Registering an AT&T SIM card for a tablet can be straightforward or complex. The process requires a credit check, so have your Social Security Number (SSN) and driver’s license ready. After placing your order, you’ll receive an email with a link to your order status and a form to accept the terms and conditions before the order is finalized.
AT&T tablet data plan signup form
However, this form sometimes malfunctions and displays the TC009 error message. Contacting support might not resolve the issue. In some cases, the order might be canceled overnight. Reordering may encounter the same error, yet the order might still be delivered after a few hours. Some users have reported encountering this error repeatedly and ultimately giving up.
Having to recite a long phone number to a support agent over a poor-quality phone line, potentially to someone overseas with a language barrier, is a typical AT&T experience. However, sales representatives often understand customer requests clearly, and the registration process goes smoothly. Others report calling multiple times only to be denied service due to the unavailability of the desired plan.
The initial goal for many users was to use the AT&T SIM in an iPad for Wi-Fi tethering. This plan once offered unlimited hotspot data, but that has recently changed. Now, speeds are throttled to 128 kbps after 10 GB of usage.
Many people still use this SIM in routers with the APN set to “broadband.” However, there are conflicting opinions on whether this usage is safe and won’t be blocked by AT&T for using an unapproved device. AT&T might be reevaluating this plan due to high usage. Throttling the hotspot might not have reduced traffic as expected. The next step could be blocking those using the SIM in routers. Much of the traffic might originate from routers with IMEI numbers changed to mimic tablets, a common trick discussed on various forums. When AT&T detects this, they might cancel the entire plan.
Despite this, you can still use the plan while it remains active. However, using the SIM in a router risks having your IMEI blacklisted by AT&T, a consequence more severe than account suspension. While there haven’t been official reports of this happening, the risk remains.
Some users still have the 400 GB plan for $79 from a third-party retailer, but it’s no longer offered at that price. If this plan is discontinued, you might consider a post-paid phone plan like Unlimited Elite. AT&T might address those abusing the system with the $20 plan before targeting those paying $85.
