iPhone
AT&T to require data plans for all smartphones
By Jim DalrympleAugust 22, 2009, 9:20 am PT
AT&T is set to implement a policy requiring all smartphone owners to purchase a data plan for their devices. 
The news comes from a leaked internal memo AT&T sent to employees explaining the new policy and why it is being implemented.
AT&T is using “the better customer experience” reasoning for implementing the must-have data plan policy.
“We want our customers to have the best possible experience with their Smartphones,” the company said in the memo. “A predictable bill is a key factor in customer satisfaction, so effective September 6, 2009 Smartphone customers will need to subscribe to a data plan, as the vast majority of customers already do. Data plans let customers fully utilize their device, without the worry of bill shock.”
This is one of those good news, bad news situations. Obviously the bad news is that customers will be required to buy a data plan, whether they want it or not. However, the good news is that users that purchased a smartphone without a data plan before the policy is implemented will not be required to purchase one.
AT&T has not officially confirmed the new policy yet, so we will have to wait until September to see if it is implemented.
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13 Responses to “AT&T to require data plans for all smartphones”
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AT&T to require data plans for all smartphones
By Jim DalrympleAugust 22, 2009, 9:20 am PT
AT&T is set to implement a policy requiring all smartphone owners to purchase a data plan for their devices. The news comes from a leaked internal memo AT&T sent to employees explaining the new policy and why it is being implemented.
AT&T is using “the better customer experience” reasoning for implementing the must-have data plan policy.
“We want our customers to have the best possible experience with their Smartphones,” the company said in the memo. “A predictable bill is a key factor in customer satisfaction, so effective September 6, 2009 Smartphone customers will need to subscribe to a data plan, as the vast majority of customers already do. Data plans let customers fully utilize their device, without the worry of bill shock.”
This is one of those good news, bad news situations. Obviously the bad news is that customers will be required to buy a data plan, whether they want it or not. However, the good news is that users that purchased a smartphone without a data plan before the policy is implemented will not be required to purchase one.
AT&T has not officially confirmed the new policy yet, so we will have to wait until September to see if it is implemented.
Please take a minute to Tweet, Like, or Share this post with your friends.
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Discussion 13 comments so far
13 Responses to “AT&T to require data plans for all smartphones”
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The data plan is actually cheaper than a pay as you go plan. I don’t believe anyone is going to buy a smart phone and use it only for voice calls.
When WiFi is as prevalent as it is here, there is no need for a data plan. I have complained to the FCC.
This is like the 1970′s all over again, when Ma Bell forced us to use their phones. Now they’re forcing us to use their data plans.
What if I just want a phone and an iPod all-in-one? No data plan needed; no need to carry 2 devices.
@Lou Miranda
“What if I just want a phone and an iPod all-in-one? No data plan needed; no need to carry 2 devices.”
This is a valid point, I think. You’re probably not the only one like that, either.
I bought an iPhone over a year ago off Craig’s List and used my sim from my previous phone. I unlocked and jailbroke the phone. I do not want the data plan. Yesterday, I received an SMS from AT&T saying I needed to contact them before Sept 16th about a data plan for my phone. Long story short is they are trying to get me to use the data plan by veiling the idea my phone will be shut out from using any data if I don’t get the plan. To me that is a strong arm tactic. If I had the ability to shift to T-Mobile I would. No coverage were I live.
It’s called “leveraging” the customer to increase corporate profit margins.
Good gawd I hate AT&T. Unfortunately, they’re probably just the first carrier that will be implementing this rule.
I remember the good old days when you could get a $20 cell phone plan. Now even the bare minimum plans are running $40 or more per month. It won’t be long before the $70 data plan becomes the bare minimum.
@Jim
“I remember the good old days when you could get a $20 cell phone plan.”
Yeah, but I also remember the day I could get Dr. Pepper from a vending machine for 35 cents. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the Dr. Pepper company is evil.
Well, here in Aus, I’m still on a AUS$20 plan, thank you very much.
“Unfortunately, they’re probably just the first carrier that will be implementing this rule.”
Surprisingly enough, just the opposite: They’re one of the last.
T-Mobile and Sprint have both had this policy for quite a while now, and Verizon has had it since a few months ago.
T-mobile does not have this kind of policy!
JUST BUT A SMART PHONE FROM E-BAY AND USE YOUR SIM CARD——PROBLEM SOLVED—FORGET YOU AT@T YOU ARE NOT GETTING MY 30 BUCKS!!!
If I buy an unlocked and unsubsidized smartphone and use only the WIFI capability for data, than there is no way ATT can force me to go on a data plan. MY contract period is over, I can switch any time anyway.
@ “CARL” and “GuestPoster”: at&t claims that their new policy includes unlocked phones bought from third-parties; ie. when they “randomly” sweep/review your monthly bill and detect a smartphone, regardless of origin, they will “out of courtesy” add a data plan “for [our] convenience.”
i think their policy is complete bs though. it’s highway robbery in its most civil disguise.