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

[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.

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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]

Nice Try but...

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.

 

[S.B.G]

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?

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.

 

[greytmom]

Well, one thing this thread has done for me...

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]

Pricing

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.

 

[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?

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]

Profits are obscene?

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 ) but an extra 4GB to share and free tethering