Are Orange’s iPhone data allowance packages flawed?

There has always been some confusion as to what constitutes an "unlimited data" package - is it 500MB, 750MB, or even 1GB, or just simply unlimited? Either way, it seems that Orange may have shot itself in the foot with its current data allowance package for the iPhone, which is due out next week.

A UK website, PCAdvisor, today outlined some bizarre terms and conditions in Orange’s data allowance package for the iPhone, and has raised some serious questions concerning the quality of service Orange is actually offering iPhone users.

According to Orange’s Terms and Conditions, not only will the iPhone’s data allowance package be limited to 750MB a month, but there will also be further limits on what streaming websites, IM providers, and file sharing services customers can use.

“Not to be used for other activities (eg using your handset as a modem, non-Orange internet based streaming services, voice or video over the internet, instant messaging, peer to peer file sharing, non-Orange internet based video). Should such use be detected notice may be given and Network protection controls applied to all services which Orange does not believe constitutes mobile browsing.”

Obvious examples of sites that would breach these T&Cs are Spotify, Facebook and YouTube.

Additional reports have also suggested that these terms and conditions not only apply to Orange’s 3G network, but also to the BT Openzone WiFi service that will operate on Orange’s iPhone package.

However, an Orange spokesperson told Smartphone Tracker: "We recognise that iPhone customers will use popular streaming services such as YouTube, Spotify etc. As a result we do not intend to apply network protection controls, as long as customers remain within their usage allowance.”

The spokesperson added: "The T&Cs are in place to reserve the right to restrict access should they continue to exceed our Fair Usage policy, and our other mobile data users suffer a reduced data experience as a result."