WordLyfe - which part of the material you quoted, was intended to show they could raise base cost of a service during a fixed period promo? (see TOS below). Regardless of AT&T's stated reason, I don't care for non-regulatory approved price hikes during a contract period.
According to the retention agent (for what that's worth), the price increase for my
internet- only plan wasn't due to any of the costs you mentioned. Can't speak to those w/ Uverse TV or phone. If the Retention rep was wrong, she was wrong - but still gave a very substantial credit for far more than the "price increase."
I'm also basing this off of the legally binding TOS, that AT&T provided, in effect at time of purchase, for my specific product.
I doubt they'd have so easily given a credit for the full amt of the increase,
plus a credit of several months service, if they were completely w/in their rights. Partly because I have a very low priced "internet only" plan & no other AT&T services, so they wouldn't lose much if I left.
From the legally binding "AT&T High Speed Internet Terms of Service," provided at time of purchase:
4. Pricing
a. Term Plans, Bundle Discounts. When you purchased the Service, you agreed to specific price and plan, which may have included a term of one, two, or three years (Term Plan). Similarly, some plans may offer a discount on the Service if you sign up for other AT&T services (Bundle Discount). You agree to maintain your Service and the bundled services for the applicable term. If you signed up for a Term Plan or a Bundle Discount, the price available with those plans is valid until one of the following occurs, at which time your price may revert to the then-existing price for your service:
(1) the term expires;
(2) you move from your current service address to another service address; or
(3) you drop one of the AT&T services you were required to purchase to receive the special rate.