AT&T to change Data Plans

[jayjay1122]

Found this in another thread and just thought I would share with those here...


FOXNews.com - AT&T Clamps Down, Kills Unlimited Data Plan

The "claim" is that this will save Smartphone users money, but read into it what you will!

 

[CycloneFever]

Honestly, I could go for that cheaper plan. I do the vast majority of my non- text and email usage on wifi anyway. In the past month (my cycle ends today so this is accurate), I have used 109 MB of data.

 

[majorpay]

Found this in another thread and just thought I would share with those here...


FOXNews.com - AT&T Clamps Down, Kills Unlimited Data Plan

The "claim" is that this will save Smartphone users money, but read into it what you will!

This means Verizon won't be far behind...

Funny how AT&T is leading the way on screwing their users when they're about to lose their exclusive contract with Apple...

 

[Frisco]

The whole thing looks to me like it adds up pretty well; I especially like the 15 bux for 200 that is added on if the first 200 goes over... 30 for 400 isn't exactly discount-land, but not bad now days.

 

[majorpay]

The whole thing looks to me like it adds up pretty well; I especially like the 15 bux for 200 that is added on if the first 200 goes over... 30 for 400 isn't exactly discount-land, but not bad now days.

It will be interesting to see how this translates to Verizon. Under old plans, data usage was at something ridiculous like $10 per megabyte on overages. I remember having the xv6700 and turning off my data plan and having them put blocks on it just to make sure I didn't lose my house over the phone.

 

[jayjay1122]

This means Verizon won't be far behind...

I hope not!

Funny how AT&T is leading the way on screwing their users when they're about to lose their exclusive contract with Apple...

I wonder if Apple is buying this "get more of the population into smartphones" pitch AT&T is touting with this new policy.

 

[varkie]

Verizon has already said they want to get rid of the unlimted plans when 4G comes out

Verizon Wireless?s New Plan: So Long Unlimited Data, Hello Buckets? - PCWorld

 

[jayjay1122]

And wasn't this whole "pay by usage" situation the main reason that carriers switched to mandatory unlimited data plans for smartphones to begin with?

Of course a tiered system is a lot better than a free for all, but still...

 

[jayjay1122]

Verizon has already said they want to get rid of the unlimted plans when 4G comes out

Verizon Wireless?s New Plan: So Long Unlimited Data, Hello Buckets? - PCWorld

Good Find!!

 

[aznguyen316]

not an ATT guy, but how do I check usage on Verizon? Is it just on monthly bill? I just got into the smartphone age 2 weeks ago, before that just had a LG VX 8550 which cost me $2-$4 every month from my contact backups..waste lol

 

[majorpay]

My ears perked up when I happened across this from the side story:
One out of six cell phone users suffers from "bill shock"

Scary that a cell phone company can rope you into a 2 year binding contract with exorbitant early termination fees, then raise your rates during that contract without notice or an easy out clause? This tops some of the worst scams out there...

Maybe it's time to inspect my bill...

Can you tell I don't trust wireless companies?

 

[KrazyRay]

Call me crazy but....

I'd like to see what happens to user that signed up for unlimited data. I mean they did sign up for a plan that was unlimited for X amount of time. Much like the person purchased a phone for a 1 or 2 year contract, that was tied to that unlimited data plan. Since AT&T effectively broke the contract, would the end user that purchased a subsidized phone have to abide by the new rules or would there be an opt out period? Hmm this might get interesting .

 

[jayjay1122]

not an ATT guy, but how do I check usage on Verizon?

You can download the My Verizon App and there is a usage tab...

 

[jayjay1122]

Call me crazy but....

I'd like to see what happens to user that signed up for unlimited data. I mean they did sign up for a plan that was unlimited for X amount of time. Much like the person purchased a phone for a 1 or 2 year contract, that was tied to that unlimited data plan. Since AT&T effectively broke the contract, would the end user that purchased a subsidized phone have to abide by the new rules or would there be an opt out period? Hmm this might get interesting .

According to the article, this will not affect current data plans, only new plans.

 

[ttran97]

I think a tiered plan is ok as long as they have "unlimited" as the top tier. I hate worrying about how much data I use. But it would be nice to have a minimal data plan for people like my mom. We want to get her a smartphone, but can't justify the $30/month extra just for her to check email.

And before people say "why not just get a regular phone"...there are many benefits to getting a smart phone besides just data...such as form factor, apps, GPS, music player, etc etc.

 

[CycloneFever]

Call me crazy but....

I'd like to see what happens to user that signed up for unlimited data. I mean they did sign up for a plan that was unlimited for X amount of time. Much like the person purchased a phone for a 1 or 2 year contract, that was tied to that unlimited data plan. Since AT&T effectively broke the contract, would the end user that purchased a subsidized phone have to abide by the new rules or would there be an opt out period? Hmm this might get interesting .

The article said that as long as people continue pay the $30 per month under their current contract they would receive unlimited data.

 

[swe3t23]

verizon unlimited data plan is unlimited right?

shoot you pay an extra $30 on top of the phone bill it better be unlimited.

Does skype use data?

AT&T does this because their service is so slow this will probably free up

 

[Kevkelsar]

Lame, that lower tier $15/200MB is very low. I'm not a heavy user, and even I broke 200MB last month. If you're looking to save money, don't plan on listening to Pandora much while away from a WiFi spot.

 

[Frisco]

If you're looking to save money, don't plan on listening to Pandora much while away from a WiFi spot.

That reminds me of something I've been wondering about (I feel a poll coming on ): amongst Eris users in particular, how much multimedia use is going on, especially radio, but also videos and MP3s?

What percentage?

My device is a phone calling and texting apparatus first, then email and lastly web browsing at various times during the week. Never radio, seldom videos and never music.

 

[majorpay]

That reminds me of something I've been wondering about (I feel a poll coming on ): amongst Eris users in particular, how much multimedia use is going on, especially radio, but also videos and MP3s?

What percentage?

My device is a phone calling and texting apparatus first, then email and lastly web browsing at various times during the week. Never radio, seldom videos and never music.

I use my phone consistently for LastFM and Pandora in the car and at work.

 

[Cajun83]

I use my phone consistently for LastFM and Pandora in the car and at work.

Yup... listen to Pandora on a daily basis...

 

[Frisco]

Yup... listen to Pandora on a daily basis...

I've seen more references to Pandora than just about any other multimedia app. You guys must be rockin' all day.

I trust you all have the 1500 or 3500 battery.

 

[alprazolam]

Lame, that lower tier $15/200MB is very low. I'm not a heavy user, and even I broke 200MB last month. If you're looking to save money, don't plan on listening to Pandora much while away from a WiFi spot.

1 to 2 gigs is fair for $15. 200MB is ridiculous. ATT is doing it because they simply cannot keep up with network capacity, largely due to the iPhone. Verizon does not have an excuse in this regard, yet they will meter, because they can.

 

[varkie]

That reminds me of something I've been wondering about (I feel a poll coming on ): amongst Eris users in particular, how much multimedia use is going on, especially radio, but also videos and MP3s?

What percentage?

My device is a phone calling and texting apparatus first, then email and lastly web browsing at various times during the week. Never radio, seldom videos and never music.

My use is: email, SiriusXM Radio/Tunewiki, navigation, phone, web browsing.

When you upgrade your phone to a 4G model that is when Verizon will make you sign up for one of the new plans. I'm sure the unlimted plans will be grandfathered in for a while as long as you have your old 3G phone. Verizon will also probably have an unlimted 4G plan for something like $100 or more a month not the $30 it is now.

 

[Cajun83]

I've seen more references to Pandora than just about any other multimedia app. You guys must be rockin' all day.

I trust you all have the 1500 or 3500 battery.

I usually only listen to it in the truck... when I do, its plugged in and nope... using the factory battery here.