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Verizon officially announces prepaid smartphone data packages
After a flood of leaks, Verizon's just officially announced its prepaid data plan for smartphones. The new 3G Prepaid data package will offer smartphone users "unlimited" data for $30 a month, while feature phone users can score 25MB of data a month for $10 with a 20-cent-per-meg overage fee -- all contract-free, of course. The prepaid smartphones include all of Verizon's Android phones, the Pre and Pixi Plus, as well as most recent BlackBerrys, which is a pretty solid list of choices -- and you can sign up for them today or online on September 28. Of course, you're still on the hook for a full price phone and a voice plan (and there's no mention of texting), so whether or not this works out to be a deal is up to you, but we're definitely seeing the prepaid data market start to significantly heat up, and we like it. PR with full device list after the break.
Cricket's new tiered data plans seem like a model for the industry to us
Here's something we can all agree on: data caps are a bummer, especially now that we've all got smartphones capable of gobbling literally gigabytes a day. Unfortunately, they seem to be a necessary evil in this crazy supply-versus-demand world of capitalism we all call home, particularly in light of the spectrum crunch the FCC keeps warning us about. Or are they? One great band-aid rarely explored by North American carriers is the concept of bandwidth throttling, whereby you don't have a hard cap that results in overage -- instead, you just get slapped with a lower data throughput if you blow past your quota. That's what regional value carrier Cricket is doing with the launch of its new data plans today, offering buckets of 2.5, 5, and 7.5GB for $40, $50, or $60, respectively, at maximum speed on its EV-DO network -- but additionally, the quota is on a rolling 30-day basis, which means you can potentially free up some of that bucket each and every day of the month (depending on your usage patterns). If you exceed your cap, you risk falling down to a lower speed where you "may only be able to do basic email and web browsing." The downside is that this represents a $10 increase in the cost of Cricket's 5GB plan -- and bandwidth throttling still isn't fun, of course -- but at least you can keep using your modem without the dread looming in the back of your mind that you're going get a 20-page bill at month's end.
AT&T readies new calling plans for July 25, nothing changing at the core
Well, well -- what have we here? It looks as if AT&T is fixing to rebundle its wireless plans starting on July 25th, obviously with intent to push those newly created data packs onto folks who may otherwise be inclined to pass right over. Furthermore, these new plans encourage users to select unlimited messaging, which -- as everyone and their third cousin knows -- is highway robbery. But then again, it's not like you're about to kick your texting habit, so you might as well pony up. So far as we can tell, the actual value propositions aren't changing (for example, a single user Nation Plan with 450 minutes, unlimited messaging and a 2GB Data Pro plan will cost you $84.99 either way), but it's clear that AT&T's aiming to narrow its offerings. The only real question revolves around the packages that include "pay-per-use" messaging -- will the carrier let users add smaller messaging plans, or just force us all to go unlimited or PPU? The 25th is right around the corner, so we ought to know for certain soon enough. Update: We've scooped the family plans as well. We've also confirmed that nothing at all should be changing (you can still add select messaging plans to PPU options) in terms of pricing -- it's mostly just reshuffling the furniture, if you know what we mean. [Thanks, Anonymous] %Gallery-98116% %Gallery-98126%
3 UK rolls out The One plan, promises not to use the word 'unlimited' when it's not unlimited
Long gone are the days when 1GB, 2GB or 5GB of data were unlimited "enough" to be called unlimited by carriers; modern phones can blaze through gigabytes just as quickly as HSPA can supply them, and companies around the world are starting to learn the lesson. In rolling out its seemingly enticing "The One" plan last week, 3 UK made an interesting and notable commitment to avoid the use of the term "unlimited" unless it really, truly applies -- and in the case of The One, it really doesn't: you get 2,000 voice minutes, 5,000 minutes between 3 UK phones, 5,000 texts, and 1GB of data for prices starting at £25 ($38) a month depending on the subsidized handset you choose. Sounds reasonable and straightforward enough, and for the overwhelming majority of users, it should be a deep-enough bucket to get the job done. [Thanks, Oli]
Unlimited data option disappears from iPads, AT&T tells grandfathered customers not to worry
Even though AT&T's $30 unlimited data plan technically went the way of the dodo back on June 7, the company had assured 3G iPad owners that they'd be entitled to one last hurrah -- buy an iPad prior to the 7th and you'd be allowed to grandfather into the old plan, even if you didn't receive your purchase by the deadline. Problem is, the unlimited plan option finally disappeared off AT&T-connected iPads for the first time today, leaving some of these eligible folks who haven't yet signed up for 3G data in the lurch. Not to worry, though: AT&T says that everyone who's eligible "will be able to select the unlimited plan" and that "details will follow." In other words, we don't know how this is going to work yet, but at least the carrier's aware of the issue. Stay tuned.
Dan Hesse email: 'no current plans' to alter data pricing
Bypassing a company's power structure altogether and contacting the CEO directly is the vogue thing to do right now -- and in light of the AT&T incident this week, it probably behooves said CEOs (and / or their assistants) to earn some PR brownie points by responding with a positive attitude. Take this response from Sprint boss Dan Hesse, for example, in reply to a request that the company "keep [its] great pricing and customer service, and most importantly -- keep unlimited data." In short, Hesse says "one can never say 'never,' but [the company] has no current plans to change our pricing." That's certainly the "correct" thing to say coming off AT&T's big strategy shift toward killing unlimited and hints from Verizon that it'll do the same, but whether Sprint is able to hold the line when the WiMAX airwaves are flooded with EVO 4Gs and EVO 4G-like devices is another matter altogether. We'll see. [Thanks, Matt P.]
T-Mobile getting new prepaid, hourly data access options next month?
T-Mobile's got a reputation to uphold as the US' value carrier, right? It looks to be doing that come the 16th of next month when it'll apparently be rolling out a $50 monthly prepaid option for unlimited voice and text, beating AT&T's recently-deployed plan by $10. You'll also be able to get unlimited messaging plus 10 cents per minute for voice for $15 a month, an odd combination that might be surprisingly popular considering that text has all but replaced voice as the primary means of communication in some social circles (ours included). Here's where it gets really interesting, though: there'll also be an "Hour Pass" option for prepaid folks that lets them access as much web on their handset as they'd like for 99 cents an hour, a pretty sweet option that should keep overages to a minimum if you need to do a lot of browsing every once in a while. Well played, T-Mobile.
AT&T forcing smartphones (even unlocked ones) onto smartphone data plans? (updated)
We've been hearing a few scattered reports over the last week or so that AT&T customers are getting nastygrams for failing to have a smartphone-approved data plan associated with their account while using a smartphone. Of course, if you've bought a subsidized smartphone (using AT&T's definition, which is a little vague and off-kilter but generally involves a smartphone operating system and a QWERTY keyboard) from the carrier directly, this is totally par for the course -- you should expect such a warning. Thing is, one of the long-vaunted advantages of buying an unsubsidized, unlocked phone and bringing it to the network is that you've got plan freedom -- the carrier typically doesn't really know (or care) what kind of phone you're using, so you can sign up for a cheaper data plan designed for feature phones. Well, we've got tipsters telling us now that they're receiving these notices on their unlocked handsets, and that "as a courtesy, [they've] added the minimum Smartphone data plan" automatically. A courtesy, indeed. It'd seem unusual (if it's even possible) for AT&T to maintain a comprehensive database of IMEIs that are outside its sphere of influence, so we're thinking that this could be as simple as a situation where the carrier's last known record of the user's phone was a subsidized smartphone, but regardless, this is a pretty big deal -- for many users it means paying $30 instead of $15 for unlimited data, all the while paying significantly more for the handset upfront (at a savings to AT&T, no less). We're going to follow up with AT&T to figure out what's what here, but in the meanwhile, watch out for that email and / or text message of doom, folks. Follow the break for the full text of AT&T's communique. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Update: AT&T tells us that this policy has been in place since last September; folks who haven't changed phones since then are still grandfathered. Unsurprisingly, the company says that users with unlocked phones are more likely to be heavy data users, and that "the unlimited data plan protects them from sticker-shock bills." In other words, this policy is here to stay, which means one very, very important reason for buying unsubsidized has been taken away.
AT&T on iPad 3G data: We can handle it
You probably had exactly the same response I did when you heard that AT&T would be handling the 3G data plan for the iPad: "Them again?" Sure, the deal is much better, and it's completely optional (you can get the iPad without 3G if you don't want it at all), but still: AT&T? Hasn't Apple heard enough complaining about their network without sending a bunch of tablet computers and all of that data downloading onto it? It's cool, says AT&T, we got it. That's what they told the New York Times' Bits blog yesterday, saying that they planned to put another $2 billion into cell phone towers, connectivity upgrades, and other costs for their network. But, and this is the part that kind of scares me, they also say that they expect most iPad users to stay near Wi-Fi hot spots, since the iPad plan comes with a subscription to every AT&T hotspot out there. They say they hope that will lessen the blow. Frankly, I doubt it -- if I'm paying $30 a month for "unlimited" on top of the $130 I paid for the option, I'm probably going to be using that 3G everywhere I can. And while AT&T says that they're getting better and better all the time, the worst case scenario is that the iPad's high data usage will knock out even longstanding iPhone customers. Hopefully this is all much ado over nothing, and that $2 billion will cover us as needed, but AT&T hasn't exactly earned the trust that Apple continues to put in them.
AT&T's messaging plan requirement on 'quick messaging' handsets slipped in with unlimited voice launch
You see, it's just not enough that you're locked into a long-term binding contract with an epic ETF these days, apparently -- carriers need a little more assurance that you're going to make it rain on them after you pick up a subsidized device. Verizon's doing it, and now AT&T's following on from a slightly different angle, it seems. BGR has scored what appears to be some sort of FAQ for sales reps detailing new requirements for AT&T's so-called "quick messaging" range -- primarily midrange feature phones with QWERTY keyboards -- and as the name implies, they now want you to hook up to a messaging package of at least $20. We're being told by AT&T that this requirement was actually put into place back when the carrier tweaked its unlimited voice plans, so if you've bought one of these devices in the past couple weeks, odds are you've got this fine print written into your contract. Enjoy!
US Cellular launches national unlimited plan for $70
US Cellular's sounding like it wants to play with the big boys on news that it'll be charging a full $69.99 for its just-introduced unlimited individual plan -- the exact same that AT&T and Verizon are charging now that they've just slashed pricing. It's pretty interesting to see one of the smaller regional carriers dare to suggest that it can charge the same as the two typically regarded as the States' "premium" networks -- but then again, US Cellular's got a battery swap program, so there's your value-add right there. Along with the individual deal, there's also a new family unlimited plan for $119.99; in both cases, you'll need to tack on text and data packages separately.
AT&T messes with plans in wake of Verizon's moves, slashes unlimited voice pricing
Sprint's talking about it, but AT&T's straight-up doing something about Verizon's plan adjustments this morning with a series of its own tweaks this afternoon. Starting Monday, January 18 (conveniently the same day that Verizon's changes go live), unlimited talk will run $69.99 on individual plans, a nice little cut of $30 against the $99.99 the carrier charges today; family unlimited, meanwhile, comes in at $119.99. Unlimited talk and text costs another $20 on top of unlimited talk alone -- no change from the current add-on pricing. Similarly, unlimited talk plus smartphone data goes for $99.99, meaning that you're paying $30 for the data package -- exactly the same as you're paying now, so really, this all boils down to a big adjustment in what carriers across the board are charging for voice. The principles of Econ 101 have us believe that voice isn't as popular as it used to be -- we are now sending billions upon billions of texts, after all -- and as we ease off the voice infrastructure, it makes sense that these guys would want to upsell everyone into unlimited plans (remember that we're living in an "all you can eat" kind of nation) while still banking big on precious kilobytes and characters. Well played, AT&T; you too, Verizon. Well played, indeed.
Verizon simplifying plans, cutting voice costs, requiring data packages this month?
Verizon's not known for simplicity when it comes to plan selection (actually, most carriers aren't) -- currently, individuals can choose from Basic, Select, Connect, and Premium plans in a variety of voice bucket sizes, each featuring different text message and data allowances. It looks like that's about to change, though, on leaked slides showing that the current postpaid individual plan structure will be completely wiped out and replaced with just six options on the 18th of this month, down from 16 prior. Overall, the move is a trade-off -- unlimited voice pricing will come down a whopping 30 percent, while data packages will now be required on all but the most basic handsets. Comparing all-you-can-eat packages from all the major carriers, this slots Verizon $10 below AT&T but still well above Sprint and T-Mobile, same as always. Prepaid is getting tweaked, too, with all postpaid plans magically turning into prepaid for $5 more per month minus Friends & Family numbers. It's a thorough restructuring from a company that doesn't move very fast or very often, and it'll be interesting to see if (and how) the other guys respond.
T-Mobile Complete: a $300 contract-free BlackBerry Curve 8520 with one month service
Good old T-Mobile's on a roll these days with new phone plans, and this one seems perfectly catered to stocking stuffers. The quartet of phones start at $59.99, but so far we know of two: BlackBerry Curve 8520 for $299.99 and the Pearl for $149.99, according to the Best Buy stores we contacted. There's no contract commitment, and according to the press release, the first month is included in the bill from the point the phone's out of the box and activated. We don't know the details of that first month of service (data? texting?), but it's still a pretty penny for an unsubsidized handset. After that second month, of course, T-Mo's probably hoping you'll be enticed to keep with the network. If not already, you should start seeing the phones pop up at local Best Buy and select Walmart locales shortly. Press release after the break.
AT&T's Data Connect overage rates much lower now, still too high
In a perfect world, we'd one day all be guzzling from an endless font of virtually free bandwidth, streaming 1080p video straight to our WXGA handsets with stereo Bluetooth beamed straight to implants in our ear canals. Turning our attention back to reality for a moment, though, and the situation is a little more bleak: carriers are plagued with crappy, overloaded networks, backhaul issues, and a 4G rollout that could easily span a decade. To that end, caps are still firmly in place on US carriers' so-called "unlimited" laptop data plans, and overage rates make the occasional slip-up nasty enough to bankrupt you if you're not offered clemency from customer service. The good news is that AT&T's data overage rates have dropped significantly as of November 6, going from 49 cents per megabyte to 5 cents on the $60 5GB plan and 10 cents on the (nearly useless) $40 200MB plan. That still means you're paying over $50 for each gigabyte of overage -- but as AT&T points out, it's a hell of a lot better than the $500 you were paying before. [Thanks, Kal]
T-Mobile to myFaves: 'Good day, sir; I said good day'
T-Mobile is now offering unlimited voice for little enough cash through its Even More promo these days that it's officially bidding myFaves adieu, spelling out the final chapter of one of the better-known plan packages in the US wireless biz. It won't go away completely -- the myFaves app will apparently continue to be offered as a convenient, cutesy way to access five frequent contacts and existing subscribers won't be kicked off their plans -- but for new subscribers, Even More is being billed as the spiritual successor. For the record, unlimited voice through Even More Plus starts at $49.99, so the price is definitely right -- but more importantly will this end up meaning that we lose the beloved silkscreened myFaves logo on the back of virtually every T-Mobile handset sold today?
AT&T's Nation with Canada plans make border runs a little cheaper
Right on cue, AT&T has announced new Canada-friendly plans today that make the occasional trip to Whistler, Yellowknife, or Fredericton just a little more bearable. The packages range from $59.99 up to $219.99 a month with anytime minute buckets of 450, 1,350, 2,000, 4,000, and 6,000 and include compatible rollover and an extra 1,000 night / weekend minutes for good measure. Though the plans don't include data, you pay $2 a megabyte, which is the same rate as domestic (and is still plenty high enough to get you into serious trouble with a smartphone or tethering setup). Those on family plans can look into the action starting at $89.99 a month, so get on your snowshoes -- we're headed to Banff.
T-Mobile officially unveils $99 Even More, $79 Even More Plus plans and equipment installment option
Right on schedule with the whispers, T-Mobile lifted the veil off of its new price plan tier structure, Even More and Even More Plus, and from the looks of it all those leaks were pretty much spot-on. The traditional Even More plan is a two-year commitment and discounted phone, with unlimited individual prices starting at $59 per month and going up to $99 if you want unlimited messaging and text, too. Even More Plus scrapes the device discount but offers unlimited individual prices at $49 for voice / $79 for everything. It looks like the only major differentiator is the subsidized handset, but here's where the numbers don't add up: even with the steep $350 discount on myTouch 3G, factoring in that $20 premium would pay for the phone during the 18th month, leaving six months and $120 of extra payments left that have no obvious justification to us. Additionally the FlexPay / equipment installment plan is now available, letting you break up the cost of your phone into interest-free monthly bills. It seems Even More's subsidized phones are offered over four installments (e.g. $37 per month for the $150 MyTouch 3G) while Even More Plus' is two installments (e.g. $25 per month for the same device at the $500 full price). Our initial takeaway from the price tiers is that T-Mobile is doing what it can to drive its consumers away from the traditional and over to the non-traditional (for US, at least) Even More Plus plan, but hey, we're not gonna argue over a beneficial contract-free plan, even if monthly phone payments keep us paying the company for at least 20 months. So T-Mo, any other Project Dark surprises in the cards? Inquiring minds want to know. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
T-Mobile's Project Dark: $99.99 unlimited on Even More, $79.99 on Even More Plus?
The details of T-Mobile's mysterious Project Dark definitely seem to be congealing around retooled handset billing and a set of new plans, and it looks like TmoNews might have the first word here on the all-important subject of plan pricing. Even More Plus, which would be contract-free and offer new handset FlexPay over four installments, is apparently tracking for a $79.99 all-you-can-eat package, $69.99 with 1,000 voice minutes, or $49.99 with unlimited voice and no data. Even More meanwhile, which basically amounts to new contract plan branding with traditional hardware subsidies, will come in at $99.99 for unlimited everything (mirroring Sprint's pricing) or $59.99 for unlimited voice alone. It seems strange that the contract pricing is higher than the prepaid, especially since Even More Plus apparently won't offer any hardware subsidies whatsoever, but we're sure we're going to find out how this all shakes out soon enough. Follow the break for another shot of the pricing grids.
Achtung, T-Mobile: if Project Dark is $50 unlimited, you're in trouble
Put yourself in T-Mobile USA's shoes for a moment: rumor has it that the guys who pay the bills aren't happy. History, happenstance, and the realities of electromagnetics have left you with an oddball 3G frequency that literally no other carrier in the world uses (at least, not for HSPA). Larger competitors don't take you as seriously as you'd like, and you don't have smaller ones -- they're all regionals who don't play in the same space you do. So what's your next move?
