InternationalDataPlan
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AT&T cuts prices on international data roaming, goes easier on overages
Could it be? Is AT&T addressing bill shock by simply trying to make international data roaming costs reasonable? From the looks of its new Data Global Add-On deals, that might be the case. The baseline price is up from last year at $30 per month, but you'll get 120MB of data for your trouble -- an amount that used to cost $50. The next step up not only costs less than before, at $60 versus the old $100, but ups the data ever so gently to 300MB in the process. AT&T's maximum allotment is still a relatively modest 800MB, but at $120 a month, it's a lot easier to swallow for a European vacation than the earlier $200 for the same data cap. The real advantage for all three may be the overage rate: rather than bill by the byte, AT&T is now charging $30 for every 120MB over your limit, so you won't have to fork over the equivalent of a car payment just because you couldn't resist posting to Instagram from the Alps. We still think dedicated international services like Xcom Global (or an unlocked phone and a prepaid SIM) are the most efficient ways to go, but the carrier-bound among us will catch a big break when the new international plans take effect June 1st.
Predictably named iPavement puts hotspots into the sidewalk
We know what it's like to be in a foreign country without a mobile internet connection. Although there are domestic options making it easier to connect our devices abroad, Spanish company iPavement wants to help confused tourists (and their confused devices) by seamlessly integrating hotspots into tiles -- which are seamlessly integrated into the ground. It's unclear whether users will have open access to the entire world wide web, or only controlled info about the city, but the service is at least free to use. The 24kg (53lb) tiles are slightly larger than normal, installed a maximum of 20 meters (66 feet) from one another and only work at temperatures between -10 - 45 degrees Celsius (14 - 113 degrees Fahrenheit). Touristy cloud apps like maps, coupons, and traffic updates in various languages are also a part of the deal, and you would look like less of a tourist without that huge guide to Madrid. Just lose the fanny pack and you'll be set.
Verizon announces Global Data Plan, 100MB for $25 a month starting April 23rd
Need to take that Verizon smartphone with you on an upcoming overseas excursion? Well, now you no longer have to wonder just how harsh the roaming data rates will be on the ol' wallet. The carrier has announced its Global Data Plan that will launch on April 23rd, providing its customers with 100MB of data for $25 a month. Available in over 120 locales, the new roaming allotment will span all of Europe, South America, the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada. Of course, you'll need a global phone to take full advantage of the list of destinations. Once you use up your initial purchase, a text message will break the news that an additional 100MB has been added automatically and another $25 tacked on to your bill. If you happen to venture outside of this plan's included areas but remain within VZW's wider global coverage, you can expect pay-per-use rates of $0.02 for each KB downloaded. Looking for more details? Hit that PR button below before packing your bags.
