Alabama woman files lawsuit against AT&T over 'data throttling'

In a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court this week, an Alabama woman has accused bigwig wireless carrier AT&T of 'data throttling.'

According to the complaint filed by Shannon Lilienthal, an iPhone customer in Huntsville, AT&T had sold her a "so-called Unlimited Data Plan." However, when she exceeded an undisclosed limit each month, the company allegedly throttled her data speeds.

Accusing AT&T of slowing down data speeds "intentionally," Lilienthal has claimed in the lawsuit that the data-throttling practice was apparently being followed by AT&T "for the simple purpose of making more money."

With Lilienthal asserting in the lawsuit that AT&T's unlimited data plan, which she purchased when she bought an iPhone in 2007, became $30-per-month plan in 2008 when 3G was launched, the lawsuit accuses AT&T of breach of contract, fraudulent/reckless misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation and unjust enrichment.

The lawsuit, for which the attorneys seek to represent all affected customers in Alabama, reads as follows: "Ms. Lilienthal brings this action representing not only herself, but also consumers across the county to compel AT&T to live up to the promises it made to its customers."