AT&T to stop offering some free data services due to California law

US wireless carrier AT&T Inc will halt some free data services, such as HBO Max and other "Data Free TV” on its video apps, beginning March 25, in response to a California net neutrality law.

Under California law, AT&T would be prohibited from “sponsoring” data for customers who also use its wireless services.

Consequently, AT&T customers must be now connect to WiFi to avoid their streaming from being count toward their total data caps.

AT&T added that their ability to offer California customers free data services also similarly impacts customers in other states.

The company complained that a patchwork of overly restrictive state regulations creates roadblocks to creative and pro-consumer solutions.”

AT&T wireless customers on tiered plans who also have an AT&T video service like DIRECTV or AT&T TV and stream that service over the AT&T wireless network are impacted. AT&T wireless customers on unlimited plans are unaffected.

AT&T said it has “long been committed to the principles of an open Internet” and urged Congress to enact federal laws to make it easy and affordable for Americans to access the internet “while providing clear, consistent, and permanent net neutrality rules for everyone to follow.”