Fixed Mobile Convergence

Earlier this month, when AT&T (News - Alert) announced that it would charge customers using high amounts of data extra money, many customers were dismayed - but wireless experts weren't surprised.

After all, issues like interference and dropped calls are only growing as mobile data usage explodes. That's why more and more Tier 1 operators are instituting action plans that make a lot of sense.

Just one week after releasing its HTC (News - Alert) EVO 4G smartphone, Sprint Nextel Corp. said laptop customers using an excessive amount of mobile data while roaming could have their accounts temporarily suspended, the Wall Street Journal reported. The good news, according to news media, is that the carrier still doesn't plan to limit the wireless connection for its high-volume smartphone customers.

Sprint (News - Alert) is changing its policies for data service for laptops users with mobile broadband cards or USB modems, a spokesman reportedly said. Though the changes won't apply to smartphones, Sprint declined to break out how many customers are on one of the $59.99 monthly mobile broadband plan.

Sprint already has a cap of 5 gigabytes of data usage within the network, and 300 megabytes of roaming data. Starting July 11, excessive data roaming by mobile laptop users could lead to Sprint suspending the off-network service until the customer's next billing cycle, unless the customer opts into a plan with extra charges for off-network usage, the WSJ reported.

In addition to AT&T's tiered-pricing for data and Sprint's latest announcement, T-Mobile (News - Alert) USA has also decided to take measures to limit excessive data use.

Marisa Torrieri is a TMCnet Web editor, covering IP hardware and mobility, including IP phones, smartphones, fixed-mobile convergence and satellite technology. She also compiles and regularly contributes to TMCnet's gadgets and satellite e-Newsletters. To read more of Marisa's articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Marisa Torrieri