Global Positioning System navigation and video streaming.
According to the complaint, at least 3.5 million consumers have been affected.
“If you make a promise about unlimited service, we expect you to fulfill those promises,” FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez said.
Ramirez said AT&T stopped offering unlimited data plans in 2010 to new customers. In 2011, she said the company began throttling existing customers with unlimited-data plans.
