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AT&T to End Traditional Voice/Data Plans, Adopt Mobile Share for New Customers on October 25

PadreQuevedo said:
I love you T-Mobile. $80/month = unlimited + insurance + upgrade device twice a year.

I love you Galaxy Note 3 too.
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Checking out the fine print of the $70 unlimited T-mobile plan, looks like they define unlimited just like AT&T--limited 4G then unlimited 2G. No thanks. Also, unlimited text messaging, but not picture messaging, which is charged per message. Also, hot-spot only includes a limited amount of hot-spot/tethered data.

So, while they make it sound "uncomplicated", it really isn't. Not slamming them, but just saying after checking out their terms, they're just as complicated as everyone else.
 
Unlimited Data and still kickin it

roland.g said:
Still clutching onto my unlimited grandfathered data plan on AT&T. I could probably save $10-15 a month going with mobile share but I can't convince myself to give up the unlimited data.
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Same Here, roland.g. I can't imagine giving up Unlimited data and my bill still does not go over $100 a month.
 
I'll still be sticking with AT&T. Part of it is, yes, I'm on the grandfathered unlimited data plan. Part is, I don't need a family plan, so there's no reason for me to change what I currently have. I have a second line with a dumb phone that I originally got for my mother-in-law. My brother-in-law turned the phone off, and nobody has a clue where it is. So...I figure I keep it just as an upgradable line, meaning I can upgrade every year no matter what.

My husband is very happy on his C-Spire account (until we visit my parents where he has no data and little reception). We may eventually just move him to his mother's line. But two people doesn't warrant a family share plan.

Reminds me of insurance companies. You can buy an individual plan, or you can buy a family plan. They totally overlook couples with grown or no children.

T-Mo is another issue. It doesn't matter if it's cheaper if it doesn't work.
 
ZolakJHS said:
We saved quite a bit when we moved to the Mobile Share, but the key is liberal use of the word family.
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My wife and I didn't save a huge amount, but we did save about $20/month.

But, there's a feature on the AT&T Mobile Share plans that most people don't know about: tethering. On an individual plan, AT&T charges another $20/month, although they also boost your monthly data allowance from 2G to 4G.

If you don't use tethering, then it may not be worthwhile to you. But, we use tethering for WiFi-only iPads and laptops while traveling.
 
dmylrea said:
Checking out the fine print of the $70 unlimited T-mobile plan, looks like they define unlimited just like AT&T--limited 4G then unlimited 2G. No thanks. Also, unlimited text messaging, but not picture messaging, which is charged per message. Also, hot-spot only includes a limited amount of hot-spot/tethered data.

So, while they make it sound "uncomplicated", it really isn't. Not slamming them, but just saying after checking out their terms, they're just as complicated as everyone else.
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I'm on T-mobile and i've never been charged for picture messages.
 
Farplaner said:
I can't imagine how AT&T thinks everybody needs unlimited minutes and unlimited texts...
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They don't think it. And they don't care. The big two wireless carriers realized/decided/acknowledged about two years ago that it was time to stop squeezing the sponge that is voice and SMS, and start tapping into the revenue stream that is data.

The trend since the smart phone took over as the dominant mobile device has been for people to use data far much more than they use voice and SMS/MMS. So the carriers started metering data, instead. They throw the "unlimited voice and unlimited text" bone at you to make it seem that you're getting something of value, when in fact they're just continuing the same strategy that has served them so well for decades: Create a false limit on their network and fleece the customer.
 
dmylrea said:
Also, unlimited text messaging, but not picture messaging, which is charged per message.
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Utterly BS. Messages are messages, be it picture messages or a text message. You've been blinded by AT&T to think that a tiny compressed MMS takes whopping data and that they're giving u some huge deal by "allowing" you to send picture messages.

For clarification, TXT\SMS\MMS\PIC MSG = all the same at T-Mo just like ATT

Things are only complicated if you try to apply ATT's logic to them.
 
I'd never switch to AT&T in Pennsylvania. My brother has them and the audio quality has always been horrific.
I agree. Verizon will follow in their footsteps.
Verizon forced me to switch to Sprint because of the discontinuation of unlimited data. I'm glad they did. Sprint data service is so much faster in rural locations.
 
JosephAW said:
I'd never switch to AT&T in Pennsylvania. My brother has them and the audio quality has always been horrific.
I agree. Verizon will follow in their footsteps.
Verizon forced me to switch to Sprint because of the discontinuation of unlimited data. I'm glad they did. Sprint data service is so much faster in rural locations.
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ATT's audio quality is the same as Verizon, I have both (work\personal). Not sure what type of network they're running in your area, I live nowhere near PENN so no clue.

But congrats on the move to Sprint, I think you're officially the first ever to say Sprint has better coverage or data service than anyone. I have an old 56k modem in a box that runs faster than Sprint's network in San Francisco. LOL
 
I think the iPhone 5 that I have on AT&T will be my last contract smartphone. I'm sticking with AT&T as long as they keep me grandfathered on my cheap unlimited data plan but I want the flexibility to switch carriers should they decide to kick me off.
 
dmylrea said:
Checking out the fine print of the $70 unlimited T-mobile plan, looks like they define unlimited just like AT&T--limited 4G then unlimited 2G. No thanks. Also, unlimited text messaging, but not picture messaging, which is charged per message. Also, hot-spot only includes a limited amount of hot-spot/tethered data.

So, while they make it sound "uncomplicated", it really isn't. Not slamming them, but just saying after checking out their terms, they're just as complicated as everyone else.
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Wrong on all counts. Tmo's unlimited data is just that - unlimited, unthrottled data. There are lesser high speed data plans (500MB for no extra cost and 2.5GB for $10), but even those are unlimited (throttled after surpassing those limits). Hell, EVERY Tmo data plan includes hot spot capabilities!

Messaging is messaging. You are NOT charged for picture messaging - it is a message, period.
 
OMG, T-Mobile posted a new LTE coverage list overnight!

I have 7 lines with ATT on a Mobile Share plan and ONE user is in a city that wasn't covered by LTE on the list they posted yesterday, making it not cost effective to switch everyone over, but then TODAY I refreshed the list and it now shows that city.

Peace out AT&T!
 
Seems like after this contract is up, we will be moving to companies such as "straight talk" or the likes of it, this big companies are getting ridiculous with their plans and offers.
 
It prevents people who try to add a line than cancel data plan ($10/month). Vs adding a line with mobile share ($30/month for flip phone).

So obvious what att and Verizon are doing (and sprint)
 
$70 4GB plan plus 4 smart phones @ 40/each = $230.

$90 6GB plan plus 4 smart phones @ 35/each = $230.


I think AT&T needs to train their marketing staff on math before trying their next big plan change.
 
aneftp said:
It prevents people who try to add a line than cancel data plan ($10/month). Vs adding a line with mobile share ($30/month for flip phone).

So obvious what att and Verizon are doing (and sprint)
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But if you're getting a line w\ an iPhone, you're still having a $325 ETF, so in the end they'd suffer about the same loss if someone added it and then cancelled the line on the 31st day of service.

It's all just games they're playing and Americans are suckers when it comes to the marketing. People are willing to lock into a revenue commitment of $2064 plus pay $399 up front for a phone, which means $2463 total cost of ownership, vs paying $849 plus locking into nothing, which is a total cost of ownership of $2913, which is only an 18% premium to have no strings attached, AND have the increased resale value of an unlocked phone and ability to negotiate some sweeter terms with the carrier having the ball in the user's hand.

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blevins321 said:
$70 4GB plan plus 4 smart phones @ 40/each = $230.

$90 6GB plan plus 4 smart phones @ 35/each = $230.


I think AT&T needs to train their marketing staff on math before trying their next big plan change.
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It's not about the pricing, it's about them giving the flexibility of a) choosing data, and then b) adding devices. They don't offer a 4gb and a 6gb to give 4 line users the flexibility of choosing either for the same price.
 
shenan1982 said:
But if you're getting a line w\ an iPhone, you're still having a $325 ETF, so in the end they'd suffer about the same loss if someone added it and then cancelled the line on the 31st day of service.

It's all just games they're playing and Americans are suckers when it comes to the marketing. People are willing to lock into a revenue commitment of $2064 plus pay $399 up front for a phone, which means $2463 total cost of ownership, vs paying $849 plus locking into nothing, which is a total cost of ownership of $2913, which is only an 18% premium to have no strings attached, AND have the increased resale value of an unlocked phone and ability to negotiate some sweeter terms with the carrier having the ball in the user's hand.

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It's not about the pricing, it's about them giving the flexibility of a) choosing data, and then b) adding devices. They don't offer a 4gb and a 6gb to give 4 line users the flexibility of choosing either for the same price.
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only makes sense if you're single

i have a 4 line mobile share plan and doing the math i won't save anything going to t-mobile. and once you figure buying a smartphone for kids, mobile share is a good deal. i can get a free on contract phone for a kid for $30 per month vs paying $400 or more
 
alent1234 said:
only makes sense if you're single

i have a 4 line mobile share plan and doing the math i won't save anything going to t-mobile. and once you figure buying a smartphone for kids, mobile share is a good deal. i can get a free on contract phone for a kid for $30 per month vs paying $400 or more
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Huh? Any way you slice it, a family saves money on T-Mo on the monthly plans.

You do have a point with device pricing, but T-Mo will still offer subsidized pricing on the old model and allow you to sign a contract, it's just most people don't do it so they don't really advertise it.
 
Screw that! I'm so glad I held onto my ATT unlimited data plan for my ipad. I transferred it to my ipad mini and 86'd my smartphone. I make and receive all my calls on my ipad mini. It's worked great. And I plan to keep transferring my unlimited data plan to future ipad minis.
 
MacDarcy said:
Screw that! I'm so glad I held onto my ATT unlimited data plan for my ipad. I transferred it to my ipad mini and 86'd my smartphone. I make and receive all my calls on my ipad mini. It's worked great. And I plan to keep transferring my unlimited data plan to future ipad minis.
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Really? You make and receive calls from your iPad Mini and ditched a smartphone? That makes no sense. I can understand some of the Android tablets with true built in voice functionality, but an iPad is not a good phone. God forbid you ever have an emergency and can't find a headset (or are unable to speak since there's no way to transmit e911 data from an iPad using third party voice services). Oye. Scary.
 
shenan1982 said:
But if you're getting a line w\ an iPhone, you're still having a $325 ETF, so in the end they'd suffer about the same loss if someone added it and then cancelled the line on the 31st day of service.

It's all just games they're playing and Americans are suckers when it comes to the marketing. People are willing to lock into a revenue commitment of $2064 plus pay $399 up front for a phone, which means $2463 total cost of ownership, vs paying $849 plus locking into nothing, which is a total cost of ownership of $2913, which is only an 18% premium to have no strings attached, AND have the increased resale value of an unlocked phone and ability to negotiate some sweeter terms with the carrier having the ball in the user's hand.

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It's not about the pricing, it's about them giving the flexibility of a) choosing data, and then b) adding devices. They don't offer a 4gb and a 6gb to give 4 line users the flexibility of choosing either for the same price.
Click to expand...

There are people who add a line and use it as a ghost line. $10/month x 24 months equals $240 is cheaper than $325 ETF.

Plus some people have flip phones older folks use on their family plans but use those older folks upgrades for iPhones and immediately flip those iPhones for $400 profit. So traditional voice plans means using the subsidize pays for the extra lines in itself since no data plan is needed.

But mobile share forces flip phone users to essentially pay for data plans they don't need. A backend way for carriers to profit from flip phone lines.
 
aneftp said:
There are people who add a line and use it as a ghost line. $10/month x 24 months equals $240 is cheaper than $325 ETF.
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No... when you consider the $36 upgrade fee and minimum 1 month service requirement, it's about a break-even with the ETF.
 
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