AT&T glitch with Smart Phones which will cost you money.

I know AT&T must know this problem exists but they probably won't do anything to fix it because there is too much upside on their side.

If you're out on errands and are running an app on your cell phone that requires streaming video, be sure to shut off the cellular when you get home. Just do it as a form of habit because the worst that can happen is that an app that doesn't properly shut down for whatever reason may continue to run, eating up your cellular minutes. Technically, the phone should recognize your wireless router and switch to the router when you get home. That way, the open app would run cost-free. But sometimes, if your router is slower than your high speed phone, it will switch back and forth between cell access and the router and that's how you eat up minutes that will cost you. That's the AT&T glitch.

If you don't realize the app is still running you will compound the problem if you plug your phone in to recharge before you go to bed. That's a natural thing to do, but if the phone is in another room, you won't hear the text messages that will continue to come in through the night as AT&T automatically charges you ten bucks for every gigabyte you run over your limit. By the time you wake up, you may have an $80 dollar charge to answer for.

Here is why I know AT&T is aware of this glitch. When you call them up to explain the situation, the first thing they do is try to sell you on a new program. Actually, first they will suggest that you shut off your cellular access, and then, they try to sell you a higher usage plan...and for less money. Not an option for someone who has someone on their plan that has unlimited access.

The representatives are very nice, and in my case, agreed to split the difference on the overage mistake. But the bottom line is that the word needs to get out to find a way to stop this unexpected expense that also comes with a sales pitch.