AT&T Scraps Unlimited Data Plans

Remember when AT&T got put on blast for their less-than-stellar performance in big cities like New York and San Francisco? And remember their response was to insinuate that the problem wasn’t the severe lack of towers in those areas, but the iPhone owners excessive use of data. To deal with the problem, Apple had put forth the idea of taxing people for their insatiable lust for apps. Tech aficionados and iPhone owners sent a deluge of discontent AT&T’s way, so much so the idea quietly slunk away to the shadows, never to be heard from again — until now.

Ahead of the impending release of the iPhone 4G, Apple has decided to do away with unlimited data plans. From now on, smartphone users will have to choose a metered pricing plan. iPad users aren’t safe as AT&T is also pulling the plug on their unlimited plan. According to AT&T’s press release, there will be three plans to choose from.

• DataPlus. Provides 200 megabytes (MB) of data – for example, enough to send/receive 1,000 emails (no attachments), plus send/receive 150 emails with attachments, plus view 400 Web pages, plus post 50 photos on social media sites, plus watch 20 minutes of streaming video – for just $15 per month.
• DataPro. Provides 2 gigabytes (GB) of data – for example, enough to send/receive 10,000 emails (no attachments), plus send/receive 1,500 emails with attachments, plus view 4,000 Web pages, plus post 500 photos to social media sites, plus watch 200 minutes of streaming video – for $25 per month.

In addition to the new plans, AT&T customers will also have the option to have tethering for an additional $20. All the data plans include free wi-fi.

While it’s a bummer that the unlimited plans are being nixed, but depending on your data needs, you might come out smelling like a rose. If you’re not a massive data consumer, your monthly bill will  have a lower base price and will be substantially lower than someone that uses their phones to their fullest potential. Unfortunately, if you are an avid user of the mobile internet, expect to be paying out the nose.

To guard against overage charges, AT&T has instituted several methods for customers to check their data usage including text notification, free AT&T myWireless application, and the online data calculator. So there you have it, the data plan buffet is officially closed and the countdown to the iPhone 4G is on.

About the Author
Sherri is a freelance writer that has a love of all things fun and geeky including gadgets, gaming, anime, and comics. When she isn't writing or out on the town living it up, she loves doing 10-12 hour marathon sessions on her Xbox 360 or one of her older consoles. It's not an addiction, it's a way of life!
See all posts by Sherri L. Smith.