AT&T Bans Use of Peer-to-Peer File Sharing on 3G Network

According to MultiChannel News, AT&T's 3G bandwagon does not include peer-to-peer downloading and AT&T bans the use of 3G networks for P2P file sharing and told an FCC official that anyone caught with their hands the P-2-P cookie jar will be terminated.

"AT&T's terms of service for mobile wireless broadband customers prohibit all uses that may cause extreme network capacity issues, and explicitly identify P2P file sharing applications as such a use," said Robert Quinn, AT&T's senior vice president of federal regulatory affairs in letter to  FCC  member Robert McDowel

"Under these terms of service, which are similar to those of other wireless providers, use of a P2P file sharing application would constitute a material breach of contract for which the user's service could be terminated," Quinn added.

First AT&T warns customers in writing that their relationship is in jeopardy for using banned P2P apps.

We have posted a copy of the letter.

COMMENT from Wireless and Mobile News:

iPhone 3G users,  other 3G smartphoners as well as notebook wireless broadband data users should watch out when they decide that they want to P2P and not go for paid music services such as iTunes.