AT&T to introduce shared-data plans
NEW YORK >> Following in Verizon’s footsteps, AT&T Inc. said Wednesday that it will introduce wireless plans that let subscribers connect up to 10 phones or other devices.
Connected phones get unlimited calling and texting, and all devices get wireless data access. The devices tap into a limited pool of data usage, which gets renewed each month.
Verizon introduced its “Share Everything” plans on June 28, replacing nearly all of its traditional phone plans. AT&T says its “Mobile Share” plans will debut in late August, but it is keeping its current individual and family plans.
AT&T’s prices will track closely with those of Verizon. One smartphone with 1 gigabyte of data will cost $85 per month with AT&T, compared with $90 with Verizon. Two smartphones and a tablet computer with 6 gigabytes of shared data will cost $170 on either carrier.
AT&T is the country’s second-largest cellphone company, behind Verizon. AT&T, which is based in Dallas, has 76.8 million direct wireless customers, and millions more through wholesale arrangements.
AT&T’s and Verizon’s shared-data plans are intended to stimulate the adoption of non-phone devices such as tablet computers and USB modems for laptops by making monthly service cheaper. Analysts believe Verizon’s plan will reduce its service revenue in the short term but pay off in the long term as families add more devices.
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AT&T said earlier this year, before Verizon announced its plans, that it was looking at introducing shared data plans soon. It hadn’t offered details then.
Under the “Mobile Share” plans, AT&T subscribers will pay a monthly fee for one smartphone and choose a bucket of data usage on top of that. Total costs will range from $85 for 1 gigabyte per month to $230 for 20 gigabytes.
After that, subscribers can add other devices to share that bucket of data, paying an extra monthly fee for each one. A basic, non-smartphone will cost $30 per month and a tablet, such as an iPad, will cost $10. Additional smartphones cost $30 to $45 each, depending on the size of the data plan.
