AT&T 86'ing Unlimited Data on mobile and iPad plans

[BDBohnzie]

Originally Posted by saden1

Wave of the future? More like the quickest way to lose customers and get your ass handed to you by a newcomer (looking at google). They had hourly internet access back in the early/mid 90's and most of those companies aren't around. AT&T is doing this cause their network is getting thrashed.

If Sprint and T-Mobile can keep unlimited data plans, they are going to look more and more reasonable to Verizon/AT&T users, especially if 4G replaces landline style internet in home (Cable/DSL/FiOS). I have a company issued Blackberry on Sprint that's been great, so I've scaled back my personal phones to basic voice/text plans with no data through Verizon.

I wholehearted agree for the reason why AT&T is doing it, but with 2 million iPads sold, I don't see the trend stopping anytime soon. If people are willing to pay for it, and they will be, tiered data plans will be the model. In the end, the consumer will feel like they are getting a deal ($15 vs $30 for limited usage) and the Telcos will be reaping the benefits because those who didn't have data before will subscribe now.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by BDBohnzie

If Sprint and T-Mobile can keep unlimited data plans, they are going to look more and more reasonable to Verizon/AT&T users, especially if 4G replaces landline style internet in home (Cable/DSL/FiOS). I have a company issued Blackberry on Sprint that's been great, so I've scaled back my personal phones to basic voice/text plans with no data through Verizon.

I wholehearted agree for the reason why AT&T is doing it, but with 2 million iPads sold, I don't see the trend stopping anytime soon. If people are willing to pay for it, and they will be, tiered data plans will be the model. In the end, the consumer will feel like they are getting a deal ($15 vs $30 for limited usage) and the Telcos will be reaping the benefits because those who didn't have data before will subscribe now.

It all depends how people use their phones. Having tierd data plans is OK but getting rid of unlimited data plans all together is mistake. The more data centric the world becomes (i.e google maps) the more need for higher limits. AT&T would be wise to spend $$ to upgrade their network instead of these plan gimmicks.

BTW Cable companies are trying to do this too. Thankfuly they're not getting the go-ahead they need from the FCC.

[BDBohnzie]

Originally Posted by saden1

...but getting rid of unlimited data plans all together is mistake.

Not in terms of AT&T making money. I don't agree with removing unlimited data either, but AT&T is going to make a killing on overages. From which they can finally (re)build their crummy data network...

[cpayne5]

Originally Posted by BDBohnzie

Not in terms of AT&T making money. I don't agree with removing unlimited data either, but AT&T is going to make a killing on overages. From which they can finally (re)build their crummy data network...

According to them, only 2% of their users go over 2GB per month. The other 98% is safe. According to them...