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AT&T looking to offer a $20 limited data plan for the iPhone

posted by Ray S. / May 19, 2009, 4:12 AM

This article contains unofficial information.

AT&T looking to offer a $20 limited data plan for the iPhone

It looks like AT&T are considering changes in their current iPhone monthly plans, reports AppleInsider. Whether or not this comes as an early warning of an upcoming iPhone successor, we cannot be sure of, but there is reason for such changes indeed. For example, owning an iPhone will get cheaper (at the expense of some limitations, of course) whi is expected to lead to increased market share for both AT&T and Apple. A new offer that is said to be prepared is a $20 per month limited access iPhone data plan to be launched by the end of this month. Another rumor has it that Apple might also offer the iPhone as a pre-paid handset or at a price of $99, in addition to the cheaper AT&T plans.

What do you think? Can such offers become reality?

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source: AppleInsider

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16 Comments

1. E.N.

Posts: 2610; Member since: Jan 25, 2009

I hope this is true. I'm also hoping that some of these possible benefits will carry on over to the new iPhone. Wouldn't it have to considering that it is very likely that the current version will be discontinued after the release of the new model based on what happened last year? I mean how is this suppose to help sales if this is going to be for everyone who already has an iPhone 3G and not for the public because they won't be able to buy it anymore. And if the iphone 3G is offered along with the new iPhone, offering the cheaper data plans for the iPhone 3G only will actually hurt the sales of the future iPhone because some people would choose the more-restricted cheaper phone than the less-restricted but more expensive one.

posted on Oct 20, 2010, 1:43 AM 0

2. bigfanboyred

Posts: 141; Member since: Jan 17, 2009

i still think regardless of pricing...iphone will still be king. the only reason bb curve beatout the iphone this quarter is because its offered in all major carriers. iphone still sets the bar...

posted on May 19, 2009, 9:03 AM 0

3. The Godfather unregistered

i phone bar has been reduced because consumers are more investigative and cautious before purchasing, curve sold more than the iphone because it is the more dependable and reliable device , while the iphone has proven to have call dropping issues that may never be resolved for as long as it is on att. bb storm ftw

posted on May 19, 2009, 9:34 AM 0

7. driv14

Posts: 24; Member since: Dec 29, 2008

Again you speak with your nonsense... blackberry curve is a good device but iphone still is the number one phone as much as we all like to disagree.. theres no phone out there that is as easy to use(with the exception of the typing at first). The way the phone performs is truly revolutionary considering that when you use any other full touch device next to it you notice that they just dont compare. The touch software on the iphone cant be touched at this point.. nothing comes close and that just a fact at this point. I used an iphone for about 8 months and it wasn't completely for me so I switched over to a Bold so I'm not just saying it because I'm crazy over iphone its just the world we live in at this point. The storm doesnt come close.. put a storm side by side with an iphone and try to perform some of the same functions and you will be surprised at how much better the touch technology is on the iphone

posted on May 19, 2009, 11:40 AM 0

8. PilotHead

Posts: 18; Member since: Apr 26, 2009

You're the one with the nonsense. Ease of use depends on the user, not every person (likes me) likes touchscreen keyboards. Blackberrys have sold more for VARIOUS reasons: Better Organizer Cheaper (You can get them for as little as $50) Data is optional (in tough times an extra $30 a month does wonders) Smaller Better Email options Insurable Believe it or not, it can do 90% of what the iPhone does plus copy and paste The iPhone does have a better browser, but I care for the stable operating system, better call quality, better battery. Aside from that, I hope AT&T lowers the data plan for ALL smartphones because lowering only the iPhone would clearly go against their policy.

posted on May 19, 2009, 12:02 PM 0

4. rehnhart

Posts: 103; Member since: Mar 27, 2009

I wonder how "limited" the new limited access $20 plan will be?

posted on May 19, 2009, 10:15 AM 0

10. MBV

Posts: 2; Member since: May 19, 2009

I was wondering the same thing. I'm going to guess they'll put a 1 or 2GB cap on the data allowance.

posted on May 19, 2009, 1:16 PM 0

13. PilotHead

Posts: 18; Member since: Apr 26, 2009

that will be too little. Google Maps/GPS alone will kill that.

posted on May 19, 2009, 5:07 PM 0

5. vzw fanman

Posts: 1977; Member since: Dec 11, 2008

i think it's a little late. i mean the iphone has been out for almost two years. at&t out sold verizon in smartphones even without the iphone.

posted on May 19, 2009, 10:50 AM 0

14. PilotHead

Posts: 18; Member since: Apr 26, 2009

The main reason we sell more AT&T smartphones then our Verizon smartphones because customer like having data as an option, especially if it's equiped with Wi-Fi. As a matter of fact, our T-mobile smartphones (90% have wi-fi) out sells both of them for us. Some people just want the phone for it's other features, like Blackberry for it's Sync options, or Windows Mobile for it's organizers, and some poeple just want an iPhone for it's games and built in iPod. Forcing data plans just isn't gonna do it anymore.

posted on May 19, 2009, 5:15 PM 0

16. vzw fanman

Posts: 1977; Member since: Dec 11, 2008

so why not get an itouch

posted on May 19, 2009, 8:06 PM 0

6. WKlingbeil

Posts: 215; Member since: Dec 26, 2008

The only reason the iPhone has sold that many units is because it's the only one of its kind. How many Blackberries are there? If Apple made 2, 3, maybe 4 phones, the individual phone sales wouldn't be that high. Blackberries are far more widespread, and far more user friendly, because business users have way more phones than teenie boppers that want to show off for there friends. However, AT&T is brilliant with this move, because lower prices are always awesome.

posted on May 19, 2009, 10:56 AM 0

9. PilotHead

Posts: 18; Member since: Apr 26, 2009

I hate how AT&T sounds like it's competing against itself, why doesn't it do this for Blackberry/Windows Mobile/Symbian/Palm? I'd kill for a cheaper data plan for my blackberry.

posted on May 19, 2009, 12:05 PM 0

11. drewsky

Posts: 147; Member since: Jan 04, 2009

I think this is kinda pointless for ATT customers. Yeah its a cheaper data plan, but what are the limits? If the data resctrictions are to low, not many people will get the $20 plan. We'll have to wait to find out.

posted on May 19, 2009, 1:27 PM 0

12. PilotHead

Posts: 18; Member since: Apr 26, 2009

I agree, it's the same with Aircard service, we NEVER recommend limited service no one really knows how much data they are actually streaming until it's too late. Browsers almost never tell you much data you're actually streaming (such as Youtube) until you check on the tracker, which most smartphones lack. It's like checking your minutes after every phone call you make.

posted on May 19, 2009, 5:06 PM 0

15. drewsky

Posts: 147; Member since: Jan 04, 2009

Good point. The only reason I haven't really bougt an Iphone is the $30 data plan. I would really be interested in an upcoming Iphone if ATT dropped the UNLIMITED data plan to $20.