AT&T Announces iPhone Tethering and New Smartphone Data Plans

[neoelectronaut]

I was planning on upgrading my Motorola SLVR this year to the iPhone that gets released this year...but I'm hesitant now, on Smart Phones in general.

Thanks, AT&T, for putting doubt in my head.

 

[justinlund]

So I can keep the same rate of data usage I currently use and save money?! I'm in.

 

[aa521490]

Don't want to read this 15 page thread but, with the ipad $30 unlimited data switching to $25 2GB for new ipad customers would it be wise for someone like me who has a 3g ipad to sign up for the unlimited data now?

What happens if I do not renew it after 30 days, but decide to sign up again 2 months later for a trip? Do I still qualify for the $30 unlimited data?

 

[cmaier]

You know, everyone crying about the data plans should probably check their data usage. YOU DO NOT USE AS MUCH AS YOU THINK YOU DO. I barely break 200MB myself and I'm using the data network all the danged time with app updates, web browsing, and more. If you're using over 2GB a month then you're really, REALLY pounding on your data usage.

Goody for you. I just checked my 6 months usage. I averaged 750 with one month at 2.1. Unlike you I do not declare that everyone has the same usage as me. For people who travel a lot and use their phones for business, 2gB can be problematic. Even more so if they tether (my laptop burns through about 250MB per day with a verizon air card).

 

[mikejfrd]

Do some of you people actually think that when/if Verizon gets the iPhone that their data pricing will be any cheaper??? It's a business people!! They all rip us off. Verizon is no better than ATT or Sprint. I've had all three and they ALL have their own issues. If Verizon gets the iPhone and comes in with a data plan that’s any better or cheaper, ATT will immediately follow suite so stop bitching and hating. Unlimited tethering on ANY network can do some damage.

I am by no means an ATT fanboy, however; I am realistic and don't expect something for free or at an unreasonable price. Now if Verizon or Sprint gets the iPhone and offers a voice and data plan that blows ATT's pricing out of the water I'll change my tune, but thats not going to happen.

 

[cmaier]

Don't want to read this 15 page thread but, with the ipad $30 unlimited data switching to $25 2GB for new ipad customers would it be wise for someone like me who has a 3g ipad to sign up for the unlimited data now?

What happens if I do not renew it after 30 days, but decide to sign up again 2 months later for a trip? Do I still qualify for the $30 unlimited data?

If you stop the 30 plan you cannot restart it.

 

[dgdosen]

This is an awful plan, and an awful direction to push customers:

- 200 MB is a paltry amount.
- As a user, I don't want to micro-manage my usage so closely that I'm concerned if I'm going over a tier in a given month.
- As a user, If I'm already paying some tiered amount, why am I being charged extra to tether and consume the capacity I paid for?
- As a user on the Internet, why will I be penalized for trying to adopt new ways of doing things in the digital age. If anything, I'd expect to consume more data as the Internet becomes more and more a part of our lives.

-- There's just way too much complexity in needing data plans for multiple devices and home use. If I'm a modern users, I may have a data plan on a phone, tablet, 4G connection, and home internet connectivity? And have all that add up to more than $200 a month?

-- Pricing like this can induce me to leave the iPhone and say Hello to Android. I hope it does push people away.

 

[Mark Booth]

AT&T's comments about how much data the "average" customer uses doesn't take into consideration TETHERING because no customer is currently using tethering (well, not legally). I freely admit that I use less than 200MB per month with my iPhone. So, I could save $15 per month by switching to the 200MB plan (vs. my current "unlimited" plan). But I have been patiently waiting for what AT&T promised a year ago.... legal tethering.

With tethering, I know my data usage will climb considerably. I'd happily pay $20 extra per month to add it to my existing "unlimited" $30 plan. But, no... I have to drop down to a max of 2GB per month and save, what?.. a whopping $5 per month.

Go read the iPad forums. iPad 3G customers that used less than 250MB/mo of data on their iphones are being shocked by the fact that they are using SUBSTANTIALLY more data on their iPads. In many cases, on pace to use over 5GB per month. The same will be true for a tethered laptop. 2GB is next to worthless for tethering AND for an iPad.

THANK GOD I haven't already purchased an iPad 3G. And I won't be purchasing one now. In fact, AT&T just saved me to the cost of buying a new iPhone. Even if Verizon's terms and plans are identical, I'll be switching before I ever renew another contract with AT&T. At least with Verizon, I can get some 3G coverage in areas where I can't even get AT&T EDGE signal (let alone AT&T 3G).

Screw AT&T!

Mark

 

[brammp]

Background Apps

With iPhone OS 4 and the ability to background apps like Pandora, will 2GB be enough?

 

[sfsurfer]

Here's the problem I'm having with this plan. Sure, 98% of the users are using less than 2GB/mo, but that is WITHOUT the tethering option. Where I live, I currently cannot get DSL or cable internet access (in the Bay Area, CA USA), so the only reliable option is to use a USB modem (satellite is not a viable option) and I pay the AT&T $60/mo for unlimited usage in addition to the costs of my iPhone3GS.

Here are my data rates for both for the last 6 months. Also, I only have Edge access and not 3G from my house, so it's not like I'm streaming Netflix, Hulu or YouTube every day, since it's way too slow to do any of that.

USB Modem iPhone3GS
3.3 GB 274 MB
4.5 GB 237 MB
3.5 GB 246 MB
3.0 GB 360 MB
3.0 GB 280 MB
1.9 GB 207 MB

I'm going to guess that tethering will dramatically increase the usage for most people (or at least it would for me). I think 2GB is a completely ridiculous limit for the tethering option. Just my 2 cents.......

 

[sonicwind]

OMG, they changed something. This is outrageous. I didn't like the old way, but this new way is just a rip off. I protest! I'm going to keep using this company and product, but I complain loudly about how they're abusing me. They're BAD. Down with, what company are we talking about? Well down with them!

 

[Stryx]

I'm sure there will be some clarity on the new plans in the near future, but, if the tethering option doesn't include unlimited, or at the very least, double, your cap it's pure robbery.

We're taking it so bad over text messaging with the current iPhone plans we might as well be subsidizing the excessive bandwidth users with the current iPhone text message rates. 2gb isn't a terrible cap, but you start doing more streaming to the phone and its going to be easy to go over it. I imagine AT&T panicked when they saw how much data 3g iPad users were consuming.

AT&T has laughed all the way to the bank by building(or more appropriatly, buying up) a substandard network, overcharging, and getting away with it on Apple's appeal. Other then major cities, there's 3g almost nowhere, yet we were still forced to pay for that data plan 'upgrade' if we bought a new iphone because it had the capability. Their 3g coverage is so laughable, they won't even make a map availible for it anymore ever since Verizon nailed them to the wall on how bad the coverage is.

I will give props to AT&T on roll-over minutes, if only they would extend it to the Data/Text messaging they might not be so terrible, if, the network, is actually getting substantial upgrades like they claim.

 

[spaceballl]

I really think this pricing is actually pretty fair. And when I look at my actual usage on attwireless.com, I see that this pricing won't really affect my bill that much.
In December and January, I used around a gig of data each month, meaning that my bill would be only $5/month cheaper.
In February and March, I used 2.1 and 2.3 gigs of data, meaning that my bill would be $5/month more expensive.
And in April, I used 1.2 gigs of data, making my bill cheaper.
And in May, I only used 0.7 gigs of data, once again making my bill cheaper.

I think ATT really could have screwed us with pricing, but I find this to be completely fair.

 

[Krio]

Here's the problem I'm having with this plan. Sure, 98% of the users are using less than 2GB/mo, but that is WITHOUT the tethering option. Where I live, I currently cannot get DSL or cable internet access (in the Bay Area, CA USA), so the only reliable option is to use a USB modem (satellite is not a viable option) and I pay the AT&T $60/mo for unlimited usage in addition to the costs of my iPhone3GS.

Here are my data rates for both for the last 6 months. Also, I only have Edge access and not 3G from my house, so it's not like I'm streaming Netflix, Hulu or YouTube every day, since it's way too slow to do any of that.

USB Modem iPhone3GS
3.3 GB 274 MB
4.5 GB 237 MB
3.5 GB 246 MB
3.0 GB 360 MB
3.0 GB 280 MB
1.9 GB 207 MB

I'm going to guess that tethering will dramatically increase the usage for most people (or at least it would for me). I think 2GB is a completely ridiculous limit for the tethering option. Just my 2 cents.......

So the most you've ever used is just shy of 5gb. With the new pricing via tethering you would be paying $75 (25 for 2gb, 30 for an additional 3, and 20 for tethering). Or it could be as low as 55 bucks on slower months. I assume you are paying 30 for unlimited on the phone for a total of 90 with the usb modem. Looks like you're saving money no matter what.

This new pricing on all smartphones might finally allow me to get into an iphone via walmarts $97 3gs. As a poor college student I could never justify the extra $30 a month minimum data plans all the major carriers force you to buy when you get a smart phone with 2 year pricing. I currently carry my call only cell phone along with my ipod touch for games, movies, music, and the internet when I find wifi. Saving $180 a year over the unlimited $30 is well worth the small effort to make sure I'm on wifi if I want to watch youtube and the 200mb would easily cover all my email, general browsing with images disabled, and texting using the Textfree app.

I know the $ per kb is pretty high, but I like to think of it as buying a tub of mayo from costco for $20 when I know it will go bad before I use all of it myself vs a jar from walmart that I will use up just before it goes bad for $10.

Not only is ATT freeing up the network for 98% of their 3g users (not just iphone), but they are lowering the cost to own a smartphone. Sucks to be in the 2%, but from a business standpoint you are adding customers with the lower price point, saving current customers money, and speeding up their network for the most part.

I know they will be sending messages about % left, but anybody know if they will offer the option to "hardwire" your limit so that once you hit 200mb all you have is a phone rather than charging for the difference?

 

[saxman]

All Circuits Busy

Ever get "all circuits busy" when trying to make a land-line based call? The telephone system was not built to accommodate everyone who has a phone number to make a call at the same time. The cellular networks were probably built on the same principle. Ever been in a large city when a natural disaster happened? Ever tried to make a mobile phone call during that? Probably not very successfully.

Then data came along to cell networks, but the phones were too clunky to use much data. Then the iPhone came along and made it so much easier to do pretty much everything over cellular networks - so a lot of people did.

I believe the iPhone and the iPad has outstripped what the expectations were. AT&T thought they could handle it; they were wrong because demand is so high. They're trying to fix it. But look at the land mass the US has - this is a huge country with a lot of area to cover. Their current fix is to lower the monthly rate for those who do not use much data (a plus for those people) and cap those that use a lot (a big negative for those people). However, simple math will tell you that they won't lose many customers if it is true that 98% of smartphone users use less than 2GB a month. Their bills can be $5 lower a month - no one dislikes being charged less for the same service they get.

If you think another cell network will do better, you will be right. That is until you have millions of devices on their network and then the cracks will begin to show. I have no doubt that if Verizon picked up the iPhone first, which they had the option to do, that they would be having the same issues AT&T is currently having. Multiple carriers would help offload the traffic though which is probably the best option for the iDevices at this point.

Call to complain - that is your right as a customer. But if those stats are actually true, it probably won't change anything. The grass always seems greener until you cross the fence and look back

 

[AbSoluTc]

OMG, they changed something. This is outrageous. I didn't like the old way, but this new way is just a rip off. I protest! I'm going to keep using this company and product, but I complain loudly about how they're abusing me. They're BAD. Down with, what company are we talking about? Well down with them!

Lol. Love it.

Lots of people were complaining about not having the option of choosing their data plans like this. Now that it's here, they are complaining it's a ripoff. Lol. You can't win.

If you want unlimited, stick with the plan you have. From how I read it, it only cancels you out or switches you to the new plan if you turn off or remove your current $30 unlimited.

Although, they could have gone in another direction. Anyone on $30 unlimited can pay another $10 for tethering. That would make a bit more sense to me.

 

[p-rice]

I just realized, why is Data Plus 200mb and not 250mb like the current iPad plan?

 

[andiwm2003]

Exactly! especially if it can record videos in 720p.. now if you go to upload that to facebook that is going to chew up more data then a standard video. It will be much easier to burn through 2gb with the new phone if it has all these features that it's rumored to have..

given ATT's bandwith problems I'm quite happy that people won't be able to waste all our bandwith by uploading 720p videos to facebook or other useless stuff. at least they will pay through the nose if they do....

 

[spaceballl]

I really think this pricing is actually pretty fair. And when I look at my actual usage on attwireless.com, I see that this pricing won't really affect my bill that much.
In December and January, I used around a gig of data each month, meaning that my bill would be only $5/month cheaper.
In February and March, I used 2.1 and 2.3 gigs of data, meaning that my bill would be $5/month more expensive.
And in April, I used 1.2 gigs of data, making my bill cheaper.
And in May, I only used 0.7 gigs of data, once again making my bill cheaper.

I think ATT really could have screwed us with pricing, but I find this to be completely fair.

And also, I have a jailbroken phone with tethering enabled. This usage includes a fair amount of tethering while I travel for business.

 

[Mark Booth]

Lol. Love it.

Lots of people were complaining about not having the option of choosing their data plans like this. Now that it's here, they are complaining it's a ripoff. Lol. You can't win.

If you want unlimited, stick with the plan you have. From how I read it, it only cancels you out or switches you to the new plan if you turn off or remove your current $30 unlimited.

Although, they could have gone in another direction. Anyone on $30 unlimited can pay another $10 for tethering. That would make a bit more sense to me.

AT&T just f***ed the people that have patiently waited for LEGAL tethering.

AT&T just f***ed the people that won't activate an iPad 3G until after June 7.

And what about current iPad 3G owners that stop their data service for a few months? When they start it back up again, are they stuck with the new terms?

Mark

 

[Foxer]

What the HELL are you doing on that thing? Streaming Youporn 24/7?

Doubt it. YouPorn is Flash based.

 

[nagromme]

I object on principle to this kind of cap... but I’ll take the $5/month reduction.

I consider myself a heavy data user—I often stream Pandora or Maps in the car, and download apps/videos—yet I have only twice used over 500MB in a month, and never over 550. And since I’m finally buying Navigon, I’ll be streaming Maps less. Add video chat and more video apps... will that quadruple my use? Probably not. And if I need a 3rd GB every other month or less, I’m still breaking even.

This is not defending AT&T—the new plans may work out for me, but they’re still obnoxious (just like every other carrier is in their own way).

 

[timlot]

I can see it now. Some time in the fall 2010.... " Guys I wanted to watch Rocky II on Netflix, but I'm alreay at 1.8GB for the month. Should I a) take the $10 hit b) watch half the movie and hope I don't tick over 2GB or c) just wait till next month for At&t to spoon feed me some more data."

 

[mysticbluebmw]

YES!!!!!!!! I LOVE THIS!!!!

Finally, all the bandwidth hogs snaking close to 5GB/month can be roped in. It's ridiculous all the peeps who care only about themselves and how much data the can absorb at the detriment of others. Total "me now" "I''m entitled" generation of kids need to learn social responsibility. Something many in the EU already know. That is why they have higher bandwidth caps. Less folks on a specific carrier, and more responsible surfing.

Maybe my 3g will go from the slow 0.8-1.0 Mbps to the 4-6 Mbps it SUPOSSED to get, now the data hogs won't be on 24/7 streaming video just because they can.

 

[NJMetsHero]

The one good thing I can see about this thing is this. The new minimum plan for the iPhone is $15 lower. So if you don't use a lot of data and you can use just 200MB of data, you can save $180 per year. That's nothing to sneeze at. As long as you aren't watching a lot of videos and stuff like that, this would be plenty of data. For me, this would be good because I'm in Wifi at school most of the year anyway.