AT&T jacks up data plan prices as usage booms

[Sherman A1]

(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.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/t-jacks-data-plan-prices-233528599.html


Taking a page from the Netflix/Bank of America School of Marketing........

[Monk06]

1. If it means a lot fewer texting zombies I have to dodge on the sidewalk every day then good!!

[JustAnotherGen]

3. It will only help picture and video messaging

Plain old SMS runs over voice . . . But, this is not a good idea.

[dkf]

2. My 3G data has been very erratic lately.

During rush hour I can barely get a connection. Its frustrating I am paying for something that is useless all too often.

[Gman]

5. Randall Stephenson is trying to keep his head off the chopping block

Scuttlebutt from inside AT&T is he 's gone shortly for bungling the TMobile deal so badly.

[Sherman A1]

6. Wouldn't be surprised

he did screw that one up pretty well. That said I am certain that his parachute will be platinum....