Thoughts on the new AT&T data plans?

**Broken Arrow** · 06-02-2010, 05:04 AM

I've heard of such a rumor from AT&T, but didn't think they would make the change so early.

It actually kind of bothers me, but considering how much data plans cost from most major providers, I suppose I can't complain since they're still cheaper than most competitors out there.

I'm waiting for 4G myself. Both the devices that utilize it and the network it runs on are rapidly expanding. It's a great, great technology, and unlike 3G, is actually cheaper to deploy and maintain. In the beginning though, 4G providers are set to charge an early-adopter premium for it, but it might still be worth it given the speed increase.

4G iPhone could also be announced in the very near future.

In any case, I think stepping down to the cheaper 2Gb limit is a good idea.

**zakity** · 06-02-2010, 07:32 AM

DH said that it sounded like they were trying to be more competitive. I ignore most of that sort of stuff, but he pays attention because it is part of his job.

Actually, people that he works with will come hang over in his area if they find out he is one the phone to them. Apparently, their business section isn't staffed with people who are trained well and he knows how to do their job better than they do. He gets frustrated with them and yells at them (politely, of course, he is at work). I guess he is quite entertaining when he does it.

**FrugalTexan75** · 06-02-2010, 07:37 AM

Not a good plan for me! I use much more than 2 GB a month.

**Hector** · 06-02-2010, 12:51 PM

I still pay $20 for unlimited data and few text messages. I dont think, its gonna affect me unless I buy new phone.

**TBH** · 06-02-2010, 04:16 PM

Thanks for the head's up, DS. I checked my usage and I'm using less than 100MB per month. This is because I am often on a wifi network when I'm using my iPhone. Apparently they're only counting your usage when you're on the AT&T 3G network. So I think the $15 plan will definitely be enough for me.

In checking my usage online, I also noticed that the cost of the rate plan I am on has been reduced, so I signed up for the lower rate. I also noticed an error in my bill--they've been charging me for a service I didn't sign up for. I'm going to call them tomorrow.

Score! I love reducing my bills.

**disneysteve** · 06-02-2010, 06:21 PM

Originally posted by TBH View Post

I also noticed an error in my bill--they've been charging me for a service I didn't sign up for. I'm going to call them tomorrow.

Checking your bill item by item each and every month is a MUST. I find errors virtually every month. For some reason, my mom's phone kept getting signed up for these premium messaging services for about $10/month. I don't know how it happened. My mom has no clue.I finally had to block any and all extra charges on that line because I was tired of calling every month to have charges removed.

**normaldude** · 06-03-2010, 01:02 PM

Good for me.

I rarely use more than 50mb/month (email, web surfing, google maps, occasional laptop tether).

So I'll be saving $15/month.

**rennigade** · 06-07-2010, 08:48 AM

i cant wait for the day that all other carriers will have the iphone and att will be the #3 carrier.

**wincrasher** · 06-07-2010, 11:24 AM

Any use of streaming video can put you over 2GB. Not sure if these new plans effect the iPad. I was wanting to get a 3G one and watch my slingbox on it.

Another thing to think about - if you want to do tethering. If they trick you into the lower data plan, but then allow tethering to your laptop, then you could end up going over.

So it becomes another thing to keep an eye on. With my current plan, I don't have to worry about it.

A better alternative may be one of those Myfi things from Sprint. Think they are coming out with a 4G model. It's a wifi hotspot you can connect 5 devices to.

**am_vanquish** · 06-07-2010, 12:17 PM

Apple announced today that Netflix will start allowing users to stream videos instantly on the iPhone. Anyone using that service will struggle to stay under 2GB ... and this can only hurt AT&T's bad reputation of being unable to handle the demand from the iPhone.

If the iPhone is ever picked up on other carriers, AT&T's service will instantly improve as users leave the network, relieving the overload. Any network out there would struggle right now if it was subjected to the overwhelming volume of all iPhone users at the same time ... including Verizon!

**disneysteve** · 06-07-2010, 12:51 PM

Originally posted by am_vanquish View Post

Apple announced today that Netflix will start allowing users to stream videos instantly on the iPhone.

Well that's certainly an ill-timed announcement. On the day that they eliminate the unlimited data plan, they add a service that would require having the unlimited data plan to use.

**FrugalTexan75** · 06-07-2010, 05:20 PM

Originally posted by wincrasher View Post

Any use of streaming video can put you over 2GB. Not sure if these new plans effect the iPad. I was wanting to get a 3G one and watch my slingbox on it.

Another thing to think about - if you want to do tethering. If they trick you into the lower data plan, but then allow tethering to your laptop, then you could end up going over.

So it becomes another thing to keep an eye on. With my current plan, I don't have to worry about it.

A better alternative may be one of those Myfi things from Sprint. Think they are coming out with a 4G model. It's a wifi hotspot you can connect 5 devices to.

As far as I know, the new rate plan includes the iPad.

**disneysteve** · 06-07-2010, 06:14 PM

Originally posted by FrugalTexan75 View Post

As far as I know, the new rate plan includes the iPad.

Yes it does.

**skylog** · 06-12-2010, 02:37 PM

based on what you said, it seems like a fair deal for you. that said, the only thing that would make me think twice is that you will lose the "legacy" plan and will never be able to get it back. it may end up being nothing, but, once you switch you will be stuck.

as long as you are fairly certain that you will not change your usage or find a new app or something that will use all your given data, saving 5/month is worth it. personally, i am an android user and finally am getting google voice setup so that i can eliminate my text plan and do that for free....been putting it off for too long

good luck

Thoughts on the new AT&T data plans?