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Rogers Wireless releases some iPhone data usage details, says nyaa-nyaa
Drumroll please! We all heard a fair bit of uncharacteristic anger echoing out of Canada with Rogers Wireless' announcement of its -- and FIDO's -- iPhone data pricing models. Of course, Rogers rethought its plans, launched the $30 / 6GB plan and all was well again in the land of the polar bear and beaver. We had a quick chat with Elizabeth Hamilton, the Director of Corporate Communications at Rogers, this week, and it turns out they may not have been so completely mistaken with the plans offered after all. First month stats show that 1.2% of iPhone customers used more than 1GB of data in the first four weeks, 95% used less than 500MB, and 91.2% used less than 100MB. Considering the original plans were as high as 400MB per month, it would seem they would have served the northern populace quite handily.
AT&T adds two international data plans for iPhone, still pricey
Following new plans geared to the decidedly less fruity phones in AT&T's lineup earlier this month, the carrier has announced a pair of international data packages geared specifically toward the iPhone and iPhone 3G. The bad news is that they still cost more than the average subscriber's entire monthly bill; the good news, though, is that they should still manage to save globetrotters a buck or two (or a thousand) who insist on keeping data roaming enabled while out in the field. 100MB of global data is going to set you back $119.99 on top of your regular package, while 200MB runs $199.99 -- certainly not enough to go crazy in the App Store, but probably enough of a meager allowance to take care of email and stay on the grid. The new plans are available starting tomorrow.
Verizon, AT&T retool international data plans, still heart-stoppingly expensive
Seems like every time we're out of the States, we find ourselves fighting an overwhelming urge to whip out our phones every five to ten minutes, restore our cleverly disabled data APNs, and submit to the kind of punishment that only international data roaming can deliver. Giving into those kinds of urges can quickly lead to bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars, thanks to data roaming packages that have historically been very weak and involve some insanely meager monthly allowance followed by a per-kilobyte fee high enough to make even the hardened business traveler beg for mercy. Seems AT&T and Verizon are both finally realizing that faster data speeds and more capable phones mean that users want at least a few fleeting moments with those services while abroad, though, introducing a series of new packages that should make roaming just marginally more palatable. For its part, AT&T's new offerings include a $60 add-on smartphone plan for 50MB in 67 countries around the globe -- up from 41 previously -- and another that bundles 5GB of domestic laptop data plus 200MB internationally for a sobering $230. On the Verizon side, the big news is a $130 laptop plan that gives users 5GB in the US and Canada, plus 100MB in Mexico and a handful of other countries for $20 per megabyte. In other words, you still need this service to justify the cost, but at least it won't put you as deeply into the poor house as it did last month. No YouTubing from China, y'hear?
Rogers extends $30 data plan to full 3G smartphone range
Rogers' new $30, 6GB data plan -- unveiled at the collective relief of virtually every would-be Canadian iPhone 3G owner -- is going to end up seeing duty outside the Apple realm. Canada's largest GSM carrier (and only GSM carrier of consequence, really) has mercifully decided to let all devices in its 3G smartphone range in on the $30 party, a range that includes winners like the Nokia N95, HTC TyTN, and Samsung Jack, among others. Good call, Rogers -- now let's just remove that limited-time offer label and make this a permanent part of your plan menu, shall we?[Via MobileSyrup]
Verizon Wireless announces $30 unlimited browsing plan for smartphones
Verizon Wireless has been slow to catch up with the smartphone data access plans offered by competing carriers, with premium prices and some confusing options, but things are taking a real turn for the better. The new "E-mail and Web for Smartphone" plan goes for a mere $30 a month when paired with a qualifying voice plan, and is available with the SMT5800, XV6800 and the MOTO Q9m, with other devices to hop on board in the coming months. Verizon's press release is very careful to tout unlimited email and web browsing, not data, and we have a feeling Verizon will be clamping down pretty hard on anybody trying to tether with this plan.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Verizon's unlimited plans get official, not as stellar as previously assumed
We had a sneaking suspicion that the lineup of unlimited plans we got wind of earlier this week was just a bit too good to be true, and sure enough, it was. Now that Verizon's Unlimited Plans have gone official right on cue, we're left with three general plans that can each have additional lines tacked on for more dough. The $99 / month Basic Plan seems to include limitless calling only (read: messaging of all types and data still cost extra), while the Select Plan ($119.99 per month) throws in messaging but still demands $1.99 per MB of data. The Premium Plan is the one that's really attractive, offering up unlimited everything (for all intents and purposes) for $139.99 per month or $269.99 for two lines. Needless to say, we're a bit let down, but you can hit up the read link for more details on what's offered.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
AT&T retooling data plans (hint: buh-bye, unlimited)
The largest carrier in the US is poised to turn its entire data pricing and marketing strategy on its end according to a series of slides we've found entitled "Data & Messaging Plan Realignment - January 2008." First up, MEdia Net plans are being revised, and for the most part things seem to be getting a little cheaper. MEdia Max Unlimited, for example -- a plan that includes unlimited on-device data and messaging -- goes from $39.99 to an even $35. Next, tethering and data card plans are dropping the term "Unlimited" and imposing a "soft limit" of 5GB; users who consistently exceed that limit won't be charged overage but could be relieved of their plans if AT&T chooses to do so. As much as this sucks, it brings AT&T's official policy in line with the way the industry seems to be trending, as it proudly points out in the slides. Also notable is that slide 8 claims that the carrier will no longer be selling any "windows media devices" (we're pretty sure they meant Windows Mobile devices) without QWERTY keyboards. We're hoping that's not right since it arbitrarily locks AT&T out of picking up nifty WinMo kit like the Touch, but we wouldn't put it past 'em. This all goes down on the 20th, so keep your eyes peeled. Click below for the full slide deck.[Thanks, anonymous tipster]Update: We've been told that AT&T's newfound ban on non-QWERTY WinMo devices only applies to Smartphones, not Professional handsets, so it seems the Touch is theoretically spared here. Not to say AT&T has any intention of offering it anyway, we're just sayin'.%Gallery-13369%
iPhone users can now drop data plan, save $20 per month
For those of you who keep your iPhone connected via WiFi entirely more often than through EDGE, listen up. As of now, it appears that iPhone users can login to their AT&T myAccount page, surf on over to the "Add / Manage Features" section and opt out of the (previously required) monthly data plan. Making the change will save you a whole $20 per month -- or $240 per year, if you prefer that perspective. Granted, you'll also lose visual voicemail in the process, but at least you're now being presented the option, right?[Via TUAW]
Drop your iPhone data plan, keep voice
Sick of paying $20 a month for EDGE? Want to save $240/year? TUAW reader Josh tipped us off to his iPhone News post that reveals that you can now remove it from your plan. If you rarely use EDGE and live around ubiquitous WiFi (like I do), this is a great way to save some money. I gave this a try myself but my GoPhone account didn't have the on-web option shown here. So I gave AT&T a call. It was, as always, an adventure and although I was told that you had to do this over their IBR IVR voice recognition system, I did find a service agent who was able to help me in person. (The IBR kept putting me in Spanish mode for some reason. Go figure.) So as of my next billing cycle, my iPhone will now drop its EDGE/Data plan. This means I'm losing visual voicemail and EDGE access. Neither is a big deal for me. I can still check my voicemail by calling my iPhone on a landline, typing star (*) and entering my passcode. It also drops my monthly cost to $29.99/month--more than I want to be paying but not quite so much as before. I keep my AT&T account and, presumably, some level of Apple support and warranty service.This option won't be of interest to those of you who pull down the big megabytes over EDGE but for us WiFi folks, it's fab.Update: You may want to install Services.app, a program that allows you to disable EDGE while retaining calls and WiFi service.
Verizon updates T&Cs to further redefine "unlimited" data usage
After Verizon's ambiguousness ended up hitting it right where it hurts (read: the wallet), the carrier cleaned up its act a bit and redefined "unlimited" in a hot-off-the-press version of its Terms & Conditions. While perusing through the legalese, you'll notice that checking out "continuous web camera posts or broadcasts / automatic data feeds (RSS)" are strictly prohibited, right along with P2P sharing or using your BroadbandAccess as a "substitute or backup for private lines or dedicated data connections." Moving on, you'll also see that exceeding 5GB of usage during any single billing period gives Verizon the right to "reduce throughput speeds of any application that would otherwise exceed such speed to a maximum of approximately 200Kbps." It gets worse -- these speeds are (unsurprisingly) "subject to change," so it sounds like your connection can be throttled right on down to a crawl should you pass the 5GB barrier. Have fun!*[Via jkOnTheRun]*...just keep it under 5GB if you know what's good for you.
Verizon pays up for disconnecting heavy users of unlimited data plans
Regrettably, Verizon Wireless isn't the only carrier out there that once (or still does) recognized a mighty skewed definition of "unlimited" when it came to data plans, but for those still jaded from being cut off for "excessive use" earlier this year, justice has finally been served. The company has recently agreed to "reimburse the terminated subscribers for the cost of the laptop cards or laptop-connected cellphones" they purchased in order to surf the mobile broadband highway, and moreover, it'll be shelling out $150,000 in "penalties and costs" to New York state. Of course, the firm now makes clear that BroadbandAccess customers can be snubbed if they continuously stream audio / video content, enable P2P sharing or exceed 5GB of data usage per month, but it sounds like reimbursement is on the way for those disconnected when terms were more ambiguous.
O2 launches "unlimited" data plans for the rest of us
It was practically a foregone conclusion, but O2 has finally revealed pricing on "unlimited" data Bolt Ons for mobiles not dubbed iPhone. Unfortunately, the word unlimited has a very interesting meaning in this scenario, as Pay & Go users who purchase the plan for £7.50 ($15) / month are told to keep their usage under 200MB per period, or else O2 could cancel their service or charge more to compensate. Moreover, the £30 ($61) Web Max package is available for monthly subscribers and to those who'd like to tether their mobile to a PC, but alas, you better not exceed 3GB of usage per month unless you'd like to be monitored and / or slapped on the wrist. Lastly, the Unlimited BlackBerry plan will run you £10 ($20) per month, but is still guarded by a 200MB quasi-limit.[Via mocoNews]
iPhone data plans to surface before launch day
Another day, another rash of iPhone rumblings for the fanatics. As we sit just over a week away from the launch, a piece in USA Today gave way to the fact that Apple's forthcoming handset is to thank for "2,000 extra sales people" joining AT&T's force -- some of which will actually remain long-term to assist with the barrage of new customers. Additionally, it was (unsurprisingly) noted that larger markets would get a greater quantity of phones, but those who can't snag one immediately can place "mail orders" that should be shipped out "in three to five days." Most interesting, however, is the conversation surrounding the elusive data plans; initially, it was insinuated that customers would be forced to wait until the 29th in order to learn about the potential option(s), but a followup over at iLounge allowed AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel to clear things up. He stated that folks would know the details "before the 29th," and while we've no idea what kind of price premium you may face, he also claimed that it wouldn't "be anything exotic." Of course, you'll hand over just about anything it asks in order to take one home, right?[Via AppleInsider]Read - USA Today iPhone detailsRead - iLounge followup
Rumors: iPhones without contracts? Probably not
Over at iPhone Matters, Tanner Godarzi asks whether you'll be able to buy an iPhone without a new contract, speculating that stores with extra inventory may allow just that. I think that's pretty unlikely. The commercials clearly state "Use requires a minimum new 2-year activation plan". Godarzi also suggests that you might be able to add an iPhone to an existing AT&T contract, which sounds at least a bit more realistic to me. Contract details, specifically the complete lack of them, continue to keep many possible customers away from making their purchasing decisions. How many people do you know who have said "I might get an iPhone--if it turns out I can afford it"? With rumors of $70 per month data plans, it could be a very expensive choice.
