AT&T to Begin Offering Shared Data Plans in Late August

[mantan]

The problem as I see it is that a utility company should not be entitled to make 30-40% profit margins on a necessity. I would argue cable television is a frivolous privilege (especially with the amount of crap on it), gasoline does not have that much margin. At one time you could argue cell phones were a luxury. But given they and the internet are now people's increasingly only choice to communicate (landlines are to be phased out in the next decade), it does seem that the European model is better which is to control the infrastructure and let companies compete on price to access.

If you argue cable is a frivolous privilege...I'd have to go the same route for an iPhone with a data plan. (sort of like comparing over the air TV to cable/satellite)

There are plenty of cheap cell phones around...and plenty of cheap cell plans to go with them. But I don't think hi speed data access through a $700 phone that's being subsidized by a cell company would quality as a primary needs utility....

I do agree our approach to dividing up the spectrum and encouraging wasteful competition on infrastructure was a big mistake. But that horse has been of the barn a long time.

[geniusj]

Once T-Mobile is done with its spectrum refarming this year, you guys should have some much cheaper prepaid and postpaid options. The network will vary depending on your area though. They are great for me in CA, but are terrible in the tri-state area, it seems.

[richard4339]

At least AT&T is offering this as an option....I like choices.

Verizon is forcing this onto their customers.

That's the surprising thing to me too. Hopefully Verizon will pick up on this too.

[tasset]

in europe you have to buy your own iphone for $650 plus 20% VAT. tim cook even said he was in favor of the US contract model because it hides the cost of the device and lets apple maintain their prices

I'm actually for the European model and paying full price. It doesn't hide the math of the true device price, which is what I'm sure Apple loves. I remember 5 years ago here how the yokels choked on the $600 original iPhone price.

[ReallyBigFeet]

If tethering is included, why would anyone pay a fee to add a tablet or computer to their plan?

Because if you have a 3G or LTE-equipped tablet, and are on a contract, I presume it may be cheaper to just pay the monthly access fee and lump data use of that device into the overall shared plan.

Like anything else...YMMV. For some users, it makes sense. For others, not so much.

[alent1234]

I'm actually for the European model and paying full price. It doesn't hide the math of the true device price, which is what I'm sure Apple loves. I remember 5 years ago here how the yokels choked on the $600 original iPhone price.

original iphone was a $600 toy that could surf the internet away from a computer and let you check email on a big screen.

2012 an iphone 4 is good enough for 90% of people. you don't need dual core to listen to music or almost anything.

[greytmom]

Because if you have a 3G or LTE-equipped tablet, and are on a contract, I presume it may be cheaper to just pay the monthly access fee and lump data use of that device into the overall shared plan.

Like anything else...YMMV. For some users, it makes sense. For others, not so much.

I guess I didn't realize that there were iPads on contract. I bought mine outright.

[tasset]

If you argue cable is a frivolous privilege...I'd have to go the same route for an iPhone with a data plan. (sort of like comparing over the air TV to cable/satellite)

There are plenty of cheap cell phones around...and plenty of cheap cell plans to go with them. But I don't think hi speed data access through a $700 phone that's being subsidized by a cell company would quality as a utility....

I do agree our approach to dividing up the spectrum and encouraging wasteful competition on infrastructure was a big mistake. But that horse has been of the barn a long time.

Fair enough, good points on the hispeed and $700 price. I wish though the top tier providers (AT&T/Verizon) didn't have such a ridiculous amount of the market though, the 'cheap' options are almost choked out of existence. I.E. Tmobile and Sprint and regional carriers.

[cvaldes]

I'm actually for the European model and paying full price. It doesn't hide the math of the true device price, which is what I'm sure Apple loves. I remember 5 years ago here how the yokels choked on the $600 original iPhone price.
Well, this is available here in the USA. Just buy the factory-unlocked iPhone directly from Apple at the unsubsidized full retail price.

Then get a Straight Talk SIM ($45 for unlimited talk, text, and anecdotally about 2GB of cellular data). No contract, cancel whenever you want.

The cost analysis has been presented many times before by MacRumors commenters, it's a bargain compared to anyone paying $70 or more per month for a contract plan that covers an iPhone subsidy.

[SVT Amateur]

So, I just calculated our base charges before discounts and other charges.

We currently pay $214.98 for 550 Shared Minutes and unlimited messenging for 3 iPhones with 2 of the iPhones having the 4 GB data plan w/ tethering and 1 having the normal 2 GB data plan.

After looking at our data usage for the last month, the most we would have ever used all together would have been 4 GB of data. This means I can go to the 6 GB shared data plan and only pay $195 instead of the $214.98 we currently pay - but yet also get unlimited anytime minutes (we have gone over our plan before but thankfully we had rollover minutes).

If I want to add our two iPads on that means I will be paying $215 - the same price I was paying before - but I get unlimited minutes with just a lower cap on data (which we won't really use anyway).

I understand that if AT&T is replacing family plans with these new shared plans it will definitely increase their revenue and cost most people more money - but for those of use who use tethering on more than one device it seems to be like a good deal - or at least a better deal than what we were getting before.

[tasset]

Well, this is available here in the USA. Just buy the factory-unlocked iPhone directly from Apple at the unsubsidized full retail price.

Then get a Straight Talk SIM ($45 for unlimited talk, text, and anecdotally about 2GB of cellular data). No contract, cancel whenever you want.

The cost analysis has been presented many times before by MacRumors commenters, it's a bargain compared to anyone paying $70 or more per month for a contract plan that covers an iPhone subsidy.

I'm aware of it. I put my wife and brother on it just last week. I don't care for their vague terms on data usage though (unlimited, but reserve the right to terminate without notice if you stream YouTube, Netflix, etc).

[Digidesign]

(what goes through my head while reading their price chart)

Me: The game's up AT&T! You're trying to charge more than I currently pay.

ATT: Oh yeah? $120+$30+$30+$20+10 = $210

Me: Even if you were right, that'd be $120+$30+$20+$10+$30, not $120+$30+$30+$20+10.

ATT: Fine! $120+$30+$20+.... shut up! The point is, we're chargin' more and guess who's gonna pay?

(chandelier falls)

[tasset]

So, I just calculated our base charges before discounts and other charges.

We currently pay $214.98 for 550 Shared Minutes and unlimited messenging for 3 iPhones with 2 of the iPhones having the 4 GB data plan w/ tethering and 1 having the normal 2 GB data plan.

After looking at our data usage for the last month, the most we would have ever used all together would have been 4 GB of data. This means I can go to the 6 GB shared data plan and only pay $195 instead of the $214.98 we currently pay - but yet also get unlimited anytime minutes (we have gone over our plan before but thankfully we had rollover minutes).

If I want to add our two iPads on that means I will be paying $215 - the same price I was paying before - but I get unlimited minutes with just a lower cap on data (which we won't really use anyway).

I understand that if AT&T is replacing family plans with these new shared plans it will definitely increase their revenue and cost most people more money - but for those of use who use tethering on more than one device it seems to be like a good deal - or at least a better deal than what we were getting before.

Yes I'm sure there are instances savings, particularly people like you who were not only paying for data already but a 2nd charge (tethering) just to access the data bucket you had paid for!

[vpro]

That's what we all want.

But there's no money in giving us what we want :rolleyes:

---

I think tmob used to (still does?) offer a $30/month unlimited data-only SIM for BB customers. Now _that_ would be perfect (slotted into a non-BB phone, of course :p)


it's okay to not make obvious remarks, it's worse to justify the corporate overlords over taking over bearing ways on ALL of us. its okay to say well then don't use any of the services, shove it up their USBS or something like that.

we're all in the gunk together.

it isn't a real plan at all this stuff.

its obviously all meant to keep them in business for the least service, so if you are aware then completely cut off.

OR - do what I do and yell really loudly into the phone at the right people way above the call centre people ;) works like a charm everytime, when I did have phone/data plan I managed to scream my way to a 15 dollars a month plan all INCLUDED EVERYTHING plan no contract and a free phone after only 1 hour 45 min on the phone via free wifi in a library.

To add, as to the advice above, you have to have been like me and EARNED 3 years of loyalty rewards and have been an obedient subservient to their 3 year contract plan to get sweet azz deals like the mentioned above. Once you prove to them you are never late on bills and you are using the plan as it should be, wow they treat you like royalty, well almost. it's those who don't know anything about the plans and just buy anything they tell ya to that they LOVE LOVE LOVE the most. Fact.

[Che Castro]

Somebody help me with my math

Im on the 550 minute plan . 2 iPhones , 3gb plan for one and the other is 200mb, no text plan

I get a $12 fan discount so my total bill last month was $110

If i go for the 1gb share data 2 iphones , will i pay more?

Also in 2 years i have not gone over 1gb of data i checked & the other iPhone less then 200mb is enough

I did one time go over the 550 minutes


I do text a lot but i use google voice & i hate it but is free

[jman240]

I didn't think they would still have it. This was several years ago, when people still used BBs.

If you want to drop to 100 minutes then Tmobile does have a $30 plan that gives unlimited texts and data. http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans

I have a co-worker who is on this plan but he uses a Galaxy Nexus unlocked from Google Play store so he paid $400 for the phone ($350 now) and then pays $30 a month for his phone plan. I am envious...

----------

Somebody help me with my math

Im on the 550 minute plan . 2 iPhones , 3gb plan for one and the other is 200mb, no text plan

I get a $12 fan discount so my total bill last month was $110

If i go for the 1gb share data 2 iphones , will i pay more?

Also in 2 years i have not gone over 1gb of data i checked & the other iPhone less then 200mb is enough

I did one time go over the 550 minutes

Easy.

1gb plan = $40
Each phone = $45

You would pay $40+$45+$45 = $130

[Che Castro]

If you want to drop to 100 minutes then Tmobile does have a $30 plan that gives unlimited texts and data. http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans

I have a co-worker who is on this plan but he uses a Galaxy Nexus unlocked from Google Play store so he paid $400 for the phone ($350 now) and then pays $30 a month for his phone plan. I am envious...

----------



Easy.

1gb plan = $40
Each phone = $45

You would pay $40+$45+$45 = $130

No fan discount?

[Che Castro]

Also if i go over the 1gb by 50mb is $15 fee?

[ToomeyND]

What types of data does this include, ATT? :rolleyes:

[jman240]

No fan discount?

Well as we don't know what parts would be discounted then no, I can't calculate that. But.. The fan discount usually just evens out with the taxes and fees so $130 is a good rough estimate either way...

----------

Also if i go over the 1gb by 50mb is $15 fee?

Yes

[ericrwalker]

Also if i go over the 1gb by 50mb is $15 fee?

Yes, these plans don't seem to fit you.

You do not have texting on your plan. These plans are using the "bundle" concept. Kind of like what cable companies do with phone+internet+cable.

They are enticing people with the unlimited text and talk.

[Lord Bodak]

For two lines...

Old plans:
- $69.99 for FamilyTalk 700 (2 lines, 700 minutes). There is a cheaper FamilyTalk plan but it's not eligible for the $30 Family Unlimited Messaging/calling to any mobile
- $30 for Family Unlimited Messaging & Unlimiited calling to any mobile
- $60 for data ($30/line for 3GB/line)
For a total of $159.99

Shared plans:
- $70 for 4GB shared
- $80 for phones ($40/phone)
For a total of $150

Because of the limited data choices in the old system (300MB or 3GB), I think most people are paying for more data then they need. For two lines where each person uses ~2GB per month, the new plan is definitely cheaper. Plus it includes tethering which would have cost even more money on top with the old plan.

[nepalisherpa]

I think the new plans will save money for people with separate texting and tethering plans. For folks, like me, who just have voice and data plans, the new plans are crap! :(

[iphoneguy2]

I can't wait to ditch AT&T!!! Here is my list of the reasons why...

1. I still can't make a phone call inside my house without poor voice quaility and the call always drops!!! It's been 6 years and AT&T has not improved the network, and if you call tech support you get the same BS about maybe you need to upgrade your firmware? Yet you explain it happens on different brands of phones. They will sell you a microcell to fix the issue for $200 and it uses your wifi, but they still charge you minutes??? Plus addtional charges if you want unlimited minutes using the microcell device.

2. They are way behind implementing 4G LTE, and if history proves correct they will never finish it, just keep charging premium rates for substandard service.

3. It took 6 years for them to unlock iPhones, even if you bought the original unsubsidized version, they were not going to unlock it...bastards!!!

4. Charges extra for Tethering???...data is data and shouldn't matter how you use it. What happens when the carriers go to VOIP over LTE and it all becomes data?

5. This one applies to most all US carriers...After you finish your contract your monthy fees should go down!!! You have paid the subsidy, so you are entitiled a lower rate correct? The DOJ should crack down on this one.


It's kind of funny these shared plans just come out prior to the next iPhone release. I know the carriers hate the unlimited plans, even though we know AT&T will just throttle you if you hit 3gb limit anyway. I really do think Verizon is poised to pick up alot of AT&T customers very soon. Most of us were just waiting for the LTE iPhone so we dont loose the abilty to talk and surf the web at the same time, and pick up a much faster connections at the same time.

AT&T "tick tock" your time is running out:D

[OriginalClone]

From AT&T's Mobile Share website:

Includes Unlimited Talk & Text for all phones, FREE Mobile Hotspot for capable smartphones and tablets, and no roaming or long distance charges nationwide!



Cool thanks! This plan may actually work out better for me.:)

[metsjetsfan]

Does this include the $9.99 per line you add to the family plan? Or do you have to pay that on top of the shared plans listed. sorry- behind on this and i know this may have already been answered.

[OriginalClone]

I can't wait to ditch AT&T!!! Here is my list of the reasons why...

1. I still can't make a phone call inside my house without poor voice quaility and the call always drops!!! It's been 6 years and AT&T has not improved the network, and if you call tech support you get the same BS about maybe you need to upgrade your firmware? Yet you explain it happens on different brands of phones. They will sell you a microcell to fix the issue for $200 and it uses your wifi, but they still charge you minutes??? Plus addtional charges if you want unlimited minutes using the microcell device.

2. They are way behind implementing 4G LTE, and if history proves correct they will never finish it, just keep charging premium rates for substandard service.

3. It took 6 years for them to unlock iPhones, even if you bought the original unsubsidized version, they were not going to unlock it...bastards!!!

4. Charges extra for Tethering???...data is data and shouldn't matter how you use it. What happens when the carriers go to VOIP over LTE and it all becomes data?

5. This one applies to most all US carriers...After you finish your contract your monthy fees should go down!!! You have paid the subsidy, so you are entitiled a lower rate correct? The DOJ should crack down on this one.


It's kind of funny these shared plans just come out prior to the next iPhone release. I know the carriers hate the unlimited plans, even though we know AT&T will just throttle you if you hit 3gb limit anyway. I really do think Verizon is poised to pick up alot of AT&T customers very soon. Most of us were just waiting for the LTE iPhone so we dont loose the abilty to talk and surf the web at the same time, and pick up a much faster connections at the same time.

AT&T "tick tock" your time is running out:D

What I don't understand is, with all the complaints, why not leave? Why would people complain for 5 years then stay and complain more? I'm not on AT&T's side but I'm curious.

[Dimwhit]

Does this include the $9.99 per line you add to the family plan? Or do you have to pay that on top of the shared plans listed. sorry- behind on this and i know this may have already been answered.

You no longer pay the 9.99 per phone to add to the plan. With the shared plans, you pay $30 per phone for a regular, $45 for a smartphone, etc.

[avanpelt]

It seems like it would've been smart for AT&T to offer a 2 GB option for people who need more than 1 GB and less than 4 GB (which probably accounts for 30-40% of their smartphone users.)

And if AT&T wanted to REALLY stick it to VZW, they should've offered data rollover. They're the kings of rollover minutes and to bring that philosophy to data would've been genius.

[alent1234]

For two lines...

Old plans:
- $69.99 for FamilyTalk 700 (2 lines, 700 minutes). There is a cheaper FamilyTalk plan but it's not eligible for the $30 Family Unlimited Messaging/calling to any mobile
- $30 for Family Unlimited Messaging & Unlimiited calling to any mobile
- $60 for data ($30/line for 3GB/line)
For a total of $159.99

Shared plans:
- $70 for 4GB shared
- $80 for phones ($40/phone)
For a total of $150

Because of the limited data choices in the old system (300MB or 3GB), I think most people are paying for more data then they need. For two lines where each person uses ~2GB per month, the new plan is definitely cheaper. Plus it includes tethering which would have cost even more money on top with the old plan.

and for some reason the data choices go from 1GB to 4GB. why no 2 or 3GB choice? probably because i don't use close to my 4GB i pay for but will do so if i had a cheaper 3GB option.

going prepaid next month. 2 iphones $60 to $80 depending on carrier and plan

[gotluck]

Yes, it's a good deal, although I'm hoping that AT&T's move will persuade Straight Talk to reduce the price of their unlimited monthly plan, or to allow smartphones on the cheaper $30 per month plan. The latter would actually be better for me. I use very few voice minutes per month and I don't really care about texting since I use Google Voice.

However, I really wish AT&T would bring back data packages for smartphones back to their GoPhone Pay As You Go service. It's doubtful they would do so, they weren't making much money from users like me (I was averaging about $13 per month in cellular services).

Good stuff - I have seen people bringing up the $30 plan frequently. This is the 30MB data plan w/ 1000 minutes isn't it? - or am I missing something. I use ~700 minutes or more avg and use the phone for business so I'm one of the few that still need voice.

I don't like the 'grey' data terms but I have failed to find any other plans with superior data terms, prepaid(well, ST's sister company Net10). And aside from T-mobile, which I don't believe has refarmed their 3g in my area. My phone is unlocked and I would love to try Tmobile if they do indeed refarm here - East Central Florida.

I think im gonna pass on the next iPhone and stay with low price service terms, so I love to hear about what people have found. Europe and Asia sure seem to have it good.

[Rodimus Prime]

You no longer pay the 9.99 per phone to add to the plan. With the shared plans, you pay $30 per phone for a regular, $45 for a smartphone, etc.

See that is the part that gets me.

Right now if you want the phone to get 2gigs of date you have to pay 30 + 9.99

Heck my family we have 5 smart phones on it. Unlimited texting is $30 for the entire plan. You base plan + 30 + 40 for each phone with 3 gigs/unlimited date.

How would this be cheaper again?

[tasset]

What I don't understand is, with all the complaints, why not leave? Why would people complain for 5 years then stay and complain more? I'm not on AT&T's side but I'm curious.

That has been an option (if you want an iPhone) for the past 12-16 months. And the alternatives aren't exactly beacons of light calling you. At the end of the day people want device makers to provide quality tangible items and they will pay a premium for it. But the service providers who are responsible for the plumbing are desired for service as cheap, efficient, and reliable as possible. AT&T and for the most part other carriers do not have cheap, efficient, and reliable in their vocabularies.

[StuddedLeather]

I'll hold my judgmental until they announce which type of data this is for.

3G/4G or 4G LTE.

HOPEFULLY, I can get 2 new iPhones in the Fall with 4G LTE and keep everything the way it is.

Other wise I'll have to get the 10GB plan. I get a discount so the pricing will surprisingly be about the same (or like $5 dollars less) than what I pay now.

[Dimwhit]

See that is the part that gets me.

Right now if you want the phone to get 2gigs of date you have to pay 30 + 9.99

Heck my family we have 5 smart phones on it. Unlimited texting is $30 for the entire plan. You base plan + 30 + 40 for each phone with 3 gigs/unlimited date.

How would this be cheaper again?

It's not. It CAN be cheaper, but it looks to me like it's cheaper if you use a lot of data and hotspot features.

And charging $30 for a non-smartphone? That right there is the killer for me.

[Diode]

Yes, it's a good deal, although I'm hoping that AT&T's move will persuade Straight Talk to reduce the price of their unlimited monthly plan, or to allow smartphones on the cheaper $30 per month plan. The latter would actually be better for me. I use very few voice minutes per month and I don't really care about texting since I use Google Voice.

However, I really wish AT&T would bring back data packages for smartphones back to their GoPhone Pay As You Go service. It's doubtful they would do so, they weren't making much money from users like me (I was averaging about $13 per month in cellular services).

I'm on a $29.99/month plan with AT&T - 300 anytime (with rollover) and 500 N&W. I also have the 30/month unlimited data add on for the iPhone - so they do have a cheaper plan they can put you on.

It's not as cheap as ST - but I'll be able to use LTE when the time comes...

I was out of contract and was able to talk to retentions to allow it so your mileage may very...

[Lord Bodak]

I'll hold my judgmental until they announce which type of data this is for.

3G/4G or 4G LTE.

HOPEFULLY, I can get 2 new iPhones in the Fall with 4G LTE and keep everything the way it is.


There are tons of LTE phones on AT&T today, nothing about this plan says "iPhone only," so I'm sure it's LTE as well.

[vivithemage]

I don't see the appeal, the pricing is HORRIBLE.

[ticktock101]

anyone notice that when you hit 6 smartphones, the 6gb and 10gb plans cost the same?

6gb plan:
$90 + $35 x 6 = $300

10gb plan:
$120 + $30 x 6 = $300

any more phones and the 10gb plan is actually cheaper... now the question is, are they still limiting 5 lines per shared plan as they do with family plans or did AT&T not really think this all the way through?

Same thing happens with 4 smartphones on the 4gb and 6gb plans.

$70 + $40 x 4 = $230 (4gb plan)

$90 + $35 x 4 = $230 (6gb plan)

[ZDDP1273]

Can someone help me out? Here's my current situation:

Me: iPhone 4 with unlimited data ($30)
Mom: iPhone 4 with 200 MB data ($15)
Dad: Blackberry Bold with 200 MB ($15)

I want to get the 4S and give my dad my 4. Can I still upgrade AFTER the 'new plan' structure goes into effect and keep data the way it is? By this I mean the following:

Me: iPhone 4S with unlimited data ($30)
Mom: Stays the same
Dad: my old iPhone 4 with 200 MB data ($15)

Or would my iPhone 4S upgrade cause my whole family to move to the 'new plan'?

I'm thinking I should upgrade my 4 to a 4S before any of the 'new plans' start just to be safe.

Thanks in advance.

[cwwilson]

My current plan with AT&T is about $80 give or take a few dollars for the 3GB data, 450 min and pay per use texting. I'm hoping this doesn't mess up a good thing I got going on here.

[JAT]

I don't disagree with any of what you've stated....however I will never provide one iota of sympathy to any of the major carriers, after having worked for one. They will keep themselves well insulated....for example....ETFs for smartphones double to 350$ (I admit here I'm not factoring in the monthly tick down on the ETF)... activation fees are never waived anymore, you pay an upgrade "fee" now, and restocking fees...not to mention, the wage structure at VZW at least is worse than it once was.
I have 2 ways to get those fees waived: my corporate discount, and buying at Costco.
(what goes through my head while reading their price chart)

Me: The game's up AT&T! You're trying to charge more than I currently pay.

ATT: Oh yeah? $120+$30+$30+$20+10 = $210

Me: Even if you were right, that'd be $120+$30+$20+$10+$30, not $120+$30+$30+$20+10.

ATT: Fine! $120+$30+$20+.... shut up! The point is, we're chargin' more and guess who's gonna pay?

(chandelier falls)
Get a clue. ;)

[scotth23]

It seems like it would've been smart for AT&T to offer a 2 GB option for people who need more than 1 GB and less than 4 GB (which probably accounts for 30-40% of their smartphone users.)

An extra 1GB is $15 which falls right between the 1GB and 4GB pricing plans.

Leafing through all the comments, it seems that a lot of people are forgetting that these plans are not mandatory. AT&T is not forcing anyone to adopt these plans and they will not re-up your contract if you switch to it. And if you want to stay on your single line plan with your grandfathered unlimited data, you can.

My wife and I each pay about $96 and $92 for our phones once you calculate 450 minutes, texting, data etc. So we're paying $188

With this plan, I can either do $130 with the 1GB and pay another $15 if we go over ($145) and add my iPad for $10. That's $140 or or $155. We're only two people and the math works ok.

Plus, I can tether my laptop and get unlimited text and minutes.

The plans aren't built for a single user. If it's just you, you're not sharing with anyone. Keep your plan.

[SVTVenom]

What I don't understand is, with all the complaints, why not leave? Why would people complain for 5 years then stay and complain more? I'm not on AT&T's side but I'm curious.

Because it's frustrating and people want to vent. There's no one to switch to for some people. Verizon? Same ****, different logo. Sprint and T-Mobile have sub-par service around my area. So, you either deal with it or you downgrade service. Just people venting because there's no real alternative in some cases.

[Hakone]

We have 2 iPhones. I've got the unlimited data plan and wife has the lowest tier of data. With the discount it's $103 after taxes. That's the most i'll ever pay to ATT, ever.

On the bright side, they haven't come out and said that we have to pay full (non-subsidized) price for certain smartphones.... not yet at least. :eek:

[SVTVenom]

As long as I can still grandfather my unlimited plan, I don't care. Minutes and texting are basically already unlimited with all the free mobile-to-mobile things and iMessage. I'm lucky to use 50 minutes a month toward my minutes. As long as I can keep my old plan, they can throw out whatever strangely conceived plans they want.

[Che Castro]

An extra 1GB is $15 which falls right between the 1GB and 4GB pricing plans.

Leafing through all the comments, it seems that a lot of people are forgetting that these plans are not mandatory. AT&T is not forcing anyone to adopt these plans and they will not re-up your contract if you switch to it. And if you want to stay on your single line plan with your grandfathered unlimited data, you can.

My wife and I each pay about $96 and $92 for our phones once you calculate 450 minutes, texting, data etc. So we're paying $188

With this plan, I can either do $130 with the 1GB and pay another $15 if we go over ($145) and add my iPad for $10. That's $140 or or $155. We're only two people and the math works ok.

Plus, I can tether my laptop and get unlimited text and minutes.

The plans aren't built for a single user. If it's just you, you're not sharing with anyone. Keep your plan.

Yea in thinking of switching to the 1gb plan, even tho ill have to pay $20 more , im going to get unlimited textin/voice and also tethering
So im going for it
I have a wifi iPad

[StuddedLeather]

There are tons of LTE phones on AT&T today, nothing about this plan says "iPhone only," so I'm sure it's LTE as well.

Well that's kind of what I'm referring to.

There are LTE phones out there today but none of them have unlimited data (and none are iPhones, which is like their premier phone), unlike some of our plans. If we were to upgrade to the new iPhone with LTE this Fall, will we have to switch over (to a new plan with LTE, because there is no current LTE iPhone, so why announce that now?) or does our unlimited data just apply to their 3G service (hence we'll still have to switch to a different/new data plan). That's what I'm confused about.

I just feel they will say "If you have a grandfathered plan and you want LTE, you can opt for one of the new plans we offer." Or something along those lines.

[scotth23]

If we were to upgrade to the new iPhone with LTE this Fall, will we have to switch over (to a new plan with LTE, because there is no current LTE iPhone, so why announce that now?) or does our unlimited data just apply to their 3G service (hence we'll still have to switch to a different/new data plan). That's what I'm confused about.

I switched from an iPhone 4 to an Android phone in February and was allowed to carry over my unlimited data plan from my original iPhone to their LTE. There was no change in pricing or plan.

Your data plan is your data plan. If you're grandfathered into unlimited, as long as you don't change it or switch to a shared plan, you keep that plan.

Until AT&T decides otherwise.

[bbeagle]

With unlimited texts, phone calls and tethering included. Oh yeah and twice as much data from a single flexible pool.

You don't have to upgrade but those changes might be worth 30 dollars for some people.

Did AT&T just remove 'rollover minutes' since minutes are unlimited?

[techwhiz]

While the shared plan aren't mandatory; look for them to do what Verizon did.
If you want a subsidized phone, you WILL go to a shared or tiered individual plan.

The only way to keep unlimited will be to buy phones at full price.

[StuddedLeather]

I switched from an iPhone 4 to an Android phone in February and was allowed to carry over my unlimited data plan from my original iPhone to their LTE. There was no change in pricing or plan.

Your data plan is your data plan. If you're grandfathered into unlimited, as long as you don't change it or switch to a shared plan, you keep that plan.

Until AT&T decides otherwise.

Ok cool! That's good to know, I didn't know how that worked.

I'm thinking though, if these new plans includes Hotspot coverage and everything else, they aren't that bad. Plus the cap speed for LTE I believe is 5GB which is better than the 3GB we get currently. We'll see.

[steve knight]

looks like for 10.00 extra month we will go from 250 megs to 6 gigs and unlimited talk and tethering.
a tethering question if you tether to your phone with your ipad will your ipad switch to a wifi connection when one comes around? or do you have to manually start and stop tethering?

[iphoneguy2]

What I don't understand is, with all the complaints, why not leave? Why would people complain for 5 years then stay and complain more? I'm not on AT&T's side but I'm curious.

This kinda fall under "Parable of the boiled frog" All this didn't all happen all at once.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boiling_frog


1. Started on AT&T with a dumbphone and the corporate discount family plan. I then upgraded to original iPhone -->iphone 3GS-->iPhone 4 and all iPhones were grandfathered in with the "unlimited" data plan. I held back on the 4s waiting for my contract to expire...sorry not going to pay the ETF of $350. I also couldn't take my GSM device over to Verizon because it's not compatible.

2. I have known for a while that i am going to jump ship...I bought the Verizon version of the "new iPad" day after release, because they have a better LTE network, and don't charge for hotspotting with the iPad.

I will definately be waiting to see how the release of the next iPhone plays out before making my move...even if that means changing carriers or even dumping the iPhone for another device if the new one falls short. To be honest after using the new iPad, the phone has become less important to me.

[Firen]

Jesus Christ those prices seem so extreme... but I guess normal for US citizens?

[aalegado]

This shared pricing scheme doesn't make sense. It's significantly more expensive.

Figuring for the data portion of the bill only:

I have three iPhones each with 3GB of data. That's $25/mo. x 3 = $75/mo.

With this new shared data plan I would pay $70 + $40 + $40 + $40 = $190/mo.

With this new plan I would have the privilege of paying 2.5x more for 44% of the data (4GB vs. 9GB). WTF?

Who would this pricing scheme benefit (besides AT&T, of course)?

[OriginalClone]

This kinda fall under "Parable of the boiled frog" All this didn't all happen all at once.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boiling_frog


1. Started on AT&T with a dumbphone and the corporate discount family plan. I then upgraded to original iPhone -->iphone 3GS-->iPhone 4 and all iPhones were grandfathered in with the "unlimited" data plan. I held back on the 4s waiting for my contract to expire...sorry not going to pay the ETF of $350. I also couldn't take my GSM device over to Verizon because it's not compatible.

2. I have known for a while that i am going to jump ship...I bought the Verizon version of the "new iPad" day after release, because they have a better LTE network, and don't charge for hotspotting with the iPad.

I will definately be waiting to see how the release of the next iPhone plays out before making my move...even if that means changing carriers or even dumping the iPhone for another device if the new one falls short. To be honest after using the new iPad, the phone has become less important to me.

Good analogy. I am an AT&T customer too, and I was just curious as to why other people stayed.

[Cscottrun]

So someone tell me if I am understanding this correctly. Lets say I want to put 3 iphones on a 6gb plan. That would cost me a flat rate of $90.00, plus $35.00 x 3. And taxes but thats irrelevant. Is that correct. A grand total of $195.00?

[QCassidy352]

Think about how you can get your family and friends on these plans and add up how much you pay now versus what your plan could be if you combine them together. Think Bout it.

I'll think if you promise to try it too, ok? Don't you see the game here? Yes, get a whole bunch of people together on one plan... So that none of them will ever jump ship. Far easier to leave your carrier as a solo operative then once you're locked into an 8 person plan in which everyone has different activation dates and everyone is relying on each other's presence to make it a passable deal.

These plans aren't about making more money per user - they're about cutting down on the chance that you ever leave your carrier.

[ReallyBigFeet]

This shared pricing scheme doesn't make sense. It's significantly more expensive.

Figuring for the data portion of the bill only:

I have three iPhones each with 3GB of data. That's $25/mo. x 3 = $75/mo.

With this new shared data plan I would pay $70 + $40 + $40 + $40 = $190/mo.

With this new plan I would have the privilege of paying 2.5x more for 44% of the data (4GB vs. 9GB). WTF?

Who would this pricing scheme benefit (besides AT&T, of course)?

It makes a LOT of sense to customers that a) have multiple lines in a family plan, b) don't use a lot of data but DO use a ton of minutes/texts and c) want to find a way to divvy up the data allotment so that the heavy data user gets what they need by sponging off the light data users.

Dad and Mom using their phones for work (heavy voice, med text and light data since they are on WiFi all day), kids tearing up the texting and data stream but hardly ever making a voice call. Mom and Dad get what they need (unlimited voice/text), kids get what they need (unlimited text/more data).

Under Verizon's similar plan, I'm saving over $120/month versus what I was paying for 5 lines. When the iPhone LTE launches, I'll up that even further to about $170/month in savings because I can ditch my LTE MiFi.

Totally a YMMV thing.

So someone tell me if I am understanding this correctly. Lets say I want to put 3 iphones on a 6gb plan. That would cost me a flat rate of $90.00, plus $35.00 x 3. And taxes but thats irrelevant. Is that correct. A grand total of $195.00?

Yup, you got it.

[anthonymoody]

Here's a question... Since the data plans include tethering at no additional charge, why would I pay $10 to add my iPad as a device? Yeah, I get that it's a little bit of a hassle to turn on tethering in Settings on my phone, but since I'm within wifi range most of the time I won't need to do that too often. And I always have my phone with me.

Said another way, I may able able to cancel both my unlimited iPad data plan (or sell it...) as well as my wife's metered plan, and *not* add them as devices. Just tether instead.

And if we hate that I can always add the iPads as devices later.

[QCassidy352]

This shared pricing scheme doesn't make sense. It's significantly more expensive.

Figuring for the data portion of the bill only:

I have three iPhones each with 3GB of data. That's $25/mo. x 3 = $75/mo.

With this new shared data plan I would pay $70 + $40 + $40 + $40 = $190/mo.

With this new plan I would have the privilege of paying 2.5x more for 44% of the data (4GB vs. 9GB). WTF?

Who would this pricing scheme benefit (besides AT&T, of course)?

But that's not data only. That $190 is all inclusive.

[ps45]

If you stripped out the ridiculous 'each smartphone' fee, then these would be reasonable prices. As it stands, it's just another piece of gouging.

We can only hope that the tiny, almost unnoticeable, element of one-upmanship over Verizon triggers a reaction from them - and we get a bit of real-life competition going.

[mantan]

Jesus Christ those prices seem so extreme... but I guess normal for US citizens?

Unfortunately we have a model where each company is in a never ending arms race to build duplicate wireless infrastructure over 3,000,000 square miles (or at least the most populous parts). Oh, and they have to subsidize the cost of phones because Americans are too cheap to ever dream about paying fair price.

So what you get is....

[Razeus]

Funny how 1GB of data costs $40, but if you go over, that same 1GB data (because data is data), it costs $15.

This whole thing is a sham.

[Daniel M. Clark]

Let's see if I have this right. I have an iPhone. My wife has a dumb phone, and we haven't upgraded her because she doesn't need an iPhone and doesn't want to spend another $30/month on something she doesn't really need. So, currently:

For $120/month, we get:
Unlimited text
Unlimited mobile-to-mobile
700 Anytime minutes
3GB of data for one phone
No tethering (I sometimes turn tethering on when I travel, but it's another $20/month for it now).

Under the new plan, we would get:
Unlimited text
Unlimited phone usage (mobile-to-mobile, anytime, or otherwise)
4GB data for two phones (which is all we'd need)
Tethering included
...for the monthly price of $70+40+40 = $150

An extra $30... which is what we'd be paying right now if we wanted to get my wife into an iPhone. Buuuuut... the new plan has tethering included. That makes the new plan a better value.

Plus, if I had tethering on a regular basis, my current bill would be $140, and the new plan would be $150 - making this decision a no-brainer. It would be getting my wife into a smartphone for only an extra $10 instead of an extra $30.

(I know, I know, they're trying to lock us in as customers, make it harder to leave and all that... but we're husband & wife, and one of us won't be jumping to a new company without the other... that wouldn't make sense.)

If we were a two-smartphone family, there would be no change in our monthly bill. The only difference would be that we'd share 4GB of data between us instead of having 3GB each and we'd have tethering included.

To get the same 6GB of data, it would be $90+35+35 = $160 a month - only ten bucks more.

While I recognize that I'm getting less data than I would if we both had smartphones, I simply don't use 3GB a month as it is. We would consistently use less than 4GB every month, so it only makes sense to pay for that plan.

I think I've thought this through correctly. Anyone spot any errors in my logic?

[Razeus]

I'm curious why Verizon and AT&T have basically the exact same price. So much for competition.

[ericrwalker]

I will point out the error in your logic. This is a plan option that isn't imposed to lower everyone's bill (AT&T would have less revenue).

It's an option for people that have multiple phones on an account that use both text and data to help them pay a little less.

This is not going to help people who have one phone with data, another phone with no text plan.

Let's see if I have this right. I have an iPhone. My wife has a dumb phone, and we haven't upgraded her because she doesn't need an iPhone and doesn't want to spend another $30/month on something she doesn't really need. So, currently:

For $120/month, we get:
Unlimited text
Unlimited mobile-to-mobile
700 Anytime minutes
3GB of data for one phone
No tethering (I sometimes turn tethering on when I travel, but it's another $20/month for it now).

Under the new plan, we would get:
Unlimited text
Unlimited phone usage (mobile-to-mobile, anytime, or otherwise)
4GB data for two phones (which is all we'd need)
Tethering included
...for the monthly price of $70+40+40 = $150

An extra $30... which is what we'd be paying right now if we wanted to get my wife into an iPhone. Buuuuut... the new plan has tethering included. That makes the new plan a better value.

Plus, if I had tethering on a regular basis, my current bill would be $140, and the new plan would be $150 - making this decision a no-brainer. It would be getting my wife into a smartphone for only an extra $10 instead of an extra $30.

(I know, I know, they're trying to lock us in as customers, make it harder to leave and all that... but we're husband & wife, and one of us won't be jumping to a new company without the other... that wouldn't make sense.)

If we were a two-smartphone family, there would be no change in our monthly bill. The only difference would be that we'd share 4GB of data between us instead of having 3GB each and we'd have tethering included.

To get the same 6GB of data, it would be $90+35+35 = $160 a month - only ten bucks more.

While I recognize that I'm getting less data than I would if we both had smartphones, I simply don't use 3GB a month as it is. We would consistently use less than 4GB every month, so it only makes sense to pay for that plan.

I think I've thought this through correctly. Anyone spot any errors in my logic?

[Wicked1]

My plan would be two smartphones and one iPad on about 6 gigs of data.

Current plan: (family share 700 two phones both with unlimited data (3gb))
First phone and Minutes: $70
First phone data plan: $30
Second Phone: $10
Second Phone Data Plan: $30
Unlimited Texting: $20
2GB iPad data plan: $30
--------------------------------------
Total: $190

The stupid part is I barely use 1GB on my phones and burn it up on the iPad.

Verizon Shared:
$80 + $40 + $40 + $10 = $170

AT&T Shared:
$90 + $35 + $35 + $10 = $170


This way I would have about 4GB for the iPad and the total cost would be about $20 less.

Why not do what I am doing, and use your iPhone as a hotspot for the iPad, I refuse to pay an additional $10 for my iPad.

[alent1234]

I'm curious why Verizon and AT&T have basically the exact same price. So much for competition.


lots of airlines and they all have similar prices

[techiegirl]

It's an option for people that have multiple phones on an account that use both text and data to help them pay a little less.


Or like us, who have maxed out on 5 lines on our family plan and need a 6th line.

[Dimwhit]

I'm curious why Verizon and AT&T have basically the exact same price. So much for competition.

Yeah, the word is 'collusion'.

[ReallyBigFeet]

looks like for 10.00 extra month we will go from 250 megs to 6 gigs and unlimited talk and tethering.
a tethering question if you tether to your phone with your ipad will your ipad switch to a wifi connection when one comes around? or do you have to manually start and stop tethering?

On the iPhone, once you turn on tethering/hotspot, it only activates if a paired device is in range. You'll know its on because the iPhone shows a blue bar (similar to the green 'on call' bar) when hotspot is being used.

But you have to tell your iPad to choose the WiFi versus the Hotspot manually. At least I have to do that...my iPad isn't smart enough to auto-switch, nor do I know how it could without me being able to tell it priority.

[viva la ben]

Since they did away with rollover for voice and made that unlimited, how about rollover for data?

[Krayzie116]

The quesiton I want to ask will I have to jump to share plan when the new iPhone comes out I am on a family plan right now.

[techiegirl]

The quesiton I want to ask will I have to jump to share plan when the new iPhone comes out I am on a family plan right now.

No

[ReallyBigFeet]

Since they did away with rollover for voice and made that unlimited, how about rollover for data?

I was actually sort of hoping to see that being the unique "twist" that AT&T put onto their mobile data sharing plan. No such luck, unfortunately.

[Krayzie116]

No

Really I can keep my unlimited data too

[techiegirl]

Really I can keep my unlimited data too

With AT&T you can, with Verizon, no.

[Rodimus Prime]

I'm curious why Verizon and AT&T have basically the exact same price. So much for competition.

Yeah, the word is 'collusion'.

It more of doupolpy. There is no competition the big guys tend to follow each other. I was hoping the back lash from verizon crappy plans would of kept AT&T from following with just as ****** plans.

[Krayzie116]

has anbody went from premier to personal and had there unlimited data still? I've been told I can't do that I would loose it.

[faroZ06]

I never use SMS. I just use Google Voice. Free, and much more flexible (I rarely answer texts on my phone, I usually answer them from the computer or my iPad. And I've been doing that long before Apple rolled out iMessage).

Good. I used Google Voice until we had to put unlimited SMS on the family plan for my mom and my grandma. Google Voice is still SMS though, but it's free.

----------

Oh my friend, they DO offer this. It's exactly what I do. I use an iPhone 4S with the APN info changed to the iPad and pay the $30 data prepaid. All voice and texts go through Skype/Google Voice/iMessage.

With AT&T? And is this an old plan or one that they currently offer?

----------


Frankly, for your needs, I'd buy a tablet SIM plan and just put it into your smartphone, assuming you are able to do that. Then start using Google Voice for your texting needs. Problem solved.

Oh, now I get it. The plan is only for tablets. Jailbreakers always win :)

[CosmoPilot]

I think this is a good deal for families of 4 or more. Remember when comparing plans that this new plan includes UNLIMITED minutes & messages, as well as TETHERING across all devices. It may not be right for everyone, but now I don't have to worry about my daughter going over 309MB. Basically, our data is now our data to use as we want. We've been asking for this forever.

[ReallyBigFeet]

Really I can keep my unlimited data too

Sure as long as you don't mind being deluded into thinking unlimited is still unlimited and unthrottled.

The thing is, AT&T is now saying you can get up to 20GB's of shared UNTHROTTLED data as part of this plan. Unlimited users will be throttled at 3GB on 3G and 5GB on 4G/LTE.

[TheGeekNextDoor]

Now you are just being silly. You aren't just looking at the data side. The $70 is for unlimited talk, text, AND your 4 GB of data. I assume you have a 550 minute plan. That means you are paying $70/month for phone for 3 lines + $30/month/phone for data. No texting really? Unlimited texting is $30 on a family plan. That puts your bill at $190. If you go with a plan that doesn't have less data, go for the 10GB plan. For $210, you would get unlimted talk, text, and 10GB of data to share between your 3 phones, and you would be able to enable tethering on any 3 of them to allow your tablets and computers to play on the Internet while you are away from home and there is no WiFi. So you could look at it as paying $10 for the extra gig and $10 for turning on tethering on all three phones. If you want those features, that sounds like a decent deal based on the current environment. It is still a boatload of money, but you have the option of staying where you are for now.

You obviously haven't put much thought into it. If you had, you see that 3 phones on 4GB plan is $190, 3 Phones on 6GB plan is $195, and 3 Phones on 10GB plan is $210. The 4GB for $190 is silly when for $5 you could get 50% more data. But if you had used the 6GB option, your exaggeration wouldn't be as big.

These plans stink for people with low minutes and a couple of phones and no text. That is why there are various plans from various carriers. Pick your poison.

<edit: 3GB of data is currently $30. 2GB on the old plan is $25 (but you can't get that anymore)...which do you actually have?>

Here is a spreadsheet to better show you the numbers as to how this works for phone plans.

ATT Shared Data Phone Plan Google Doc (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ak6CyXg0GbOrdHpReVptOTBlSFhkTVpUZGdrRWhzM1E)

This shared pricing scheme doesn't make sense. It's significantly more expensive.

Figuring for the data portion of the bill only:

I have three iPhones each with 3GB of data. That's $25/mo. x 3 = $75/mo.

With this new shared data plan I would pay $70 + $40 + $40 + $40 = $190/mo.

With this new plan I would have the privilege of paying 2.5x more for 44% of the data (4GB vs. 9GB). WTF?

Who would this pricing scheme benefit (besides AT&T, of course)?

[Krayzie116]

Sure as long as you don't mind being deluded into thinking unlimited is still unlimited and unthrottled.

The thing is, AT&T is now saying you can get up to 20GB's of shared UNTHROTTLED data as part of this plan. Unlimited users will be throttled at 3GB on 3G and 5GB on 4G/LTE.

That's good i just peak at 2gb

[TheGeekNextDoor]

and for some reason the data choices go from 1GB to 4GB. why no 2 or 3GB choice? probably because i don't use close to my 4GB i pay for but will do so if i had a cheaper 3GB option.

going prepaid next month. 2 iphones $60 to $80 depending on carrier and plan

They do offer a 2GB shared data plan. It costs $15 more than the 1GB shared data option. So you can pay $55 for 2GB if you like on the shared plan.

[techiegirl]

That's good i just peak at 2gb

If you peak at 2gb, why the concern about keeping unlimited data, specially when AT&T's unlimited data isn't truly "unlimited"? Not trying to be critical...just curious.

[EZduzIT702]

So this is how AT&T hides the "charging for FaceTime over cellular" news by announcing shared data plans? Well played AT&T well played...

[h0mi]

In "adding" a gaming device or tablet to your plan, is it talking about tethering or does the device have to have it's own AT&T sim card?

[Krayzie116]

If you peak at 2gb, why the concern about keeping unlimited data, specially when AT&T's unlimited data isn't truly "unlimited"? Not trying to be critical...just curious.I hate to go over and plus they don't have a family share plan that cheaper than what we pay...We pay around $187 the only plan cheaper is the 1GB and there two other phones in the plan that use data and they are at 200mb each

[tasset]

[/QUOTE]

With AT&T? And is this an old plan or one that they currently offer?
[/QUOTE]

You signup for a data only plan from an iPad, either the $15 or $30 plan depending how much data you want.
Then pop the sim card from the iPad into your iPhone, and go to unlockit.co.cz if you can't change the APN settings manually. Or if your phone is unlocked, change the APN for data to 'broadband.'

Done!

[Kavier]

At least AT&T is offering this as an option....I like choices.

Verizon is forcing this onto their customers.

I totally agree! I am happy I will be able to stay on my unlimited plan.

[TonyC28]

Maybe I'm having a hard time figuring out the possible benefits of this because I'm looking at it in terms of how it would benefit my family. So can anyone explain to me a situation where this is a good deal and would save them compared to what they pay now?

[cvaldes]

Good stuff - I have seen people bringing up the $30 plan frequently. This is the 30MB data plan w/ 1000 minutes isn't it? - or am I missing something. I use ~700 minutes or more avg and use the phone for business so I'm one of the few that still need voice.
Yes, but I am in error. I was under the impression that the $30 Straight Talk service plan offered more cellular data.

Anyhow, I'd love to see the $45 unlimited plan come down in price, or an intermediate offer with a reasonable amount of data (500MB or maybe 1GB) and fewer voice minutes.

[wrz0170]

So right now I have unlimited data, 700 shared minutes, unlimited text for 2 iPhones, 1 4g iPad. $224 tax tags title out the door. I averaged about 4 months and we break about 1 gig in data. We never come close to breaking minutes.

So if I wanted 6gb for my lot:
90+35+35+10=170 before tax

10gb
120+30+30+10=190 before tax (close to what I pay now + tethering).

On the surface, it might be worth it?

[Whorehay]

Anyone know how FAN discounts will be affected?

[techiegirl]

Anyone know how FAN discounts will be affected?

Verizon discounts on the data portion only. I would think it's the same for AT&T.

[kevink2]

I thought it was a better deal looking at it this morning on my phone than I see looking at it on the computer.

I currently paying $70+30 before discount and taxes on my current plans. I would be paying $120 before discount and taxes under these new plans.

For the extra $20, I would get the following additional benefits:
unlimited messaging, while now I only get 200/month (and use less).
unlimited voice, while now with my 450 minute plan I have thousands of rollover minutes available.
Hotspot capability, which I haven't generally needed.

What I would lose, is unlimited data on my iPad. However, my max usage is only 2GB on that, and 1GB on phone, so 4GB would be enough.

It would only be worth it if someone else were to added to my plan.

[Michael CM1]

No, it didn't. If you're on the 450 minute plan with unlimited text and 3GB of data, you're *still* on the 450 minute plan with unlimited text and 3GB of data at exactly the same price.

These are additional options, they're not replacing the existing plans.

So did I misunderstand Verizon's change as well? I thought ALL Verizon plans would be forced to the new system, not just family plans. I'm looking at my account online and have the option of upgrading my individual plan to the same minutes-based plans and different data tiers as before. If so, this alleviates MANY fears I had.

[kevink2]

If tethering is included, why would anyone pay a fee to add a tablet or computer to their plan?

Because it is much more convenient to connect to the internet directly with the iPad than it would be to enable tethering and drain your battery.

----------

One issue with changes in plans like this is sometimes the feature you want may not be available anymore, or you can't go back to what you had.

Last year I dropped to the 2GB plan from unlimited on my iPhone. Tethering was a $20 feature. A month ago I wanted to add it for a month, and saw that not only wasn't it an option anymore (I had to pay $25/month more for a 5GB plan with tethering), but I wouldn't be able to drop back after this trip to the $25/2GB plan.

[harley3k]

In all seriousness, I have no problem paying for something awesome, but I've done the math several ways and this doesn't make sense for me.

I have 3 iPhones on my plan and 2 iPads. I don't know who these plans are for if they're not for people like me.

I don't pay for data on the iPads every month because I don't always need it. I just order a month of data whenever I travel.

The cost for switching 3 phones to the 10GB plan and connecting both iPads is about $40 more for me. Versus just paying $30/month for one iPad on an as needed basis. I think I'm better off sticking with that for now.

[SandboxGeneral]

I posted this in another thread earlier today, but it bears repeating again in this thread. These "plans" are a horrible option to choose from.

For me, I'm staying with my unlimited plan on iPhone, and will keep the separate $30 plan for my iPad. I can have (realistically) 6GB of data that way for $60 per month. If I choose the 1GB plan, I will have to pay $85 and get a lot less. Or go with the 4GB plan, still get less and pay $120. How does that add up? :confused:

From my other post earlier...

This whole US cellular market of data usage is a bunch of bunk. 1Gb, 3GB or unlimited, it's all irrelevant. The quantity of data a person uses has no affect on the network of AT&T, Verizon, et al. What matters and affects the network and it's users is the number of people on the network at a given time, in a given area and how many it can support. That's where the slow downs occur and congestion takes over. This is true whether a person uses 1MB or 10GB; it's all the same.

Imagine a highway with 2 lanes and 100 cars on it driving 55mph. Traffic should run fairly well. Now triple the amount of cars on the same road and traffic is going to get congested and the speed overall is going to drop significantly. If you widen the same road by 1 or 2 lanes, those 300 cars should be able to drive 55mph again and be fine. This is the same principle of the way the networks work.

The bottom line is the cellular companies are taking us for a ride and not a high speed one. They're cashing in on these "data plans" and restricting us the use of the road. We're only allowed to drive 3 miles on the unlimited length of the road each month. That is without regard to how many lanes are available and the amount of cars on the road. You could be the only car on a 3 lane road, but you're only allowed to drive 3 miles per month, or they're going to penalize you for driving further.

Then there is the text messages. Texting costs them next to nothing to accommodate as they insert that data in between regular telephone calls on the same network. Again, charging us all this money for these plans is uncalled for.

They are bringing in the cash hand over fist, yet their networks lag behind in capacity and speed. What are they doing with all this money? Perhaps they need to streamline their corporate & company structure and become more cost-effective.

[thevofl]

It will save me a little amount of $$ and still offer me more:

Current Plan
60 Family plan
30 Unlimited Data (which has never exceeded 1 Gb on that phone)
5 For 200 Texts
10 Second Line
45 Data (including tethering)
5 For 200 Texts
15 iPad (250 Mb)

170 Total


New plan

70 Data
40 First Phone
40 Second Phone
10 iPad

160 Total

Pros for switching: Tethering is included (from iPad). iPad will be under same umbrella. Unlimited texting (for the occasional month when I go over the 200 texts). Save 10/month. The second iPhone can now tether as well and not have to pay the extra $$.

Cons for switching: Lose grandfathered plans if unsatisfied.

I could drop down to 4 Gb to save an additional 10, but I think I'll be using my iPad a lot more now.

[linkgx1]

Okay, so I have (Family Message Unlimited with Mobile to any mobile calling) unlimited text, calling, + 3 iphones. I have 2 gigs, another person has 4gbs w/tethering and other has 2 gigs too. I'm not sure if this will be more expensive or less. I currently pay $210 a month......

[techiegirl]

Okay, so I have (Family Message Unlimited with Mobile to any mobile calling) unlimited text, calling, + 3 iphones. I have 2 gigs, another person has 4gbs w/tethering and other has 2 gigs too. I'm not sure if this will be more expensive or less. I currently pay $210 a month......

You would pay $120 for 10gb data plus $90 for 3 iPhones. It'll be $210.

[greytmom]

Because it is much more convenient to connect to the internet directly with the iPad than it would be to enable tethering and drain your battery.

I'd rather save the cash and plug in the charger if needed.

[linkgx1]

You would pay $120 for 10gb data plus $90 for 3 iPhones. It'll be $210.

Damn, this is terrible then. I'm thinking that at least the 1st phone would be included in that....

I'd pretty much be even.....with maybe 2gb more of data.:eek:

[greytmom]

It made me go take a look at my plan, which I rarely do. But after looking at it today and discovering I have 51,000 rollover minutes (!!!) I finally changed to the lowest number of minutes they offer, which is still way more than I use.

And, I got mad enough about the texting charges to drop it altogether. Most of the people that I text with have iPhones anyway.

So, thank you MacRumors... you gave me the kick in the butt I needed to save $60 per month.

[techiegirl]

I'm currently paying $406.50 for 5 iPhones on AT&T and 3 lines on Verizon. With the shared plan we can combine all 8 lines in one shared plan and save $50.

[linkgx1]

I'm currently paying $406.50 for 5 iPhones on AT&T and 3 lines on Verizon. With the shared plan we can combine all 8 lines in one shared plan and save $50.

I think this plan only works if you have a lot of lines or tether a lot. 3 lines and tethering for me and this plan might work.Meh, I'll see when the plans are offical out.

[skaterboy]

I was disappointed hearing today's news. I understand the market but it seems ATT is losing out on people like myself. I have been waiting for shared data, now I have an iphone on the 39.99 plan, my bill with taxes is around $90. I have an ipad in which I occasionally add data, usually when I travel. Here is my issue, as much as I love my mac devices I need a blackberry for emails. I have been holding off hoping the shared data would work for me. My feeling is I'm happy to give ATT or any carrier $150.00 a month for 2 lines and my ipad. I'm not even asking for more minutes.

The old family plan was to much, I think it came to $160 before the ipad, two text plans, two data plans and the family plan. If I'm reading this right I'm looking at $160 a month, $70, plus $80 for two phones and 10 for the ipad. WIth tax I'm going to be $180, this doesn't make sense.

My plan B, which I held off on til tomorrow was to get a BOOST blackberry for $60 a month, live out my iphone contract then switch to that $45 plan Walmart has, smart talk? Thats $105 and then use the ipad when I need it. Keep in mind the BB is only for email. Yet I gladly would have signed tomorrow for a new BB, a family plan or share plan as long as I came in $150 or less, is that asking for to much?

I have been an att customer for 10 plus years, maybe longer. There losing a potential $150 month customer and right now a $90 customer. I can't be the only guy with two smartphones and an ipad. Seems like all these plans are for family's. What about a couple or small business. Just sharing my thoughts as its kind of sad and tomorrow I'll be going to get the BB from another carrier.

[topmounter]

Thanks for the list. anyone of them offering iPhone capable service for blockbuster rates (NYC area if possible)?

Stick a Straight-Talk SIM in your AT&T iPhone and they charge $45/month for voice/text/data.

If you're in NYC though, you probably want to look at a Verizon or Sprint MVNO rather than AT&T... supposedly Virgin Mobile has a pretty good pre-paid iPhone deal.

[ericrwalker]

I need a blackberry for emails.

I stopped there, I'll never understand that statement.

I use my iPhone everyday for my work and personal email. It's wonderful.

[ReallyBigFeet]

So did I misunderstand Verizon's change as well? I thought ALL Verizon plans would be forced to the new system, not just family plans. I'm looking at my account online and have the option of upgrading my individual plan to the same minutes-based plans and different data tiers as before. If so, this alleviates MANY fears I had.

Verizon only removed their old family plans and replaced with Share Everything plans. Individual plans remain in place. Unlimited data plans, however, are totally gone for new subscribers and anyone that wants to stay grandfathered needs to purchase a new phone at full unsubsidized price.

[Ammo]

I'm honestly not sure where all the outrage comes from.

1) you can KEEP YOUR EXISTING PLAN. They're not going away. This is optional. They made that very clear.
2) truth be told: the break even point is if you have 4 smartphones, 700 minutes and unlimited texting and 3 gigs of data for all ($240). The 10 gig package with 4 smartphones is $240. 6 gigs is $230.
3) here's where the savings come in: if you have more than 4 lines or want to add a tablet to your plan. I have a Wi-Fi plus cellular iPad and haven't added it to my plan yet. Under the new system it would be a no brainer to me based on my family's historical usage to add my iPad.

Yes, the plan is designed for you to say "oh, $10 here, $10 there" to tempt you into purchasing tablets and adding tablets to your plans.

Here's the bottom line: IF YOU NEED MORE THAN 700 MINUTES TO LANDLINES EVERY MONTH, THIS IS GOOD FOR YOU.

And if you think the prices are too expensive, then go to Sprint or T-Mobile. You know you won't get the quality of service you get with the big two carriers. It's not a duopoly, it's the sheer fact that you get what you pay for. AT&T and Verizon simply have better networks. They have bigger networks with more cell towers that cost more to maintain than Sprint or T-Mobile. It's why they're the only two truly profitable companies. And they're also the ones with the most network investment.

Simple fact: family data plans may not be what you wanted, but it's ultimately better for the consumer in many ways. They may not be the lowest prices but you definitely get the most value from it.

[seemo40]

I've been paying close to $100 a month on my old 3GS for unlimited data, 900 minutes, and 200 text including a 15% CORP discount. Now that I've added a $30 month 3 gig data plan, this may work out to be a better deal will have to see.:cool:

[AppleScruff1]

You'd think with the huge adoption of smart phones and the increased revenue from the already ridiculous data prices, they might lower their prices?? Like when high speed Internet was unaffordable but now has come way down in price.

I hate telecommunications companies.

You'd think that Apple would lower their prices since their profit margin keeps getting bigger and bigger as their costs continue to fall.

[floatingspirit]

Price Increase. Total BS

[mantan]

You'd think that Apple would lower their prices since their profit margin keeps getting bigger and bigger as their costs continue to fall.

Yeah, we could say the same thing about Apple. But somehow they are totally immune to any criticism for turning obscene profits with every product they release....yet every other company gets bashed for the same thing. Just sayin.

[Ammo]

The bottom line is this:

The frugal customers who want low data and low minutes won't like these plans. Customers who are grandfathered into unlimited won't like them either. Customers who want bang for the buck will love them.

What you pay more in price you gain in

-unlimited talk and text. Really unlimited. Not unlimited calling to any cell phone, but to any phone.
- more efficient data use across your devices
$10 tablet access. As an iPad owner I find this really, really tempting because I don't actually use my cellular data for my iPad.
-tethering. For free.

Let's really look at everything you get here. It stinks on the low end, we know this. But on the high end you save a metric ton per month and can connect more devices.

Focus on the positives of this plan. Plus when you factor in the cost of doing business in the wireless industry (it is NOT cheap to maintain and invest in a network), this is actually a pretty nice deal.

[SVT Amateur]

I posted this in another thread earlier today, but it bears repeating again in this thread. These "plans" are a horrible option to choose from.

For me, I'm staying with my unlimited plan on iPhone, and will keep the separate $30 plan for my iPad. I can have (realistically) 6GB of data that way for $60 per month. If I choose the 1GB plan, I will have to pay $85 and get a lot less. Or go with the 4GB plan, still get less and pay $120. How does that add up? :confused:

From my other post earlier...

This whole US cellular market of data usage is a bunch of bunk. 1Gb, 3GB or unlimited, it's all irrelevant. The quantity of data a person uses has no affect on the network of AT&T, Verizon, et al. What matters and affects the network and it's users is the number of people on the network at a given time, in a given area and how many it can support. That's where the slow downs occur and congestion takes over. This is true whether a person uses 1MB or 10GB; it's all the same.

Imagine a highway with 2 lanes and 100 cars on it driving 55mph. Traffic should run fairly well. Now triple the amount of cars on the same road and traffic is going to get congested and the speed overall is going to drop significantly. If you widen the same road by 1 or 2 lanes, those 300 cars should be able to drive 55mph again and be fine. This is the same principle of the way the networks work.

The bottom line is the cellular companies are taking us for a ride and not a high speed one. They're cashing in on these "data plans" and restricting us the use of the road. We're only allowed to drive 3 miles on the unlimited length of the road each month. That is without regard to how many lanes are available and the amount of cars on the road. You could be the only car on a 3 lane road, but you're only allowed to drive 3 miles per month, or they're going to penalize you for driving further.

Then there is the text messages. Texting costs them next to nothing to accommodate as they insert that data in between regular telephone calls on the same network. Again, charging us all this money for these plans is uncalled for.

They are bringing in the cash hand over fist, yet their networks lag behind in capacity and speed. What are they doing with all this money? Perhaps they need to streamline their corporate & company structure and become more cost-effective.

Actually, it is a horrible option for you. Some of us that have 3+ devices with tethering will actually save money with these plans.

I agree that AT&T isn't doing out of the goodness of their heart and will likely increase revenue by doing this - but there are people out there like myself who will save money by going to the new Shared Plans. People like you with 2 devices will likely see no benefit in cost reduction.

[SqB]

At first this didn't seem like a very good deal for me but it actually works with something else I was thinking. We have 5 iPhones. One each for wife and I and three for the kids (they work for them). I was already thinking kids don't actually talk on phones anymore, at least mine don't, so once the 7" iPad came out I would swap out their phones for the smaller iPads equipped with a text messaging app and maybe a VoIP app for the occasional call. Now this will work really well and I'm thinking it would also work well for me.

So we would have 1 iPhone (wife needs a real phone for work) and 4 iPads. Under those circumstances, if I still get my FAN, I will be paying significantly less and everybody will be happy.

Now, if there's no 7" iPad, this all falls apart so my fingers are crossed. A 3G iPod touch would also work for this but I don't think that's ever happening.

[MacDav]

Yeah, we could say the same thing about Apple. But somehow they are totally immune to any criticism for turning obscene profits with every product they release....yet every other company gets bashed for the same thing. Just sayin.

When I read posts like this I just shake my head in amazement. Between the two of you (Applescruff1, Mantan) I was going to say, I don't know which one is Dumb or Dumber. Thats not really fair though, I think the problem is that you are both very young and mind numbingly ignorant. I'd say under 30 years old, most likely. The fact that you think it's obscene for a company to make large profits means you don't have a clue about any kind of business model what so ever. (Maybe non-profit?) The goal of any well run company is to make as much profit as possible to benefit the company, the shareholders, and the general population by making as many good jobs available to as many people as possible. The fact that Apple has succeeded triumphantly, in all these areas bothers you for some strange reason. I'm quite sure neither of you own Apple stock, because if you did you would be very happy that the company is making "obscene profits". Please enlighten me as to why any company should make a great product and then charge as little as they possibly can for that product. Why is that a good idea? I'm really hoping you'll explain this for everyone's benefit.

[pawtracks]

Anyone know how FAN discounts will be affected?

We can only speculate, but right now my AT&T FAN discount is 20% off the voice plan ($80 for 700 min) and the data plan ($25-2GB) (no discount on my family unlimited text plan of $30)

$80+$25=105 - 20% ($21.00)
On my additional lines it is $9.99 + $25 (2BG data) but the discount is only on the data portion (20% $5.00)

If I go with the 10GB shared plan for 3 devices and the same FAN discount applies I hope to see: $120 (voice) +$30 (data)+$30 (data)+$30 (data) = $210 - 20% ($42.00) + taxes

Gives me an extra $6 discount $42 vs current $36
In the end ~$10 cheaper per month for unlimited voice & text (big deal :rolleyes:) but an extra 4GB to share and free tethering ;)

[JoEw]

It made me go take a look at my plan, which I rarely do. But after looking at it today and discovering I have 51,000 rollover minutes (!!!) I finally changed to the lowest number of minutes they offer, which is still way more than I use.

And, I got mad enough about the texting charges to drop it altogether. Most of the people that I text with have iPhones anyway.

So, thank you MacRumors... you gave me the kick in the butt I needed to save $60 per month.

your rollover minutes don't expire? my family's do after 3 months.

[pawtracks]

your rollover minutes don't expire? my family's do after 3 months.
Mine expire after a year, I too was wondering how someone would rack up 51,000 :confused:

[Whorehay]

We can only speculate, but right now my AT&T FAN discount is 20% off the voice plan ($80 for 700 min) and the data plan ($25-2GB) (no discount on my family unlimited text plan of $30)

$80+$25=105 - 20% ($21.00)
On my additional lines it is $9.99 + $25 (2BG data) but the discount is only on the data portion (20% $5.00)

If I go with the 10GB shared plan for 3 devices and the same FAN discount applies I hope to see: $120 (voice) +$30 (data)+$30 (data)+$30 (data) = $210 - 20% ($42.00) + taxes

Gives me an extra $6 discount $42 vs current $36
In the end ~$10 cheaper per month for unlimited voice & text (big deal :rolleyes:) but an extra 4GB to share and free tethering ;)

I actually think it's the other way around, where the $120 is the cost of data and $30 per line for unlimited voice and text. But that I'm not completely sure about.

And then, someone had said earlier that only the $120 data portion will be eligible for a FAN discount based on Verizon's FAN pricing. I'm still on the edge about this and will wait for confirmation when it rolls out officially. I'm pretty happy with my plan right now, but the $10 iPad add-ons will likely make me jump ship if the FAN discount pans out.

[devilstrider]

www.straighttalk.com

$40-$45 a month

or go virgin for as low as $30 a month

i'm on wifi 90% of the time so i would go to Virgin's crappy network just to save some cash.

i'm at the point where i'm even going to keep my iphone for 3 years or maybe longer. there is still lots of software that says ios 3 or 4 required so it's not like you need the latest all the time. Siri is crap and i have it turned off. don't play a lot of games.

Apple and Samsung need to share the blame too for their ridiculous prices. $649 for a phone that's costs less than $200 to make including parts. lets see how the stock price holds up when people go prepaid and keep their phones for more than 2 years. or just buy cheaper phones

not like you need quad core to run evernote or facebook and listen to spotify

Problem is most people don't see the value in doing that. They keep their contracts because they think they are getting over by paying $200 for the phone and being committed for 2 years.

[Reborn A Mac]

So with the shared data plans I could go with the 4gb plan for $110 for two iPhones, correct?

No, it is $40 for each smartphone. The total cost for you would be $150.00 before taxes and fees that they also tack on.

It is $70 + $40 (1st smartphone) + $40 (2nd iPhone) = $150 total

[radiogoober]

May someone help make sure I got these calculations correct:

Currently my wife and I are on separate accounts. We both have the lowest minute plans with (?)unlimited texts. I am grandfathered into unlimited data, she has 5 GB. I am not a heavy data user - I think I use at most 2 GB a month, she uses less than half a gig. Each of our bills is right at $80, so around $160 combined. (We both get a discount.)

I have an iPad with 3G that I've never activated the data on because I thought the data fees were just ridiculous.

So, using the new plan:

Let's say we split 6 GB:
6GB fee: $90
Each iPhone: $35 + $35
iPad: $10

Total: $170 - but this does not include the discount. Would the discount be on the 6GB fee, or would each "iPhone fee" be discounted? Either way, it would be a pretty similar discount.

This looks like I could get more than enough data, and add my iPad, and ultimately save money (if I consider the discount.)

And, if I went with the combined 4GB plan, it'd be:
4GB: $70
Each iPhone: $40 + $40
iPad: $10

Total: $160 - and then take off discounts.

.... but, ****, those totals don't include taxes and fees, so it will probably come out at least the same, and all I'll gain is giving my iPad data access.

These new plans suck. It's so absolutely stupid that an iPad is $10, and a laptop is $25, etc. I hate AT&T.

[SandboxGeneral]

Actually, it is a horrible option for you. Some of us that have 3+ devices with tethering will actually save money with these plans.

I agree that AT&T isn't doing out of the goodness of their heart and will likely increase revenue by doing this - but there are people out there like myself who will save money by going to the new Shared Plans. People like you with 2 devices will likely see no benefit in cost reduction.

Right. I can see folks who have several devices where these plans could help them save a few bucks. But for folks like like me, with 2 or 3 devices, these plans don't help.

Le sigh...

[Ammo]

Right. I can see folks who have several devices where these plans could help them save a few bucks. But for folks like like me, with 2 or 3 devices, these plans don't help.

Le sigh...

So keep your old plan. You're not forced to change. No skin off your nose.

----------

The FAN discounting is only off of the main data plan (think of data as the new line of minutes).

If you currently have a discount off of a data plan on your account, it may not make sense for you to switch unless you want the hotspot capability or want to add an iPad for less.

For those on the 3 GB plan where the FAN discount doesn't apply it makes sense to switch because the FAN discount will be greater on the data package than on the main line of minutes like it is currently.

For me it's a little more expensive to switch to the Share Plan because I have unlimited data and one 2 GB package on my account (along with two three GB packages).

However, if I want to add my iPad (something I've wanted to do for awhile) its far cheaper.

[hipnetic]

I'll be interested to know which components of these plans are impacted by corporate discounts (i.e., just the base amount or also the per-phone/device amount?). Then I can more accurately assess whether switching would be advantageous to me.

These moves by Verizon and AT&T are all about the fact that more and more people don't need unlimited minutes (with rollover minutes, I have way more than I'll ever need) or messages (thanks to Apple's messaging system) and many had started to wise up and switch to the lowest-minute plans. These companies are now, essentially, forcing people onto the most expensive minutes/messaging plans.

If you do a lot of talking and texting, have a lot of family members, and don't use much data, these plans may look great. If you're in the opposite camp, they probably suck. The one positive spin would be that if you had previously thought about wanting to tether (with an iPad or laptop), but chose not to because of the monthly cost to do so, that's now received the biggest discount. But that's a double-edged sword, because you're more apt to use up a lot more data more quickly with a laptop.

Here's my vision of a fair plan which would keep things simple but also let these companies make more money from people who use up a lot of data:

- Low-speed plan: $40 w/unlimited talk/text and unlimited slow bandwidth
- Mid-tier plan: $60 - same as above but w/medium-speed bandwidth
- Perfomance plan: $80 - same as above but w/high-speed bandwidth
* The first phone on the plan pays full-price. Add a 2nd phone and you get a $5/month per phone discount. 3+ phones gets you a $10/month per phone discount.
* Ability to tether: $10/month extra (per line).

I haven't crunched the numbers, so I just threw those out there. The point being that people who want high-speed data should pay for it, but within a family, you might have one person who really wants the highest speed bandwidth, and others who won't notice as much. For example, I'm fine limiting my daughters data speed (she ain't paying). And I also don't want my daughter to decide to go on a YouTube-watching binge and use up the whole family's data allowance which, as far as I can tell, these new plans that AT&T and Verizon are offering don't address.

[herdfan1979]

Great forum!
Is the $10 a cell data charge like the $15 for 250 plan, or is it an access to a tethering / hotspot?
I have a wifi new ipad, just curious if I need the $10 charge?


I have 3 iphones and an ipad, I was thinking on the 1g plan...

phone 45
phone 45
phone 45
ipad 10
1g data 40 = 185?

also am I looking at 18% FAN Discount... 18% on data? = $7.20 how about on the phone

... I am getting a discount on the phone and data

[cburton]

So we've been contemplating these plans since they came out yesterday. Currently we pay about $155 for both of our phones on the old grandfathered unlimited data plan with 450 voice minutes. Additionally we have Mcell with unlimited minutes (+$20) for using the phones at home. Now correct me if I'm wrong ... we should be able to do the 2 phone 6GB plan and drop the $20 Mcell unlimited minutes since the new shared plans are unlimited and come out about even. Mcell service wasn't reliable enough for the wife to rely on before but now with the unlimited minutes on the phones we will also be canceling our home landline for a substantial savings.

I think in our situation it will work out well.

Chris

[SandboxGeneral]

So keep your old plan. You're not forced to change. No skin off your nose.

I'm not changing it. I looked at the plans and determined it wasn't cost-effective for my situation.

[dokujaryu]

Why not do what I am doing, and use your iPhone as a hotspot for the iPad, I refuse to pay an additional $10 for my iPad.

Mostly convenience. Originally we got the iPad 4G on Verizon because LTE was not available in my area on AT&T. Getting tethering on my phone would cost more and just be annoying and battery draining to setup every time I want data on the iPad.

Also, some companies scan the building for hotspots and put the hammer down. :-/

[ebock]

I have a family plan through my company and I get 2100 Minutes for $78, and have 3 other phones on there for $10 each. My iPhone and my daughter's iPhone have $30 unlimited data and my wife has $25 data. My son just has a flip phone for no data. We have unlimited messaging at $30 That come to $223 + taxes

If I were to go with the 10GB plan I am now limiting everyones data or $120 I am assuming I would still get my discount So I would be at $93.60 for talk text and data + $120 for each of the 4 phones $213.60. I'll save a whopping $10 a month and cap my data at 10 GB/month.

Come AT&T give me a real reason to change!!! I can save more than tha by dropping to the 1400 Minute Family plan

[Ammo]

I have a family plan through my company and I get 2100 Minutes for $78, and have 3 other phones on there for $10 each. My iPhone and my daughter's iPhone have $30 unlimited data and my wife has $25 data. My son just has a flip phone for no data. We have unlimited messaging at $30 That come to $223 + taxes

If I were to go with the 10GB plan I am now limiting everyones data or $120 I am assuming I would still get my discount So I would be at $93.60 for talk text and data + $120 for each of the 4 phones $213.60. I'll save a whopping $10 a month and cap my data at 10 GB/month.

Come AT&T give me a real reason to change!!! I can save more than tha by dropping to the 1400 Minute Family plan

But now your son can have a smartphone and you would pay $10 per month less while doing it. Now you save $40/month. That's the whole point of the plan.

It's not for everyone but it makes sense and ultimately people save if they connect a lot of devices and talk a lot.

[billhelm]

I actually think it's the other way around, where the $120 is the cost of data and $30 per line for unlimited voice and text. But that I'm not completely sure about.

And then, someone had said earlier that only the $120 data portion will be eligible for a FAN discount based on Verizon's FAN pricing. I'm still on the edge about this and will wait for confirmation when it rolls out officially. I'm pretty happy with my plan right now, but the $10 iPad add-ons will likely make me jump ship if the FAN discount pans out.

It seems likely that the discount will only apply to the base charge given the way things have been going with AT&T. This is potentially a bad deal if you're grandfathered into FAN discount on the old $25 data 2GB data plans - depending on your % discount.

It also does some interesting things to the pricing at the higher FAN discount rates where the 4GB and 6GB plans are only a couple of bucks apart for me.

Still not for me, as I have no need to pay for unlimited text and minutes.

[chris7777]

Got to love it when a corporation post its plans to violate millions of people, and since so many people are already accustomed to being violated, they don't notice, or care that they are setting the next generation up to continue the fun in their own family, on these plans.

Tobacco companies get a bad rap, for advertising to the next generation, Yet these jokers, set up the next generation to become dependent on extortionately priced plans that do little more than rob man, woman, and child at gunpoint. Cue applause for AT&T $ Verizon, predators for the next and future generations.

[tbrinkma]

Not that you know of at least... Why would you defend AT&T either way?

I wasn't defending AT&T. I was pointing out that (unless you're a bloody fool) if:
1) a new plan would cost you more money, and
2) the new plan gives you no tangible gain worth the increase in price, and
3) you can keep your old plan, then...

...you keep your old plan.

That's true regardless of the provider, or the details of the circumstances. So, someone claiming that this new plan *will* cost them more money is either:
A) a bloody fool, intentionally switching to a new plan which will cost them more money for no tangible gain worth the increase in price, or
B) still on their old plan, and therefore not paying anything more.

Is that clear enough for you?

----------

So did I misunderstand Verizon's change as well? I thought ALL Verizon plans would be forced to the new system, not just family plans. I'm looking at my account online and have the option of upgrading my individual plan to the same minutes-based plans and different data tiers as before. If so, this alleviates MANY fears I had.

No. With Verizon, my understanding of the situation is that you don't get to keep your old plan past the expiration of your current contract term. (It might just be that you don't get subsidized phones any more of you stay with the old terms, though.)

AT&T, however, isn't phasing out the old plans. They're just adding a new option. (It looks like it will save me about $25-35/month and get me tethering, if I'm reading it right.)

[BFizzzle]

Somebody help me with my math

Im on the 550 minute plan . 2 iPhones , 3gb plan for one and the other is 200mb, no text plan

I get a $12 fan discount so my total bill last month was $110

If i go for the 1gb share data 2 iphones , will i pay more?

Also in 2 years i have not gone over 1gb of data i checked & the other iPhone less then 200mb is enough

I did one time go over the 550 minutes


I do text a lot but i use google voice & i hate it but is free
lol

yes you will pay more, $40=1gb $45 1 phone, $45 2 phone. =$130


i wish att would just offer us roll over data. its stupid data expires.

[anthonymoody]

Well to my surprise this actually works out very favorably for me with the exception that I'd have to give up my unlimited phone plan as well as that on my iPad.

We currently pay $190 (prior to taxes and fees) for two iPhones. Both have unlimited minutes. One has unlimited data, the other the 2GB plan. One has 200 texts, the other 1000. I think those are all old plans, no longer offered.

Add the $30 for my iPad plan, and that's $220/month.

To my shock, only ONCE over the last 18 months have my wife and I combined to go over 1GB across our phones AND my iPad. Wow. I've seriously over estimated our data usage, or seriously underestimated how often we use wifi.

So I can comfortably go with the 1GB plan for $40 with two phones at $45 each for a total of $130, or $90 less than I pay now. Given how little iPad data I've used I'll rely on tethering. And if that proves unwieldy I can always add my iPad to the pool for $10, shaving the savings to a still substantial $80/mo.

I can't wait for these to go live!

[SVT Amateur]

My only question regarding the new shared data plans is how it will work with subsidized upgrades. I'm assuming part of the reason why smartphones are charged a much higher rate, besides to make money, is because it offsets the cost of subsidizing the phone.

Right now with our current family plan the main line gets an available upgrade about once a year while the other two add-on lines get one about every 21 months. Since with the new shared plans the add-on lines will be $30-$35 a month - depending on the plan we get - I'm wondering if the add-on lines will be able to get upgrades sooner or if all lines will have to wait 21 months for an available upgrade.

[jeffmetanna]

Confused with all the numbers?

Check out my data plan calculator:
http://www.usdataplans.com/

[mantan]

When I read posts like this I just shake my head in amazement. Between the two of you (Applescruff1, Mantan) I was going to say, I don't know which one is Dumb or Dumber. Thats not really fair though, I think the problem is that you are both very young and mind numbingly ignorant. I'd say under 30 years old, most likely. The fact that you think it's obscene for a company to make large profits means you don't have a clue about any kind of business model what so ever. (Maybe non-profit?) The goal of any well run company is to make as much profit as possible to benefit the company, the shareholders, and the general population by making as many good jobs available to as many people as possible. The fact that Apple has succeeded triumphantly, in all these areas bothers you for some strange reason. I'm quite sure neither of you own Apple stock, because if you did you would be very happy that the company is making "obscene profits". Please enlighten me as to why any company should make a great product and then charge as little as they possibly can for that product. Why is that a good idea? I'm really hoping you'll explain this for everyone's benefit.

You completely missed my point.

Actually I am over 40 and work in large Fortune 100 company in the health insurance industry. I have no problems with companies making a profit.

My point is many MacRumor readers opinions om if a company should raise prices or make a huge profit depends on how much they like the products they make or produce.

Using your example, how do you feel about my company charging as much as they can for the drugs they produce? Are you one of those people who champion their right to do that? Or do you bemoan why they don't charge less for those products? Or you health insurance company won't cover as much as they used to?

The same goes for insurance companies, oil/gas companies, cell phone companies and on down the line.

My point wasn't that Apple was making a profit. It was the incessant complaining whenever a cell phone company doesn't to quote you 'charge as little as they can for their product.' I'm realistic enough to know they are making real world business decisions.

Do I like it? Not really. But unlike people around here I won't talk out of both sides of my mouth and cheer when Apple makes a huge profit and get angry when ATT or Verizon tries to do the same.

[Snowy_River]

Well, I'm disappointed, but not surprised. The reality as it seems to me is that these plans aren't aimed at convincing new people to get data using devices.

My wife and I would be relatively low data users. We'd both love to have iPhones, but the cost of data plans have been obscenely prohibitive. I understand the principle that the data cost needs to be a certain level to help offset the subsidized phone cost. But what about the more frugal consumer who has a phone that is bought outright? For example, if I bought an unlocked iPhone 3GS and simply put my SIM card into it, where is the data plan for me? Should I be forced to pay a rate that is designed to offset subsidization?

In short, what I'd like to see is something like a $30, 1GB of data that could be added to any "OUT OF CONTRACT" account as shared data, with NO DEVICE ACTIVATION fees. From the standpoint of $30 pays for 2GB of data on a single device when covering subsidization, there can be little doubt that $30 for 1GB of data would make AT&T plenty of money if it was being applied only to non-subsidized devices.

Is it so much to ask? Yeah, I know that the answer is "yes", but I can still dream...

[MacDav]

You completely missed my point.

Actually I am over 40 and work in large Fortune 100 company in the health insurance industry. I have no problems with companies making a profit.

My point is many MacRumor readers opinions om if a company should raise prices or make a huge profit depends on how much they like the products they make or produce.

Using your example, how do you feel about my company charging as much as they can for the drugs they produce? Are you one of those people who champion their right to do that? Or do you bemoan why they don't charge less for those products? Or you health insurance company won't cover as much as they used to?

The same goes for insurance companies, oil/gas companies, cell phone companies and on down the line.

My point wasn't that Apple was making a profit. It was the incessant complaining whenever a cell phone company doesn't to quote you 'charge as little as they can for their product.' I'm realistic enough to know they are making real world business decisions.

Do I like it? Not really. But unlike people around here I won't talk out of both sides of my mouth and cheer when Apple makes a huge profit and get angry when ATT or Verizon tries to do the same.


Your beef is not with big companies making big undeserved profits, or people talking out of both sides of their mouths. Your beef is with the universe itself. Capitalism is an extension of evolution. It is "Natural Selection" at work. You seem to want life to be "fair". Life has never been fair, is not fair now, and never will be fair. People are not equal, and never have been equal. You can really only blame the universe for this. If everyone living were at a level of enlightenment on par with "Mother Teresa" then we would have "Heaven on Earth". Unfortunately, most humans are selfish, envious, hateful, greedy etc. Karl Marx thought he could force people to be unselfish. The Soviets bought into his ideas and they gave it their best shot. The Soviet Empire imploded, as you might recall, because that system turned out to be a worse fit for humans than Capitalism. Look at the Euro-Socialists, how is that working out? Yes, our system is far from perfect. It is only as perfect as the people who populate it. We can and will improve things. We will argue with each other about which method is best to improve things. However; one thing I know for sure, whining about how bad things are, is a waste of time. Doing something positive in your life (even a small thing) is not a waste of time. It may be all that most of us can do.

[Digipimp]

I think I may switch over and I was expecting to hate these plans. I guess it all depends on your situation. I have an iPhone, always have the latest iPhone and I opened a 2nd line and gave a basic phone to my mother so she would always have a phone with her no matter what.

Im on the 700 minute level for $60 + 9.99 for the 2nd line and then I pay $20 for the 300mb of data. I don't pay for texting since she doesnt use it and I've used google voice for several years now. So its basically $90 for my bill. But with these shared plans I can go to unlimited minutes, unlimited text and 1gig of data for just $25 more if I understand them correctly. That might be worth it to me.

[revelated]

You'd think with the huge adoption of smart phones and the increased revenue from the already ridiculous data prices, they might lower their prices?? Like when high speed Internet was unaffordable but now has come way down in price.

I hate telecommunications companies.

Speaking from past experience, high speed internet from years past was rarely "unaffordable" as it were.

When the @Home Network was first launched, there was no cap, no limit, and you paid roughly $100-$150/month. While that may seem a bit steep, again, there was literally no limit. You didn't have a "speed" it was whatever was allowable based on how many people were on the node. Well worth the dollars compared to now where $120/month peaks you out at 50Mbps.

[mantan]

Your beef is not with big companies making big undeserved profits, or people talking out of both sides of their mouths. Your beef is with the universe itself. Capitalism is an extension of evolution. It is "Natural Selection" at work. You seem to want life to be "fair". Life has never been fair, is not fair now, and never will be fair. People are not equal, and never have been equal. You can really only blame the universe for this. If everyone living were at a level of enlightenment on par with "Mother Teresa" then we would have "Heaven on Earth". Unfortunately, most humans are selfish, envious, hateful, greedy etc. Karl Marx thought he could force people to be unselfish. The Soviets bought into his ideas and they gave it their best shot. The Soviet Empire imploded, as you might recall, because that system turned out to be a worse fit for humans than Capitalism. Look at the Euro-Socialists, how is that working out? Yes, our system is far from perfect. It is only as perfect as the people who populate it. We can and will improve things. We will argue with each other about which method is best to improve things. However; one thing I know for sure, whining about how bad things are, is a waste of time. Doing something positive in your life (even a small thing) is not a waste of time. It may be all that most of us can do.

Your still missing you point, probably because I'm not communicating it as clearly as I should.

Let me try again. I have no problem with capitalism. My observation, not even a complaint, is that people tend to choose where they selectively want unabashed capitalism to apply. With companies they like (like Apple), they support the market setting prices and happily pay it - with companies they don't (like ATT) they bash them and feel they are greedy and corrupt. Read through this or any other thread on a cell carrier and you see that dichotomy.

You say that I'm whining, but I'm one of the few not whining about ATT setting a policy for their own interest. I expected it. (That doesn't mean I like it....but I wasn't naive enough to think they were going to cut their revenue.)

If you support and understand capitalism, then you can't be fine with Apple maximizing their profit and be surprised or upset when ATT does the same thing. That was my point...not that neither of them had a right to do so.

[MacDav]

Your still missing you point, probably because I'm not communicating it as clearly as I should.

Let me try again. I have no problem with capitalism. My observation, not even a complaint, is that people tend to choose where they selectively want unabashed capitalism to apply. With companies they like (like Apple), they support the market setting prices and happily pay it - with companies they don't (like ATT) they bash them and feel they are greedy and corrupt. Read through this or any other thread on a cell carrier and you see that dichotomy.

You say that I'm whining, but I'm one of the few not whining about ATT setting a policy for their own interest. I expected it. (That doesn't mean I like it....but I wasn't naive enough to think they were going to cut their revenue.)

If you support and understand capitalism, then you can't be fine with Apple maximizing their profit and be surprised or upset when ATT does the same thing. That was my point...not that neither of them had a right to do so.

No, I'm afraid you're missing my point. People are self-centered and most are also hypocritical, and just about every other negative thing you can think of. So getting upset about the fact that they are hypocrites, is a waste of time. You are wasting your time thinking people should be different than they are. They will always be exactly the way they are, and you bemoaning it is a waste of time. I hope this is clear enough.

[solarkismet]

It seems like this will save my wife and I $60/month:

Old Family Plan
First Phone 1400 min = $90
Second Phone = $10
First Phone Data = $30
Second Phone Data = $30
Unlimited Texting = $30
Total = $190

New Shared Data Plan
1 GB Data = $40
iPhone 1 = $45
iPhone 2 = $45
Talk = Free
Text = Free
Total = $130

My wife uses 200-300 MB/month and I use 500-800 MB/month. I could easily cut mine back by not downloading app updates and big email attachments.

Seems like a no-brainer if we manage our data well, no?

[Dimwhit]

It seems like this will save my wife and I $60/month:

Old Family Plan
First Phone 1400 min = $90
Second Phone = $10
First Phone Data = $30
Second Phone Data = $30
Unlimited Texting = $30
Total = $190

New Shared Data Plan
1 GB Data = $40
iPhone 1 = $45
iPhone 2 = $45
Talk = Free
Text = Free
Total = $130

My wife uses 200-300 MB/month and I use 500-800 MB/month. I could easily cut mine back by not downloading app updates and big email attachments.

Seems like a no-brainer if we manage our data well, no?

Yeah, I'd say you're one of the lucky ones this will benefit quite a bit.

Wish I could say the same.

[mantan]

No, I'm afraid you're missing my point. People are self-centered and most are also hypocritical, and just about every other negative thing you can think of. So getting upset about the fact that they are hypocrites, is a waste of time. You are wasting your time thinking people should be different than they are. They will always be exactly the way they are, and you bemoaning it is a waste of time. I hope this is clear enough.


I think the part you're missing is thinking i'm upset. Unlike a lot of people (everybody) here - I accepted that and moved on. You called me out on it...

[MacDav]

I think the part you're missing is thinking i'm upset. Unlike a lot of people (everybody) here - I accepted that and moved on. You called me out on it...

Say whatever you like. Your not fooling anyone but yourself. End of discussion.

[mantan]

Say whatever you like. Your not fooling anyone but yourself. End of discussion.

'end of discussion'....You totally missed what my point 4 times. But that's OK, you seem like the type that wants to win an internet argument more than engage in thoughtful dialogue.

I'll tap out and say you won...since that's what it seems you like you want.

[mathman]

Hello everybody -

I had some issues today with my FAN account and went into an AT&T store to make the changes. The gentleman that helped me out was the store manager, and he told me that he was just in a training that indicated where the discounts apply to FAN accounts.

According to him, he said that the FAN discount percentage would ONLY be taken off the base price, NOT the device add-on amounts. So if you go for the most expensive (20 GB) for $200 a month and have a 20% discount, you're going to have a $40 discount and that's it.

I asked the guy if he was sure, and he said that he just heard this the other day. Don't know what it's worth or if somebody else has posted it, but I saw the question asked a while ago and I thought I'd put up what I know.

MM

[techiegirl]

According to him, he said that the FAN discount percentage would ONLY be taken off the base price, NOT the device add-on amounts. So if you go for the most expensive (20 GB) for $200 a month and have a 20% discount, you're going to have a $40 discount and that's it.


Which would be the data part of the plan, right? I understand that's the way Verizon does too.

[mathman]

Yep, that's right.

MM

[Imola Ghost]

Is ATT allowing tethering in this without additional cost? Its my data and I should be able to access however I want...right?

[Amable]

With AT&T Mobile Share plans, customers start by choosing how much data they want each month, then choose up to 10 devices to attach to their shared plan, one of which must be a smartphone. Each plan includes tethering and unlimited domestic calls and texts for smartphones and basic or quick messaging phones. This information are useful with ours site.

[TonyC28]

Am I understanding this right....it costs $30 a month to add a non-smart phone to the account?

[Penn Jennings]

Is ATT allowing tethering in this without additional cost? Its my data and I should be able to access however I want...right?

Yes, tethering is included

----------

Am I understanding this right....it costs $30 a month to add a non-smart phone to the account?

Yes

[techiegirl]

I called this morning to switch to the new plan and was told than my FAN discount applies to the entire bill. I asked her to confirm that and she said she was sure. She put me on hold and 5 minutes later, she came back and said the discount is for the 1st line only ($30).

I went online to switch and there was no information online as to what the discount was. I tried to make a new purchase of 5 lines through Premier and was given a discount off the shared data.

[Penn Jennings]

I called this morning to switch to the new plan and was told than my FAN discount applies to the entire bill. I asked her to confirm that and she said she was sure. She put me on hold and 5 minutes later, she came back and said the discount is for the 1st line only ($30).

I went online to switch and there was no information online as to what the discount was. I tried to make a new purchase of 5 lines through Premier and was given a discount off the shared data.

I THOUGHT that discounts only applied to the base share plan, not the device charge. As a manager at AT&T we don't any discounts on the shared plan at all yet so I can't tell you for sure.

[techiegirl]

I received an email confirming my order and the email says....

All existing voicemails will be deleted within 24 hours once the Mobile Share update is complete.

Why do they need to delete my voicemails?

[ericrwalker]

I received an email confirming my order and the email says....

All existing voicemails will be deleted within 24 hours once the Mobile Share update is complete.

Why do they need to delete my voicemails?


Not sure why, but another good question is why do you need to keep your voicemails?

If you do need to keep them forward them to a google voice account or something.

[Rodimus Prime]

I received an email confirming my order and the email says....

All existing voicemails will be deleted within 24 hours once the Mobile Share update is complete.

Why do they need to delete my voicemails?

Just another reason to move to something like Google voice for voice mail. Hell all I use my google voice number is for voice mails or a number I give companies/people I really do not want to deal with phone calls from.

I have not used AT&T's voice mail system for nearly 3 years. I do not miss it at all.

[ericrwalker]

I have not used AT&T's voice mail system for nearly 3 years. I do not miss it at all.

Agreed, I am even on the verge of turning off my text messaging (would have done it already if it wasn't for my wife being on the plan too).

I want to port my number to GV, but I wish it would display the GV number to other people when I dialed from the default dialer.

[Penn Jennings]

I received an email confirming my order and the email says....

All existing voicemails will be deleted within 24 hours once the Mobile Share update is complete.

Why do they need to delete my voicemails?

Umm, that sounds odd. I moved to the shared plan on Sunday and I still have all of my voice mail messages going back to Feb 2011. The voice mail messages are still on my device at least, which is the only way that I access them.

[Geckotek]

I THOUGHT that discounts only applied to the base share plan, not the device charge. As a manager at AT&T we don't any discounts on the shared plan at all yet so I can't tell you for sure.

I've been told several times that each FAN contract is different. It depends on the terms AT&T and the company negotiated.

[Rodimus Prime]

Agreed, I am even on the verge of turning off my text messaging (would have done it already if it wasn't for my wife being on the plan too).

I want to port my number to GV, but I wish it would display the GV number to other people when I dialed from the default dialer.

well that is your fault for using an iPhone. Android I can route everything to go threw GV is I wanted to.

[ericrwalker]

well that is your fault for using an iPhone. Android I can route everything to go threw GV is I wanted to.

I have an android too, forwarded to my iPhone.

I could dial with the GV app, that's not my biggest issue though. Retraining my wife to use GV for text messages and making calls could save us $30 a month for our shared text plan.

[Penn Jennings]

I've been told several times that each FAN contract is different. It depends on the terms AT&T and the company negotiated.

Good point, thanks.

Yeah, they can be different. Like some people get 50% accessories I'm told.

[HDJulie]

I called tonight to switch. The person I spoke with said he needed to verify what happens with the discount & came back to say that the FAN discount doesn't apply to the Mobile Share plans at all. I decided to hold off until this gets sorted out.

[Ammo]

I called tonight to switch. The person I spoke with said he needed to verify what happens with the discount & came back to say that the FAN discount doesn't apply to the Mobile Share plans at all. I decided to hold off until this gets sorted out.

FAN does apply to the main data package.

These plans definitely save $$$ for anyone with 1400 minutes or more and the "normal use" data plans.

[jaysen]

so whats the story with FAN discounts and the new mobile shared plans..?

[Geckotek]

so whats the story with FAN discounts and the new mobile shared plans..?

I've been told several times that each FAN contract is different. It depends on the terms AT&T and the company negotiated.

^^^

[JamesDibben]

I have 2 iPhones and two phones where data is completely disabled.

I use all 3GB of my data a month but my wife uses less than 1GB. I was looking forward to changing to the data sharing but ATT wants to charge $30 each for the non-smart phones my daughters use. That is a $60.00 increase over our current bill.

I am very frustrated with AT&T over this.

[Imola Ghost]

I contacted AT&T and said that these new plans only help those with many devices and does a disservice to those with 1-2 devices.

[geoffm33]

I contacted AT&T and said that these new plans only help those with many devices and does a disservice to those with 1-2 devices.

What did they say?

[steve knight]

we have 4 iphones and it costs the same for 6 gigs of data over 1 gig. Now my wife can get rid of Skype as she can talk all day long if she wants.

[JamesDibben]

What did they say?

I talked with someone via live chat and he just told me I should stick with my current plan.

Normally I don't push the limit of my data usage but lately I have.

I sure miss my grandfathered unlimited data plan. :(

[steve knight]

at least it does not change your contract renewal date. But also your stuck with the plan once you choose it.

[revelated]

Yes, tethering is included


No, no it is not. Be careful with that word "included".

Say you want to buy some transportation from me.


You want a motorcycle. I charge you a $100 monthly "freeway fee".
Your significant other wants a Suburban. I charge you a $400 monthly "freeway fee".
I give you a gas charge card.


I then proceed to tell you in big red bold letters on flyers plastered all over the lot:


[COLOR="Red"]COME ONE, COME ALL!!! BUY ANY ONE VEHICLE FROM US AND YOUR GAS IS INCLUDED AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR THE LIFE OF YOUR LOAN!!!!


Did I give you free gas? No. I simply hid the charge you'd normally pay the gas station in the "freeway fee" that I charged you. If you end up using less than $500 worth of gas, well guess what? I pocket that cash. Both AT&T and Verizon are doing the same basic thing.

A better way to say this is that under the Share plan, you're forced to have hotspot whether you want it or not, forced to pay for it whether you use it or not, but instead of saying they're charging for Mobile Hotspot, they simply created an "access fee" fundamentally equal to the old Hotspot charge. That helps them avoid lawsuits in case a court says they can't charge for hotspots.

[saleemyas3]

Someone help me out here:
From my bill, it seems like I pay $195 before all taxes and fees.
1400 Minutes Shared family plan - $80
512 MB data for 1st line -$15
2nd line - $10
2GB data for 2nd line - $25
3rd line - $10
2GB data for 3rd line - $25
Unlimited messaging for family - $30

So if i switch to the shared plan, I could get 3 smartphones with 6 GB of shared Date, unlimited minutes and unlimited messaging for $195, correct?

If true, are there any downsides of me switching, if the upgrade date remains the same?

[TC25]

No, no it is not. Be careful with that word "included".

Say you want to buy some transportation from me.


First sign of a dieing thread, totally unrelated analogies. People are smart enough to know if something is included in the plan, you are paying for it some how. :rolleyes:

[alent1234]

I have 2 iPhones and two phones where data is completely disabled.

I use all 3GB of my data a month but my wife uses less than 1GB. I was looking forward to changing to the data sharing but ATT wants to charge $30 each for the non-smart phones my daughters use. That is a $60.00 increase over our current bill.

I am very frustrated with AT&T over this.

do you have a home phone?

thats unlimited minutes now. get rid of the home phone like i'm doing today

[SVT Amateur]

Someone help me out here:
From my bill, it seems like I pay $195 before all taxes and fees.
1400 Minutes Shared family plan - $80
512 MB data for 1st line -$15
2nd line - $10
2GB data for 2nd line - $25
3rd line - $10
2GB data for 3rd line - $25
Unlimited messaging for family - $30

So if i switch to the shared plan, I could get 3 smartphones with 6 GB of shared Date, unlimited minutes and unlimited messaging for $195, correct?

If true, are there any downsides of me switching, if the upgrade date remains the same?

For you, there doesn't look like there is any downsides. I was in about the same boat as you (except I had the cheaper 550 minute plan) and it still made more since to switch.

You would end up paying the same but everyone would use a larger pool of data, you would all now be able to use mobile hotspot, and you get to use FaceTime over cellular when it launches with iOS 6.

[revelated]

People are smart enough to know if something is included in the plan, you are paying for it some how. :rolleyes:

Really?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/forums/ref=cm_cd_pg_pg1?ie=UTF8&cdForum=Fx2NFGOONPZEXIP&cdPage=1&cdThread=Tx2TKIKUMELQ03I

Count how many people misunderstood what Amazon told them back when Cloud was introduced. They got 5GB of storage "included" with the plan. When Amazon changed the storage to essentially separate music from everything else, people are up in arms. Yet they didn't lose that 5GB of space; they just can't use it to stream music.

I reiterate, despite your selective quoting. Be careful with the term "included". People don't read terms and then come onto boards such as this complaining that they got ripped off.

The fact of the matter is that they retitled the hotspot charge as an access fee. That the hotspot is "included at no additional charge" is marketing nonsense; you have no choice - There IS an additional charge that you don't get hit with if you have a separate line.

True "included at no additional charge" would be something like Call Waiting where there never was a charge.

[Penn Jennings]

No, no it is not. Be careful with that word "included".

Say you want to buy some transportation from me.


You want a motorcycle. I charge you a $100 monthly "freeway fee".
Your significant other wants a Suburban. I charge you a $400 monthly "freeway fee".
I give you a gas charge card.


I then proceed to tell you in big red bold letters on flyers plastered all over the lot:



Did I give you free gas? No. I simply hid the charge you'd normally pay the gas station in the "freeway fee" that I charged you. If you end up using less than $500 worth of gas, well guess what? I pocket that cash. Both AT&T and Verizon are doing the same basic thing.

A better way to say this is that under the Share plan, you're forced to have hotspot whether you want it or not, forced to pay for it whether you use it or not, but instead of saying they're charging for Mobile Hotspot, they simply created an "access fee" fundamentally equal to the old Hotspot charge. That helps them avoid lawsuits in case a court says they can't charge for hotspots.

You are trying too hard to be smart. I didn't say that it was totally free. I said that it is included. When you buy a car, the tires are included.

[TC25]

You are trying too hard to be smart.
What a nice way to describe a lame analogy.

[G51989]

...or over the air updates (trafficjams etc) for your new to come 7.85" navigationdevice... :eek:

Or realize most built in car nav systems do that already. For 0 dollars a month ;)

[revelated]

When you buy a car, the tires are included.

Because they're REQUIRED to operate the vehicle and have no separate charge otherwise. SIRIUS XM isn't "included". GPS isn't "included". LoJack isn't "included". They're things you can opt to pay a fee for.

Look, what I'm saying is, Verizon themselves don't say that hotspot is "included in the price". They say that it's "no additional charge". My counter is that the wording is borderline false, since you don't have an access fee on a standard line of service and the only feature that the Share plan offers that can explain the need for the access fee is the hotspot feature, since it's now part of the plan. Therefore, you are paying an additional charge...the access fee, which happens to be equal to the hotspot monthly fee and therefore could be argued that they're charging you for the hotspot whether you want it or not. But you ARE being charged for it.

If Verizon didn't have the access fee but allowed mobile hotspot, then yes, it would be "no additional charge". But whatever.

[Penn Jennings]

What a nice way to describe a lame analogy.

Perhaps but still accurate. Tethering is included in the shared plan price. Tires are included in the price of a car.

----------

Because they're REQUIRED to operate the vehicle and have no separate charge otherwise. SIRIUS XM isn't "included". GPS isn't "included". LoJack isn't "included". They're things you can opt to pay a fee for.

Look, what I'm saying is, Verizon themselves don't say that hotspot is "included in the price". They say that it's "no additional charge". My counter is that the wording is borderline false, since you don't have an access fee on a standard line of service and the only feature that the Share plan offers that can explain the need for the access fee is the hotspot feature, since it's now part of the plan. Therefore, you are paying an additional charge...the access fee, which happens to be equal to the hotspot monthly fee and therefore could be argued that they're charging you for the hotspot whether you want it or not. But you ARE being charged for it.

If Verizon didn't have the access fee but allowed mobile hotspot, then yes, it would be "no additional charge". But whatever.

The point is.. there is no additional charge. It is included in what you have paid for. Required or not is not has no bearing.


EDIT:
Included means "No additional charge". That is true. I'm not sure why people want to make something more out of the statement other than purely for the sake of argument or because they have a hard on for AT&T. How is my statement false? What am I missing?

[Geckotek]

Verizon themselves don't say that hotspot is "included in the price". They say that it's "no additional charge".

These 2 phrases mean he same thing. This argument is pointless. Tethering is now "included at no additional charge". That should be clear enough. Let's move on.

[techiegirl]

I switched our 5 line iPhone family plan to mobile share plan a few days ago. I also have a 3G iPad 2 that does not have AT&T service. We called (and went to the store) tonight to add the iPad onto the mobile share plan and I was told that there would be a $36 activation fee AND 2 year commitment.

[Geckotek]

I switched our 5 line iPhone family plan to mobile share plan a few days ago. I also have a 3G iPad 2 that does not have AT&T service. We called (and went to the store) tonight to add the iPad onto the mobile share plan and I was told that there would be a $36 activation fee AND 2 year commitment.

And carriers wonder why we hate them. If they aren't subsidizing a purchase, there's absolutely no reason for a 2 year commitment.

[revelated]

These 2 phrases mean he same thing. This argument is pointless. Tethering is now "included at no additional charge". That should be clear enough. Let's move on.

Really? So the fact they have a fee that wasn't there before is "no additional charge".

Barnum & Bailey. Visionary. Whatever dude.

[Geckotek]

Really? So the fact they have a fee that wasn't there before is "no additional charge".

Barnum & Bailey. Visionary. Whatever dude.

Which fee are you referring to? The access fee to add an iPad? Not the same as charging for tethering. If it was, they would charge for adding a laptop as well. (and every other device you tether)

Argue against the access fees, I'll agree with you, but don't categorize it incorrectly as a renaming of the tethering fee.

[Ammo]

And carriers wonder why we hate them. If they aren't subsidizing a purchase, there's absolutely no reason for a 2 year commitment.

There is no 2 year commitment for tablets.

[techiegirl]

I spoke with customer service and store manager. They both told me I have to pay $36 activation fee and 2 year commitment even though it's my own iPad.

[Ammo]

I spoke with customer service and store manager. They both told me I have to pay $36 activation fee and 2 year commitment even though it's my own iPad.

They're wrong. Yes to the $36 activation fee, but no to the 2 year commitment. I'd bet my house on this that I'm right.

[techiegirl]

I'm not going to take a chance on that or go running around different stores until I find somebody. I don't disagree with you. I just activated 2 iPhones a few months ago that I brought in myself with no activation fee or commitment.

With tethering included I've decided to just tether instead.

[nasapunk88]

Just switched to the new mobile share plan for a saving of $17.
Old plan was 700 minute, unlimited text with 4 phones of 3gig data. That was $60+$30+($30x4)+(10x3)= $240. We then had 21% discount bringing price down to $202.
New plan is 10gig with 4 phones, $120 + $90= $210 and then the discount is only off the $120 main data plan (not each device added) so that brings my price to $185!
Great new plan for us.

[Penn Jennings]

I'm not going to take a chance on that or go running around different stores until I find somebody. I don't disagree with you. I just activated 2 iPhones a few months ago that I brought in myself with no activation fee or commitment.

With tethering included I've decided to just tether instead.

That all sounds wrong, I would try calling again and talking to someone different. I hate to say it but some of the customer service people don't understand the new plan well.

The purpose of the contract is mostly to recover the cost on the device. When you get a $600 iPhone for $199, the carriers have to make that back. However, with your own gear, that doesn't apply. If your iPad was not purchased on a contract, you don't need a contract. I have an iPad that I purchased from Best Buy on my plan. I also just called 611 to confirm that.

If you call back and they tell you the same thing, private message me and I'll get you contact info for a manager.

[HDJulie]

Just switched to the new mobile share plan for a saving of $17.
Old plan was 700 minute, unlimited text with 4 phones of 3gig data. That was $60+$30+($30x4)+(10x3)= $240. We then had 21% discount bringing price down to $202.
New plan is 10gig with 4 phones, $120 + $90= $210 and then the discount is only off the $120 main data plan (not each device added) so that brings my price to $185!
Great new plan for us.

10gig is $120 but 4 phones is also $120 ($30 x 4) so you will be paying $215, I believe, unless my math is off :-)

[nasapunk88]

10gig is $120 but 4 phones is also $120 ($30 x 4) so you will be paying $215, I believe, unless my math is off :-)

Th first phone is included in the data plan, so $120 is for 10 gigs and one phone, then 3 x $30 for the rest. At first I didn't realize that one phone is included in the plans price until I called them.

[linkgx1]

Okay, so it turned out to be great. Now all 3 lines can tether. I'm paying $180 for 10GB W/Unlimited talk, text and tethering. Pretty good to me AT&T. Plus the guy messed up my bill and gave me a $75 credit. I'm pretty happy right now. :D

I actually think this plan is for people that were paying "too much". Plus, the shareable data gives the incintive that you might buy a 3g/lte enabled tablet.

----------

Th first phone is included in the data plan, so $120 is for 10 gigs and one phone, then 3 x $30 for the rest. At first I didn't realize that one phone is included in the plans price until I called them.

Wait, it is?! I was told otherwise.

[metsjetsfan]

Th first phone is included in the data plan, so $120 is for 10 gigs and one phone, then 3 x $30 for the rest. At first I didn't realize that one phone is included in the plans price until I called them.

If that is the case then atts online calculator is wrong. I think the person on the phone is wrong but would be great of he/she is right.

[linkgx1]

I switched our 5 line iPhone family plan to mobile share plan a few days ago. I also have a 3G iPad 2 that does not have AT&T service. We called (and went to the store) tonight to add the iPad onto the mobile share plan and I was told that there would be a $36 activation fee AND 2 year commitment.

Someone lied to you. You only do that when they are subsidizing something.

[techiegirl]

Someone lied to you. You only do that when they are subsidizing something.

They both said it is required whether it is subsidized or not due to my FAN discount.

[linkgx1]

They both said it is required whether it is subsidized or not due to my FAN discount.

Oh, what the hell? Have you tried calling them again?

[Kadman]

Th first phone is included in the data plan, so $120 is for 10 gigs and one phone, then 3 x $30 for the rest. At first I didn't realize that one phone is included in the plans price until I called them.

Would be nice, but this is definitely wrong. I'm on the new Mobile Share plan at 10GB with 5 lines and all 5 lines are added on in addition to the shared data plan. ($120 for 10GB plan + 5x$30).

[linkgx1]

Would be nice, but this is definitely wrong. I'm on the new Mobile Share plan at 10GB with 5 lines and all 5 lines are added on in addition to the shared data plan. ($120 for 10GB plan + 5x$30).

Something is weird here.

I have 3 (10gb)lines with a 21% discount....and my month bill is going to be $155/mo.:confused:

UNLESS the FAN is messing stuff up.

[HDJulie]

Th first phone is included in the data plan, so $120 is for 10 gigs and one phone, then 3 x $30 for the rest. At first I didn't realize that one phone is included in the plans price until I called them.

That is very definitely not right -- there are no phones included with the $120. That's the price for data alone. I have the same situation as you -- 4 phones on the 10GB plan. My line is the main one & I have the CSS for my line. It is $120 for the shared data & $30 for the phone.

[Kadman]

Something is weird here.

I have 3 (10gb)lines with a 21% discount....and my month bill is going to be $155/mo.:confused:

UNLESS the FAN is messing stuff up.

I know FAN can vary in rates (mine is only 15%), but some have also said it varies in what it applies to. Previously the FAN applied to my Family plan core (meaning the $xx amount for the family plan with first line included in that price that showed on the bill) and also any iPhone data plans (my $30 unlimited and also each $25 2GB plan for the kids). It did not apply to feature phone lines. My understanding of the new Mobile Share plan is that the FAN will apply to the core data plan (for me, 15% off of the $120 10GB plan) but would not apply to any of the $30 cost of the 5 phones added onto the plan.

Also, you may not have meant it this way and I don't mean to be picky about semantics, but the way you've worded things is a bit confusing. You don't have 3 (10gb) lines in Mobile Share, but rather you have 3 lines sharing a 10GB data pool. Again, not trying to be picky, but just wanted to make sure we were on the same page.

[linkgx1]

I know FAN can vary in rates (mine is only 15%), but some have also said it varies in what it applies to. Previously the FAN applied to my Family plan core (meaning the $xx amount for the family plan with first line included in that price that showed on the bill) and also any iPhone data plans (my $30 unlimited and also each $25 2GB plan for the kids). It did not apply to feature phone lines. My understanding of the new Mobile Share plan is that the FAN will apply to the core data plan (for me, 15% off of the $120 10GB plan) but would not apply to any of the $30 cost of the 5 phones added onto the plan.

Also, you may not have meant it this way and I don't mean to be picky about semantics, but the way you've worded things is a bit confusing. You don't have 3 (10gb) lines in Mobile Share, but rather you have 3 lines sharing a 10GB data pool. Again, not trying to be picky, but just wanted to make sure we were on the same page.

You know what I meant :rolleyes:. Of course I know it's a shared pool, like Verizon. The 10GB WAS EXTRA info.

[aalegado]

But that's not data only. That $190 is all inclusive.

Um, no.

Re-read my post: I figured the numbers for the data portion only since the additional cost for the voice portion is identical for both scenarios (current business plan and new AT&T pricing).

I can see now that the new plan will work for some people but in my case it's a lose-lose.

[garylapointe]

And carriers wonder why we hate them. If they aren't subsidizing a purchase, there's absolutely no reason for a 2 year commitment.

Go to a store and see if you get the same answer.

Also, with the shared data, I think tethering to an iPhone is free now. You could tether the data from the iPad to the iPhone for $0 per month (instead of $10).

I was wondering about activation fees, but usually I can get a local store to waive them...

Gary

----------

They both said it is required whether it is subsidized or not due to my FAN discount.

What parts of the shared data plan are covered by the FAN discount?

Gary

----------

I contacted AT&T and said that these new plans only help those with many devices and does a disservice to those with 1-2 devices.

For me it looked close for savings on my 2 iPhone plan with an iPad (just depended where the data was). 3-4 phones, seemed to clearly have some savings. If I tethered the iPad to the iPhone and not it's own $10 addition, it was clearly a savings.

Gary

[donnaw]

Don't know if anyone will come back to read this but here are my experiences with the shared data plan.

1). My son's company is owned by AT&T so he gets a discount. The discount on the shared data plans don't apply to the 15G but do apply to the 10G

2). We have 4 phones (3 unlimited, 1 3G) and 3 iPads (3G each). Unlimited texting and I dont remember how many minutes because we never came close due to rollover.

3). Our total bill was running right at $300/month.

4). Out of the total data we had we used about 1G/month total on all 4 phones. 2 of the iPads were using about 1/2G per month unless we were traveling and then we used more. (yes, I know we could have changed the plans back and forth but since we didn't always know it would have been a hassle), the other iPad used all the data (3G) in half the month (that's the one the grandkids use, usually in the car).

We moved to the 10G plan. Although we have less data we can use it where we need it the most, the iPads. And if we need additional data it's $10/G.

Our total bill is now $200/month (including the discount).

Whoopee

I had to add two of the iPads to the plan because we were buying the data separately each month. I call AT&T and via a 20 min call they cancelled the current data plan (which were expiring so I didn't lose any data), reissued new phone numbers (so I didn't need new sims), and waived the activation fee.

Have to say, I know many may not like the new plans but for my family it's a definite win.

[techiegirl]

For those who have received their bill since switching to the shared data plan, can you confirm the FAN discount is still active?

[Kadman]

For those who have received their bill since switching to the shared data plan, can you confirm the FAN discount is still active?

It is for me. The bill confirms that it's being applied to my 10GB Shared Mobile plan and not to the cost of each individual line.

[mathman]

The discount is on my bill, too. Applied only to the data portion, per the previous discussions.

MM

[garylapointe]

It seems like this will save my wife and I $60/month:

Old Family Plan
First Phone 1400 min = $90
Second Phone = $10
First Phone Data = $30
Second Phone Data = $30
Unlimited Texting = $30
Total = $190

New Shared Data Plan
1 GB Data = $40
iPhone 1 = $45
iPhone 2 = $45
Talk = Free
Text = Free
Total = $130

My wife uses 200-300 MB/month and I use 500-800 MB/month. I could easily cut mine back by not downloading app updates and big email attachments.

Seems like a no-brainer if we manage our data well, no?

OR get
4 GB Data = $70
iPhone 1 = $40
iPhone 2 = $40
Talk = Free
Text = Free
Total = $150

It's only $20 more and you're still saving $40. And you don't need to be cautious at all. And then you can use Facetime over cellular and tether laptops or tablets too.

Gary

[hipnetic]

2). We have 4 phones (3 unlimited, 1 3G) and 3 iPads (3G each). Unlimited texting and I dont remember how many minutes because we never came close due to rollover.

3). Our total bill was running right at $300/month.

...

We moved to the 10G plan. Although we have less data we can use it where we need it the most, the iPads. And if we need additional data it's $10/G.

Our total bill is now $200/month (including the discount).

Whoopee

I had to add two of the iPads to the plan because we were buying the data separately each month.Are you getting a 50% discount on the 10GB data plan? If you're not getting any discount on the individual lines, that should be $30 x 4, plus $10 x 2 for the iPads, so $140. If you get 50% off the $120 10GB data plan, that would be $200. Most of us don't get that big of a discount, though.

[Dallas Pilgrim]

I'm so glad I just found out about this, it's going to save me a lot of money. I was still on the unlimited data grandfathered from the original iPhone. A couple of years ago I added a line for my wife, so she had the 2GB DataPro, I had Unlimited, both had shared unlimited calls and texts, my bills were approximately $250 per month, sometimes more. I looked at our data use for the past few months and for both of us it is slightly over 1GB per month each. The most I've used in the past 5 or 6 months is 2GB in a month, which made paying for unlimited data ridiculous. I always kept it because I knew I wouldn't be able to go back but if I never use that much it's plain stupid. Since I moved to Dallas from Los Angeles I've found AT&T's data so awful to the point that I just make sure I'm connected to wifi to avoid having to use it, even if it means connecting to my company-provided Verizon 4G MiFi which works blistering fast everywhere that AT&T can barely manage download an email on my 4S.

Anyway, I switched to the 4GB shared, which should be plenty given our data use over the past 6 months, for a total of $150 a month - saving at least $100 a month compared to what I have been paying! Couldn't be happier with the new plans.

[hipnetic]

It has already been stated, but I'm going to give a quick dot-point summary of who these plans will "save a lot of money" for. If you meet both criteria, you may very sell save a lot of money:

1) You currently have unlimited voice minutes and (this part's important) you *really do* need unlimited voice minutes.
2) You need very little data per device, or if you have 3 or more devices you need very little data for most of your devices, but maybe need a large amount of data for one of your devices.

Point #2 is pretty straightforward, but I want to highlight point #1. How many people really *need* unlimited voice? For those of you who have unlimited voice minutes (or have a plan with a large bucket of minutes), have you checked to see if you're actually using more than what a lower voice minute plan would give you? In my case, we have three phones and the lowest minute plan (450 I think). I don't think we've ever used more than 450 minutes. Unlimited mobile-to-mobile is a big part of the reason why. And since we never go over, we also get rollover minutes, so now we've got lots of extra minutes in the "bank."

On top of that, I *do* use a lot of data on my iPhone, and my daughter could easily use quite a bit, too, if I hadn't given her strict instructions to use Pandora sparingly when outside the house, and to never use YouTube (even though she still uses it somewhat).

So, for people like me who don't meet *either* of those two criteria, these new plans aren't going to look so hot.

I suspect that many people with high-minute or unlimited-minute plans *don't* need to be on those plans, so they've actually just been wasting money all along that they didn't need to waste. They look at the new plans and think that they're going to save a lot of money, but really they could have already been saving themselves a good chunk of money by switching to a lower-minute plan.

[Dallas Pilgrim]

My wife and I both use our phones a lot for work. She uses around 2500 mins per months and I use around 1500 mins per month. This new plan (4GB shared data, with unlimited calls and texts) is going to save me a lot of money vs what I was paying.

[MareLuce]

OR get
4 GB Data = $70
iPhone 1 = $40
iPhone 2 = $40
Talk = Free
Text = Free
Total = $150

It's only $20 more and you're still saving $40. And you don't need to be cautious at all. And then you can use Facetime over cellular and tether laptops or tablets too.

GaryI just called ATT last night and talked with someone for 20 minutes about Mobile Share.

ATT person told me that you can tether on any mobile share data amount plan.

Are you saying that you need the 4 GB plan to tether?

[Geckotek]

Perhaps he means to say you'll have enough data to tether w/o worries?

[thomasfxlt]

Just switched my entire small business premier account to a Mobile Share plan within the existing small business account. Added my cellular iPad to the plan and a 6th phone that wasn't previously included and I'm saving $100 month. I bought the 10gb package. Much more than my average across all previous lines. You can have up to 10 phones or devices on the plan.

[donnaw]

Are you getting a 50% discount on the 10GB data plan? If you're not getting any discount on the individual lines, that should be $30 x 4, plus $10 x 2 for the iPads, so $140. If you get 50% off the $120 10GB data plan, that would be $200. Most of us don't get that big of a discount, though.

I haven't asked my son what his discount is. He gets some sort of employee discount and I know it's only on the data. He's not a direct employee. AT&T bought his company and they may get something a bit different. If I remember I'll ask him this weekend and post back. But I'm having surgery so I can't promise for a week or so.

[garylapointe]

I just called ATT last night and talked with someone for 20 minutes about Mobile Share.

ATT person told me that you can tether on any mobile share data amount plan.

Are you saying that you need the 4 GB plan to tether?

No, but you were talking about being careful. More data means not having to ration. Especially if you pan to tether.

Gary