at&t’s new data plans
at&t is trying to "raise the bar" so to speak, with their new unlimited messaging packages. Starting April 20th, they will introduce these new packages "as well as increase the messaging buckets on some of the Consumer Data Packages/Bundles." They also began taking shots at the other carriers by comparing their new service offerings to Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile, yet T-Mobile’s unlimited messaging plan is cheaper than theirs.
Here are some key selling points from this document:
- Cingular is now offering UNLIMITED MESSAGING in two new packages – so customers can send/receive as many Text, Picture, Video & Instant Messages as they want with anyone in the U.S without worrying about overage charges!
- Customers can enjoy up to 50% more text, picture and video messages at the same great price on several plans!
- Simplified billing on MEdia Max Unlimited and Messaging Unlimited plans
More competitive in the marketplace—better customer value allows sales reps to overcome customer objections. - Increase demand for Messaging Packages & MEdia Bundles, thus increasing the opportunity to sell data features!
Their new plans start at $4.99, and reach $39.99 for the all you can eat bundle which includes unlimited messages like SMS, MMS, IM, MEdia Net, Cingular Video, and even unlimited M2M.
Click here to download the full PDF!
So how does this affect Blackberry user’s data plans?
Well it’s my understanding that with the Blackberry you’d select the Messaging Unlimited as we already have internet via the Blackberry plans but the BB plans have never covered SMS/MMS so it’s definitely a great thing to be finally getting this feature from AT&T (Cingular)
So just to clear this up; with the unlimited plan you can text anyone with any carrier?
Now Cingular wireless subscribers can exchange unlimited text, picture and video messages! Instant Messages, alerts, off-network, premium messages, and messages to/from non- Cingular customers will be deducted from your Messaging Extreme allowance whitch at the max is 3000 so you get 3000 texts to people not on cingular and unlimited to people on cingular currently over 40 million people
Is it just me, or does it seem like we are actually losing out on a deal here? I have a 3000 text plan for 30 bucks, and if I am reading this chart correctly, 30 bucks starting april 20th will get me half as many (1500) texts with unlimited data? I hope I am reading this wrong, any clarification?
correction, I pay 19.99 a month for 3000 max text plan and now for the same equivalent, it will give me 200 texts with unlimited data?! Please, someone say I am wrong.
Still doesn’t beat the big pink T.
T-mobile gives me all that with my shared family plan for just 9.99, Oh what the hell round it off….a big FAT $10 bucks!
Joshie,
If you have 3000 messages for 19.99 now, you will be able to get unlimited messages for the same price.
There is no downside from these packages. The only changes are increases. It seems ATT is finally coming to their senses in regards to text and media net packages.