AT&T jacks up data plan prices as usage booms

[Karl]

(Reuters) - AT&T Inc plans to sharply raise prices on data plans for smartphone and tablet customers from next week, calling the move a response to an explosion in wireless usage.
The No. 2 U.S. carrier dropped a controversial $39 billion bid for Deutsche Telekom's U.S. wireless unit T-Mobile last month, bowing to fierce regulatory opposition but leaving AT&T to try and find an alternative to address its shortage of wireless airwaves.
From January 22, AT&T customers will pay $20 for a 300-megabyte monthly data plan, up from $15 for 200-mb currently. Users with higher requirements can also opt for $30 for 3 gigabytes -- versus $25 for 2 GB previously -- or $50 for 5 GB, up from $45 for 4 GB.
AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel estimates that data usage is increasing 40 percent every year, spurring the company to offer more upfront. Consumers are rapidly migrating to video and music.
The new prices affect only new customers; existing customers can stick with their current plans or upgrade as needed, AT&T said in a statement.

[eric12341]

Not surprising at all, they're also trying to buy Dish to gobble up more spectrum. Its no wonder their headquarters is shaped like a devil pitchfork. Can't stand this company.

[fixxxer2012]

well my wife and i use wifi alot too. now that im back on a 4g device that may change.

[eric12341]

Most I ever used with sprint was 8.5GB and that was when I was on vacation in a place where data was actually useable and overnight at home. All the lovely Latina booty shaking videos.

[EyeB]

hm, question, exactly how much speed do you guys need anyways? I mean I can stream videos to my tp2 on sprint without problems, I have an app that lets me watch live tv as well and it might stutter once every 10-15 minutes for 2-3 seconds so I can put up with it. Streams music fine too. Though I can't stream HD too well, it works but TP2 screen doesn't look good with it anyways

So aside from uploading pictures/videos or trying to download large 10mb+ files, what are you guys doing that requires speeds that fast for? is it for tethering or do you needs those speeds solely for phone usage?

edit: I mean sure, I don't get my webpages loaded the instant I press enter, or anything but it's still onlyh 2-10 seconds on average. I'm not that absorbed into my phone that I can't just take a look up and watch trees blowing in wind for a few seconds or say hi/greet someone standing next to me :S

[austin420]

Originally Posted by eyeb

hm, question, exactly how much speed do you guys need anyways? I mean I can stream videos to my tp2 on sprint without problems, I have an app that lets me watch live tv as well and it might stutter once every 10-15 minutes for 2-3 seconds so I can put up with it. Streams music fine too. Though I can't stream HD too well, it works but TP2 screen doesn't look good with it anyways

So aside from uploading pictures/videos or trying to download large 10mb+ files, what are you guys doing that requires speeds that fast for? is it for tethering or do you needs those speeds solely for phone usage?

i stream 16 cctv cameras on my phone. they are only 480tvl, but unless i have a min of 1mbs, they stutter hard and only update about every 4 to 6 seconds when they should be smooth.

[eric12341]

@eyeb I just want to be fast enough to listen to music and watch videos/Netflix. Which is what sprint was unable to provide me with all last year. Now that I went with T-mob I can do those things.