This thread is proof of the appalling lack of economic education in the US. It also explains why 53% voted the way they did. Ignorance. Talk about sheep.
What it costs a company to produce a product defines the minimum price they have to charge in order not to lose money on each sale.
The selling price is set at whatever someone else is willing to pay for an item.
ATT doesn't force anyone to send text messages or buy a text message plan. If you don't like the price, don't use the service.