Current AT&T Data Plans

[HitmanX]

I just logged into my Cingular/AT&T account and I was checking out the data plans they currently have available and here they are:

PDA Connect Unlimited $39.99
With PDA Connect you can browse the Internet and access e-mail from your PDA device. Choose PDA Connect Unlimited and you'll also receive the Xpress Mail feature. Xpress Mail allows you to access your corporate email and calendar. It also provides the ability to view attachments, lookup employees in a global address directory, and view email from a PC browser on a variety of handsets.

Smartphone Connect Unlimited $19.99
Smartphone Connect Data plans are applicable on Windows Mobile Smartphone devices only, which are the Cingular 2125, Audiovox SMT5600, and Motorola MPx 220.

With the SmartPhone Connect Unlimited plan with Express Mail, you can browse the internet from your wireless SmartPhone handset. Put your relevant categories and headlines right on your home page, and spend less time looking for important information such as current news, weather, travel information. Check CNN, The Weather Channel, etc..

You can also check e-mail, send/receive instant messages and photos. Plus, you only pay for the amount of data you send and receive, not the time you use the service. And with the Smartphone Connect Unlimited feature, all your data usage is included.

With Smartphone Connect Unlimited you get Xpress Mail included which allows you to setup your personal email, such as Yahoo, AOL, or Earthlink, right on your device in just a few clicks. The 13 most popular ISP and personal email accounts are pre-loaded on the device for quick and easy setup.

Smartphone Connect 5MB $9.99
Smartphone Connect Data plans are applicable on Windows Mobile Smartphone devices only, which are the Cingular 2125, Audiovox SMT5600, and Motorola MPx 220.

With the SmartPhone Connect 5MB package ($0.01 KB overage), you can browse the internet from your wireless SmartPhone handset. Put your relevant categories and headlines right on your home page, and spend less time looking for important information such as current news, weather, travel information.

Check CNN, The Weather Channel, etc.. You can also check e-mail, send/receive instant messages and photos. Plus, you only pay for the amount of data you send and receive, not the time you use the service.

Do you think AT&T will follow one of these current plans? Or since the iPhone is a pretty big product, do you think they will create a new plan for it?

 

[jdechko]

I think a phone+unlimited data plan would be probably for the iPhone. To me a $40-60 voice + $40 data plan ($80-100 total) would seem to be a sweet spot.

 

[/dev/toaster]

I think a phone+unlimited data plan would be probably for the iPhone. To me a $40-60 voice + $40 data plan ($80-100 total) would seem to be a sweet spot.

I am expecting to pay around $125 - $140 a month, which is still cheaper then what I am paying with Verizon. 2000 to 3000 minutes a month should be good for me.

$80 - $100 a month for a PDA / Smartphone is pretty much average on the lower end of things. (Minute wise)

 

[MadDog31]

Damn...I have my 450-minute/5000 night-weekend minute plan and that more than supplies me. :-\ Hopefully adding data won't make mine as bad as everyone else's on here...haha...

And 450 minutes is for my main phone too, I don't have a landline. I'm saving up my rollovers now though because I'm sure I'll be on the iPhone early on...hehe...good stuff. I can't wait.

 

[HitmanX]

Damn...I have my 450-minute/5000 night-weekend minute plan and that more than supplies me. :-\ Hopefully adding data won't make mine as bad as everyone else's on here...haha...

And 450 minutes is for my main phone too, I don't have a landline. I'm saving up my rollovers now though because I'm sure I'll be on the iPhone early on...hehe...good stuff. I can't wait.

Same I also have 450 w/ roll over, 5000 night & weekends, unlimited mobile to mobile and I have just under 2000 roll over minutes. I mostly do my calling at night and on the weekends and usually to other AT&T/Cingular callers, so it works out well. On top of that I'm getting 19% military discount so my bill is around $40.00 a month after taxes. So, the iPhone will definitely increase my bill each month, after I get a data plan.

 

[SilentPanda]

I think if my bill goes over about $70-80 a month I might have to reconsider getting an iPhone... I have the 450/5000 a month plan right now, 200 SMS, and 1 or 2MB data and that's running me around $60... I'm lucky to use 200 minutes a month period and I could do without SMS and data for the most part.

I can afford the iPhone... my purchase is really just going to be based on what plans they offer. I'm fairly certain they will have iPhone specific plans with as big as this launch is going to be.

 

[HitmanX]

Why is AT&T keeping us in the dark when it comes to the iPhone rate plans? Apple has done their part by announcing the iPhone and setting a final release date. AT&T needs to get on the ball, and let us know how much this will be costing us each month.

 

[/dev/toaster]

Why is AT&T keeping us in the dark when it comes to the iPhone rate plans? Apple has done their part by announcing the iPhone and setting a final release date. AT&T needs to get on the ball, and let us know how much this will be costing us each month.

Its all about marketing. Everyone and every provider is watching what AT&T and Apple do. The iPhone is going to change the industry a bit, its going to affect AT&T very much this year and maybe next.

They don't want competitors to beat them to the punch. Would you want Verizon coming out with a package that directly tries to pull customers away from a phone that isn't even released yet ?

This launch is going to be a massive event, both companies have to tread very carefully.

Also, think about how much people are flipping out about costs that are just speculation and rumor. I don't think they want people to decide on if they are going to purchase an unreleased product based on plan rates.

 

[HitmanX]

Its all about marketing. Everyone and every provider is watching what AT&T and Apple do. The iPhone is going to change the industry a bit, its going to affect AT&T very much this year and maybe next.

They don't want competitors to beat them to the punch. Would you want Verizon coming out with a package that directly tries to pull customers away from a phone that isn't even released yet ?

This launch is going to be a massive event, both companies have to tread very carefully.

Also, think about how much people are flipping out about costs that are just speculation and rumor. I don't think they want people to decide on if they are going to purchase an unreleased product based on plan rates.

You make some pretty good points, I didn't think of it from the eyes of AT&T/Apple.

Since this product will be pretty big, I think the iPhone will have its own plan, possibly with a couple of different tiers. I think a lot of people can handle the $600 price tag, because once that is paid, it is yours. But, if every month you are paying a lot for phone service, I think some will reconsider the iPhone purchase, just like you said. I can't even guess what the right price would be on top of peoples current coverage. If I had to throw a number out there I would like to see $19.99 for Unlimited Email/Internet. I think a price around that would attract a lot of buyers, but I have no idea how they will come up with the magic number.

 

[Eric1285]

It seems pretty ridiculous to me that people are going to be paying upwards of $100/mo for voice/data service. This makes the iPhone way more expensive than a phone like the Moto Q from Sprint. For example, I got my Q for $75, plus I'm getting $175 back in rebates. I pay $30/mo for 500 minutes and unlimited data. Compare that to paying $600 for the iPhone and then almost $100/mo for voice and unlimited data. Seems ridiculous.

I worked out some more numbers here: http://theiphonecountdown.com/2007/06/can-you-afford-an-iphone/

People are going to be taking out loans to pay for this thing...

 

[/dev/toaster]

You make some pretty good points, I didn't think of it from the eyes of AT&T/Apple.

Since this product will be pretty big, I think the iPhone will have its own plan, possibly with a couple of different tiers. I think a lot of people can handle the $600 price tag, because once that is paid, it is yours. But, if every month you are paying a lot for phone service, I think some will reconsider the iPhone purchase, just like you said. I can't even guess what the right price would be on top of peoples current coverage. If I had to throw a number out there I would like to see $19.99 for Unlimited Email/Internet. I think a price around that would attract a lot of buyers, but I have no idea how they will come up with the magic number.

I think $19.99 is the perfect price for an unlimited data plan. Verizon is current charging me $49.99 for unlimited data, which is higher then most carriers. (Then again, its EVDO). Lets also not forget its (AT&T) EDGE, so anything more then $19.99 is a bit of a rip off.

 

[/dev/toaster]

It seems pretty ridiculous to me that people are going to be paying upwards of $100/mo for voice/data service. This makes the iPhone way more expensive than a phone like the Moto Q from Sprint. For example, I got my Q for $75, plus I'm getting $175 back in rebates. I pay $30/mo for 500 minutes and unlimited data. Compare that to paying $600 for the iPhone and then almost $100/mo for voice and unlimited data. Seems ridiculous.

I worked out some more numbers here: http://theiphonecountdown.com/2007/06/can-you-afford-an-iphone/

People are going to be taking out loans to pay for this thing...

Nah, $100 a month is nothing. I am paying close to $330 a month for 2 cell phones.

Compare the feature sets of the iPhone vs the Q. You will see why the price of the Q is ... well, rather low with rebates, and what not. When the Q first came out, what was the price ? iirc, it was like $400. When the Treo 700p came out, it was over $500. Its very very common for new phones to come out with a very high price tag.

I don't have a house phone. (Well, I do but I have used it _maybe_ 2 times in the past year) I use my cell for everything. Having a better phone with more of what I want, is something I am willing to pay for. Its not as ridiculous as you think.

The iPhone will come down in price, give it 2 months.

People aren't really going to take out a loan for it. The iPhone is just as much as my car payment ... *shrug*

 

[Eric1285]

Nah, $100 a month is nothing. I am paying close to $330 a month for 2 cell phones.

Compare the feature sets of the iPhone vs the Q. You will see why the price of the Q is ... well, rather low with rebates, and what not. When the Q first came out, what was the price ? iirc, it was like $400. When the Treo 700p came out, it was over $500. Its very very common for new phones to come out with a very high price tag.

I don't have a house phone. (Well, I do but I have used it _maybe_ 2 times in the past year) I use my cell for everything. Having a better phone with more of what I want, is something I am willing to pay for. Its not as ridiculous as you think.

The iPhone will come down in price, give it 2 months.

People aren't really going to take out a loan for it. The iPhone is just as much as my car payment ... *shrug*

I've heard of people who are going to take out a loan for it. $100 a month is pretty hefty for just a basic phone plan. Not everyone can afford to pay several hundred a month for their phone. Like I said, with Sprint, I pay $30/mo for 500 minutes, unlimited texting and unlimited 3G data. I couldn't imagine paying 3 times that for the same *service* (minus the 3G, it'd actually be a downgrade with AT&T) just for the privilege of owning an iPhone. Sure, I'd love to have an iPhone, but not at the cost of $100/mo. That's like half a workday's worth of pay every month just for a phone. No thanks, I'd rather put the money into my savings.

 

[/dev/toaster]

I've heard of people who are going to take out a loan for it. $100 a month is pretty hefty for just a basic phone plan. Not everyone can afford to pay several hundred a month for their phone. Like I said, with Sprint, I pay $30/mo for 500 minutes, unlimited texting and unlimited 3G data. I couldn't imagine paying 3 times that for the same *service* (minus the 3G, it'd actually be a downgrade with AT&T) just for the privilege of owning an iPhone. Sure, I'd love to have an iPhone, but not at the cost of $100/mo. That's like half a workday's worth of pay every month just for a phone. No thanks, I'd rather put the money into my savings.

Anyone who takes out a loan for phone service needs to get their head examined.

 

[Eric1285]

Anyone who takes out a loan for phone service needs to get their head examined.

No kidding, even if it is the Jesus phone!

 

[nutmac]

I think $19.99 is the perfect price for an unlimited data plan. Verizon is current charging me $49.99 for unlimited data, which is higher then most carriers. (Then again, its EVDO). Lets also not forget its (AT&T) EDGE, so anything more then $19.99 is a bit of a rip off.

Exactly. At 100 Kbps, EDGE may be usable for WAP and light email, but painful for rich emails and Safari-based browsing that iPhone provides.

 

[constant L]

which plan is 30 bucks for unlimited voice and data at Sprint...the cheapest data plan on Sprints site is 39.99 alone and the cheapest voice plans are 29.99?

 

[brandon6684]

My other options are a blackberry pearl or a palm treo 755p and I can get decent plans for aroun $70-$90 from Sprint or T-Mobile, with $90 being the most I'd spend a month on voice and data.

 

[Eric1285]

which plan is 30 bucks for unlimited voice and data at Sprint...the cheapest data plan on Sprints site is 39.99 alone and the cheapest voice plans are 29.99?

The SERO (Sprint Employee Referral Option) plan. Sprint has been making it available to the public for a few months now. $30 a month gets you 500 minutes, free nights and weekends starting at 7, unlimited text messages, and unlimited data. It's by far and away the best plan out there, especially considering Sprint's 3G network. Google SERO if you want to find out how to sign up.

With Windows Live Search on the Moto Q, I don't think there's all that much that the iPhone can do that my Moto Q can't, except play videos (although I think I can do that too, I just haven't tried). Honestly, I'm perfectly happy with my Q, although I'll probably get an iPhone when it comes out with 3G.

 

[Aniej]

I don't mean to be too much of a killjoy, but why not just wait the few weeks and see what they release in terms of figures. If you are getting an iPhone, knowing the AT&T prices really can't you do much good until it comes out anyway.

 

[/dev/toaster]

My other options are a blackberry pearl or a palm treo 755p and I can get decent plans for aroun $70-$90 from Sprint or T-Mobile, with $90 being the most I'd spend a month on voice and data.

I would avoid the Treos ... they have been getting worse and worse. They are great at first. Everyone I have talked to says that once you start putting data on it, it starts to crash and lock up all the time. I have a 700p, and I have had 5 replacements and I can't count how many hard resets I have done. Its total garbage, Palm has some serious QA issues going on. To top it off, calling customer service yields little results and there hasn't been a software update in ages. (in attempts to fix any of the known issues)

If you aren't getting an iPhone, I would go with the blackberry.

 

[Eric1285]

I would avoid the Treos ... they have been getting worse and worse. They are great at first. Everyone I have talked to says that once you start putting data on it, it starts to crash and lock up all the time. I have a 700p, and I have had 5 replacements and I can't count how many hard resets I have done. Its total garbage, Palm has some serious QA issues going on. To top it off, calling customer service yields little results and there hasn't been a software update in ages. (in attempts to fix any of the known issues)

If you aren't getting an iPhone, I would go with the blackberry.

My buddy has a Treo with Windows Mobile on it, and it works pretty well. I have a handfull of friends with a Blackberry and it seems like they're pretty prone to failure. At least with Windows Mobile you can get into the registry and fix things exactly the way you like it. They do tend to crash every once in a while, although of the two WM phones I've had, this would happen maybe once every two months.

 

[/dev/toaster]

My buddy has a Treo with Windows Mobile on it, and it works pretty well. I have a handfull of friends with a Blackberry and it seems like they're pretty prone to failure. At least with Windows Mobile you can get into the registry and fix things exactly the way you like it. They do tend to crash every once in a while, although of the two WM phones I've had, this would happen maybe once every two months.

I don't know much about the 700w ... I don't know anyone who has it either, so I can't comment much on it

 

[TuckBodi]

It seems pretty ridiculous to me that people are going to be paying upwards of $100/mo for voice/data service. This makes the iPhone way more expensive than a phone like the Moto Q from Sprint. For example, I got my Q for $75, plus I'm getting $175 back in rebates. I pay $30/mo for 500 minutes and unlimited data. Compare that to paying $600 for the iPhone and then almost $100/mo for voice and unlimited data. Seems ridiculous.

I worked out some more numbers here: http://theiphonecountdown.com/2007/06/can-you-afford-an-iphone/

People are going to be taking out loans to pay for this thing...

I couldn't agree more with this and I'm waiting with trepidation on what they announce for data plans. I am a longtime Apple new product buyer and I would dearly love to get an iPhone on the first day but I cannot break the bank doing so. I currently pay $50/mth without a data plan and I find that payment steep (even with getting rid of my landline).

People with the $300/mth phone bill is not the norm and I would think Apple/AT&T would want to go after the masses and especially the kids who will consider it hip & cool. But then again, Apple does have a history of squeezing out the blood on new products because they know the Mac faithful will pay for it (most times).