AT&T is trying to distribute millions of dollars left from a 2019 settlement with the US Federal Trade Commission, according to the government regulator. The wireless carrier agreed to pay $60 million to resolve claims it failed to notify customers their data speeds were being intentionally reduced.
According to a 2014 FTC lawsuit, at least 3.5 million users with unlimited plans had their data speeds slowed by AT&T, a practice known as "throttling."
Some network speeds declined 80% to 90%, the FTC said, with users reporting that video streaming, web browsing and even GPS navigation "became difficult or nearly impossible to use."
"AT&T didn't adequately disclose to customers that it would slow down their internet," the FTC said in a statement.
In a statement to CNET, an AT&T spokesperson said the company disputes the agency's allegations but "elected to settle in 2019 rather than continue with drawn-out litigation."
Current customers were given a credit on their accounts and former customers who submitted a claim were mailed refund checks.
AT&T is now trying to disburse approximately $7 million to former customers it doesn't have contact information for.
Who is eligible for money from AT&T?
According to the FTC, payments are available to consumers who meet all these requirements:
- You are a former AT&T customer with an unlimited data plan at some point between Oct. 1, 2011, and June 30, 2015.
- You experienced data throttling.
- You didn't receive a credit or check from AT&T relating to the settlement.
Current AT&T customers should have received a credit on their account and aren't eligible for this offer. Former customers who already received a check from AT&T are likewise ineligible.
How much can I get from the settlement?
An FTC spokesperson said the amount individual customers receive will depend on how many people file a valid claim.
In the initial round of compensation, current and former AT&T customers received between $10 and $23, depending on what state they lived in.
How do I claim money from AT&T?
The FTC has launched an online claim form for eligible former customers.
You can also request a claim form or ask questions by calling 877-654-1982 or emailing info@ATTDataThrottling.com.
The deadline to submit a claim is May 18, 2023.
For more settlements, find out if you're eligible for T-Mobile's $350 million data breach payout and learn why Apple is paying some MacBook users up to $395.