FCC Complaint Regarding AT&T
The more I thought about this situation, the more irritated I became at AT&T's action blocking OVMS content on their PayGo plans.
To me, the essence of the FCC"s recent net neutrality action is that data is neutral and should not be blocked based upon content. While I note that there appears to be an alternative service from H2O, that service if I read correctly is an AT&T reseller so the same content blocking could take place in the future even if I go through the trouble of switching.
I discussed the AT&T actions with the FCC Ombudsperson to affirm that I was not completely off-base with my evaluation of AT&T's actions. After this discussion, I proceeded on December 8, 2015 with filing an FCC complaint, a copy of which I have posted at this link:
View attachment FCC_Complaint.pdf.
The FCC immediately forwarded the complaint to AT&T on the same day:
View attachment FCC_Complaint_Email.pdf.
AT&T shortly thereafter on that same day sent me what I assume is an automated email even though it appear to be a personal message:
View attachment AT&T_Email.pdf. I responded by email stating that I welcomed a telephone call on the matter. I have not yet received a call from AT&T despite what its email to me stated.
AT&T has 30 days (until January 7, 2016) to respond. I have no idea what will be its response.
I am told by the FCC Ombudsperson that it does not hurt if others who are similarly affected by AT&T's actions likewise file complaints with the FCC. A complaint may be filed at
FCC Complaints. Click on "Internet-File Complaint" and then click on "Open Internet/Net Neutrality" as the Internet Issue. The FCC complaint web form is self-explanatory and allows for exhibits to be uploaded. I uploaded several months of my AT&T statements from my GoPhone plan showing daily data service until November 17th when AT&T cut off the OVMS data content.
I have no illusions that any relief in restoring the transmission of the OVMS data content is either certain or justified. The FCC's jurisdiction over wireless carriers in the non-blocking of data content under net neutrality is, in particular, uncertain in its scope and is now being appealed. In full disclosure, I have represented broadcast station clients before the FCC for over 30 years. Before that I worked at the FCC.
I also see a larger issue here. I view the issue of wireless providers failing to provide low-data-volume reasonable-cost data plans as stifling to the innovation and development of small business products and services, particularly in the Internet of Things (IoT) area. It appears that large entities like Amazon with its Kindle and car manufacturers can make arrangements for low-volume-data to and from individual devices at a reasonable cost. Such arrangements are largely unavailable to small businesses and consumers, and this unavailability is illustrated by AT&T's action in blocking OVMS data content.
I will let you know what happens next. If you file an FCC complaint on this issue, please let me know by PM or a reply message here. Thank you.