AT&T customers with smartphones will be required to purchase a data plan starting September 6, the company announced Monday.
AT&T argued that smartphone users consume a lot of data, and the plan will help prevent surprises each billing cycle.
"Smartphone users tend to consume a higher amount of data services, like advanced e-mail, mobile Web, applications and more," AT&T said in a statement. "Being able to take full advantage of these features without having to worry about a fluctuating or unusually high bill generally leads to greater customer satisfaction, so effective Sept. 6, smartphone customers will need to subscribe to a data plan, as the vast majority of customers already do."
AT&T customers who currently use a smartphone but do not have a data plan will not be required to add one, according to a spokesman. But if they update their devices or make changes to their account, they will have to "bring their accounts current, which in some cases may include subscribing to a data plan," he said.
AT&T's existing terms of service already requires a data plan for certain smartphones and PDAs, like the iPhone, and reserves the right to require a data plan.
"If it is determined that you are using an iPhone or other designated smartphone or PDA without an eligible data plan, AT&T reserves the right to add an eligible data plan to your account and bill you the appropriate monthly fee," according to the TOS.
AT&T's domestic data plans vary in price from $20 to $60 per month, while international data plans cost between $24.99 and $229.99 per month, according to a price comparison chart.
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August 24, 2009 5:44 PM
to up grade to a better phone without changing current plan
August 24, 2009 6:45 PM
I wish I could say this were surprising; carriers don't want people buying smartphones and using offline features or features they can use if they sync it with their computers; like people using an iPhone like an iPod Touch that makes phone calls. (not like you can get an iPhone without a data plan anyway, just an example.)
Bleh. Just another way for carriers to make money, I suppose.
August 25, 2009 1:00 AM
So a consumer buys a smartphone with WiFi capabality, which doesn't use AT&T bandwidth, now must pay for AT&T bandwidth because AT&T doesn't like losing revenue? If they priced data plans at closer to reasonable markup, like $10/mo, more consumers might sign up. Sounds like it's time to break up AT&T again.
August 25, 2009 7:06 AM
I have a smart phone with another carrier; and I have been able to use my wi-fi at home to access certain features. I cannot see the value of the added monthly fees. I guess that means when it is time to update my phone, I'll have to avoid smart phones in the future. If AT&T is requiring this, how long will the others go along without charging?
August 25, 2009 7:16 AM
they like to give u small data plans with large overage uses
August 25, 2009 8:42 AM
Verizon has required this since late last year.
September 8, 2009 3:56 AM
VERY IMPORTANT !!!!!!!!! MUST READ
DO NOT add an IMEI of your smartphone even if you had it for past 2000 years. They will simply claim that you ADDED A SMARTPHONE after 6th Sept, 2009 and hence you will need a data plan.
(I had Nokia N95 for past 8months and today they ask me for the IMEI, hence a data plan for rest of the contract)
LOOPHOLE (workaround) :If you are caught in their crap, just add an IMEI of non-smart phone, remove the data plan and start using the smartphone again.
Quote from att.com/smartphoneplans: "If you purchased a smartphone prior to September 6, 2009 and are using data on a pay per use basis, you will not be required to add a data plan at this time."
They don't care about purchase date since you ADDED the IMEI after 6th Sept.
September 27, 2009 12:32 AM
I sent this to the FTC:
On September 23, 2009 I contacted AT&T customer service for the purpose of understanding details concerning purchase of a PDA/Smart cell phone. After reading "Plan Terms" I realized that designated PDA/Smart cell phones require, the account using them, to have a "$30/mo. data plan". AT&T customer service helped me identify a PDA/Smart phone that did not have the aforementioned requirement. After having purchased the aforementioned phone, on September 26 I found AT&T customer service telling me that all PDA/Smart cell phones activated after September 6, 2009 are required to be used with a "$30/mo. data plan". I find AT&T PDA/Smart cell phone purchasing frustrating as AT&T's written agreements and customer service are not adequate in explaining what expenses are being contracted.
September 27, 2009 12:33 AM
I sent this to the FTC:
On September 23, 2009 I contacted AT&T customer service for the purpose of understanding details concerning purchase of a PDA/Smart cell phone. After reading "Plan Terms" I realized that designated PDA/Smart cell phones require, the account using them, to have a "$30/mo. data plan". AT&T customer service helped me identify a PDA/Smart phone that did not have the aforementioned requirement. After having purchased the aforementioned phone, on September 26 I found AT&T customer service telling me that all PDA/Smart cell phones activated after September 6, 2009 are required to be used with a "$30/mo. data plan". I find AT&T PDA/Smart cell phone purchasing frustrating as AT&T's written agreements and customer service are not adequate in explaining what expenses are being contracted.