The onset of LTE for AT&T may not trigger variable data pricing

Verizon may have a clear path that they're going to follow when it comes to their next generation network build out – which we heard could point to signs of variable data plan pricing that's based on consumption. On the other hand, AT&T is seeing the jump to LTE with a slightly alternative stance surrounding recent issues on potential future data pricing – it seems like the move to LTE may not trigger a move to variable pricing of data service. AT&T Chief Executive Randall Stephenson said, “I don't know what the exact trigger is” – meaning that it's still unclear if they would adopt the views of some of their competitors in moving away from packages that offer unlimited data use. Even if the current pricing structure of data plans remains to be the same when LTE arrives, Stephenson still reiterated support for some of the same views that competitors are adopting with next generation networks going live. There's no doubt that the shift in data services will continue to take precedence as regular voice services continue to fall – this is obviously where carriers will see the most of their growth and revenue. Although most people view usage-based pricing as a good thing, especially when you consider the cost needed to keep the infrastructure running smoothly, it is still viewed as being unpopular here in the US to start making such a drastic move.

source: The Wall Street Journal