For all you tech and iPhone junkies, AT&T revamped their new data plans ahead of the hotly anticipated launch for the new iPhone. They go into effect June 7th. Basically the new plan goes like this:
*$15/month for 200MB of data.
*$25/month for 2GB of data.
*No more unlimited option for $30/month, but if you have it already, it can be grandfathered in.
*No more option for unlimited iPad data for $30/month, but this can also be grandfathered in.
*Tethering is an additional $20/month and the cap remains the same. And if you choose the tethering option while you already have the unlimited plan, you have to switch to one of the capped plans.
*You can switch from the $15 to the $25 plan and vice versa on a month to month basis.
I don't have AT&T, so this doesn't affect me. I was also seriously considering switching over when the new iPhone comes out later this month, but I'm going to balk now because I would be affected by the new rates as a potential new customer. AT&T says that 60% of users use less than 200MB per month anyways (and that 98% of users use less than 2GB), but I find that hard to believe. Video and music streaming, emailing with attachments, web page viewing, etc. all add up. This will especially be an issue when the new phones (like the new iPhone) come out and they have video conference capabilities. Customers will surpass 2GB within no time. AT&T claims that they're making smartphones more affordable by dropping their rates (and hence limiting their data), but customers will soon freak out when they see their bills and all the overage charges that accumulate, especially if they're on the lower tier plan. So AT&T's claim is disingenuous. The worst is the tethering charge, which other carriers offer for much less (or even free in some cases). That's just a rip-off. I also feel bad for those iPad 3G users who were promised an unlimited plan only to have it change a month later (if you buy it after Monday).
Personally, I'm against this and I think it will bite AT&T in the ass in the future, especially with other and potentially more capable phones being offered on other more affordable networks. While I think it's a good idea to offer customers several options, especially to those who don't use that much data, getting rid of the unlimited option and putting a low data cap will drive a lot of customers away and stifle innovation. AT&T moans that they need price a "limited commodity" accordingly, but they have the only carrier complaining and the only carrier that has severe network problems. I have never heard of Verizon, Sprint or tMobile complain over users using too much data. Maybe because they actually invested in their network instead of nickling and diming customers. AT&T customer service is now ranked last.
As for now, Sprint, Verizon and tMobile are the only major carriers offering unlimited wireless data. Verizon is rumored to change to a new tired-pricing system later in the year and they usually follow whatever pricing model AT&T has. There are also rumors of Verizon getting their own version of the iPhone, but both Verizon and Apple said that's not going to happen anytime soon. Sprint and tMobile have said they won't change their plans.
Your thoughts?
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Originally Posted by USAF Pilot 07
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