AT&T makes major changes to its data plans

AT&T has been criticized lately for having poor service, especially in high traffic areas like San Francisco or New York City. Now, AT&T has made changes that are forecasted to make plans cheaper and reduce strains in metropolitan areas.

DataPlus/DataPro plans

Most likely the largest change is that AT&T has done away with unlimited data. Yes, unlimited data. Instead, AT&T is offering DataPlus and DataPro plans. The DataPro plan replaces the old $30 a month unlimited data plan for cell phones and smartphones, and replaces it with a plan that will cost $25 a month and will have 2GB of data. The DataPlus plan will be an $15 a month add on with 200MB of data, which seems good for feature phones and messaging phones. AT&T has also said that if you are currently on a unlimited plan, you can change without extending your contract. If you opt into keeping your unlimited plan, you are welcome to with no changes with your service.

New overage system

AT&T has also made changes to its overage system to coincide with the new data plans. For instance, if you are on the DataPlus add on, you will be charged for every additional 200MB for $15. The same rule applies to the DataPro add on, you will be charged $30 for every 2GB. Also, AT&T is also saying that if you consistently go over your 200MB limit on the DataPlus plan, you can opt into having the DataPro plan the next billing cycle.

Tethering

Tethering was included in the iPhone OS 3.0 update, but was never brought to the United States because of AT&T, now it will be coming soon in the OS 4.0 update. Yes, you heard me right, the iPhone will get tethering in 4.0. Tethering will be a $20 a month add on to the DataPro plan. Though, this will share your 2GB limit on your data plan, so if you get tethering it will be 1 2GB limit for both your phone usage and tethering usage.

iPad plans

iPad 3G users are also affected by the new changes. So far, if you are using the 250MB for $15 a month, AT&T has said no word if this will change, as the DataPlus plan is 200MB, no 250MB. Though users who are using the unlimited data plan can opt in to using the new DataPro plan, but can also stay on their current unlimited data plan.

AT&T has made some major announcements today involving data plans, but how do you like it? Will you give up unlimited data?

Comments

[daniel Belle]

I believe this is gonna affect the iPhone market a lot. I think sales on the iPhone might go down. It seems kinda unfair that AT&T is raising their rates for data plans and etc.