AT&T iPhone rate plan rates: unlimited data included
The iPhone page on the Apple site has the details for the rate plans; you can find info for new individual and family plans, plus rates for existing customers. The one message that’s central to all of the plans: all of them include unlimited data, meaning you can surf the web, send e-mail and more to your hearts content over the EDGE connection.
From a pricing standpoint, the cost is basically included in the plans. I tried to do a direct comparison to the other major GSM provider here (T-Mobile) and the closest plan match is the 1000-minute plan of T-Mo at $59.99 and the AT&T 900-minute plan at $79.99. AT&T does include rollover minutes, while T-Mo offers the MyFaves…there’s a few differences like that, so it’s not a one-to-one. Adding a data plan to the T-Mobile account bumps you up $30, or $10 more than the AT&T plan, but it includes the T-Mobile Hotspot plan for WiFi as well as usage of the EDGE service. The AT&T plan also includes 200 TXT messages, where the T-Mobile plan doesn’t.
Essentially, there’s not much cost difference at first glance; what’s more interesting is the way the plans are presented. Apple’s iPhone is designed to be used on the web and they’re calling attention to that fact by including the unlimited data. It’s not thrown in as an afterthought service….interesting. Also worth noting for existing customers: you’ll need to re-up for a new two-year contract to "activate iPhone features, including iPod functions". Looks like there’s no way around the cellular servitude to AT&T through 2009 if you want an iPhone now.
It’s a $20/mo discount over an equivalent AT&T plan on other PDA phones like my Blackjack.
I don’t want an iPhone, but I have had my eye on the Blackjack and am waiting until I am elligible for an upgrade (that magic date moved back a month, to my dismay). I was going to get the BlackJack without a data plan, because I don’t really need push email and we don’t have 3G here in the sticks, but if they would offer similar pricing for all PDAs, I will gladly sign up for it. That is 50% off the $39.99 PDA Connect data plan. C,mon AT&T, give us non-iPhone customers a break too!
Wes, my buddy has the Blackjack without a data plan but with messaging. Not only does he get better battery life than I do, but he can send text messages to email addresses I think.
Dave,
That is awesome! When I went to check about an upgrade, the sales rep was pretty adamant about making me take out the $39.99 data plan with a Blackjack. I thought that was pretty much a crock, so now I have some ammo for when I go back to upgrade!
Do you use OneNote Mobile with your Blackjack? If so, how does it perform? I know the camera probably isn’t nothing to write home about, but is okay for a quick snapshot here and there? I can’t wait to try it with the license of Snapster I won here on jkontherun a while back.
I used the Cingular (when it was Cingular) business site when ordering my Blackjack back then. I was able to choose the option of getting the Media Max 200 plan. Basically, unlimited data with 200 text messages for $20/mo. Essentially the same as the iPhone’s data plan.
This is only offered to ‘normal’ phones with no 3g capabilities.
But for the Blackjack, on the normal consumer site, you can only choose the PDA unlimited plan with no text for $40/mo.
Works the same. Can tether, use 3g, etc.
Except that I can also access medianet content.
So ya, they try to rip you off as much as they can.
So if you’re looking into a PDA phone, get a cheap or free one. Add on a media max plan, then swap the sim card out to a smartphone.
Or if ordering over the phone, keep calling back until you get someone who will let you use the media max plan with a pda phone.
Hi Big Wes,
I saw your question about the quality of the BlackJack’s camera.
I’m a wireless data consultant and look at a fair amount of camera phones. I’ve tested the BlackJack and established a moblog to display the photos:
http://www.wirelessmuse.com/photos/cingular_blackjack/
The quality really isn’t bad at all for a 1.3 megapixel camera. Also, the video quality is good. In essence, for a 1.3 megapixel camera phone, the BlackJack holds its own.
Under good lighting conditions and holding the camera steady, you could get some pretty decent photos. There’s no flash, unfortunately, and the camera lens isn’t recessed; in fact, it sticks out so it’s easy to get dirty and scratched.
Make sure you keep the BlackJack in a case and try to remember to clean the lens when you want to take a photo or video.
Overall, I like the BlackJack. Thin, light, nice feel. I’m not an expert in all the features because I “focus” on the camera and video recording. But if you don’t mind using Windows Mobile 5, it’s a good device.
I’ve heard the battery life isn’t too good, and the BlackJack I got from Cingular to test came with a second battery.
Looking at getting my 1st “smart phone” HTC 8525 looks good to me…covers the things I was looking for:
web/email, blue tooth, tether, wifi, and Itnl. Many good reviews…Primary use is phone but want the ability to push email etc..Looks like ATT online is much better then store – coupon code WLS50 saves you even $50. more – total savings of 170. vs store! The data plan is unclear..I do not text…want just my email, the ability to tether and surf..Is MEdia Max 200 for $19.99 a month what I want? Thanks for the help!
Looking at getting my 1st “smart phone” HTC 8525 looks good to me…covers the things I was looking for:
web/email, blue tooth, tether, wifi, and Itnl. Many good reviews…Primary use is phone but want the ability to push email etc..Looks like ATT online is much better then store – coupon code WLS50 saves you even $50. more – total savings of 170. vs store! The data plan is unclear..I do not text…want just my email, the ability to tether and surf..Is MEdia Max 200 for $19.99 a month what I want? Thanks for the help!
yesterday I bought Travel Charger – Apple iPhone at only $29.99 from ATT Wireless store at Couponalbum.com……!
gooo..cell