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AT&T Wireless Requires Data Plans on Smartphones
On September 6, 2009, AT&T Mobility will require a data plan of $30 or better on Smartphones, that is, any phone that has a distinct operating system from the AT&T standard software. BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Symbian, and iPhone specific phones will all require the data feature added at the time they activate, and the starting price point is $30USD.
Honestly, we are a bit suprised to see AT&T this late in the game, given that every other major provider has roughly the same requirement, and the iPhone has been that way since it's been introduced. With dwindling monthly subscriptions, all cell phone companies are looking to top off their coffers, and with the United States using more mobile internet than most other countries, its a move that makes sense to their bottom line.
From a consumer standpoint, it makes more sense as well; it's like buying a laptop without any internet access. With the thousands of applications available making use of the internet being developed at a blistering pace if you have a smartphone, you SHOULD have a data plan. Otherwise, consider a full qwerty keyboard phone if you're a big time texter, or a flip phone if you're still thinking that a phone is still a phone.
If you're reading this on or after September 6th, you're too late. If you're thinking of upgrading your phone to the latest Smartphone AT&T Wireless is offering, then you should do it TODAY. You won't have to have the data plan, and if you get it when you activate, you can cut if off later.
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