|
Teaser from ATT Exec about new data plans
From a PC World column
...My main beef with the cell-phone subsidy model for netbooks is that I'm not in the market for a $60-a-month data plan. I'm an infrequent traveler, and I use my netbook mostly for taking notes at meetings. What I would like to see, however, is a pay-as-you-go alternative for mobile broadband service--something along the lines of Wi-Fi hotspot services at airports and hotels--so that on the occasions I do travel, I could benefit from a built-in mobile broadband card. AT&T's Lurie says I may get my wish in the not-too-distant future: As netbooks become more mainstream, carriers will probably develop new types of data plans. "We're going to have to make sure we give customers a lot of choices," Lurie says.... We can hope. Even using the MediaNet hack to get 100mb a month for $20 is ridiculously expensive, imo. |
Sprints WiMax 4G network is probably the closest thing to what the future of data plans would be. They have the ability to just pay a daily rate on days you use the service. The problem of course is that it is only deployed in 2 or 3 cities right now.
What it comes down to at the end of the day is just a lack of bandwidth on the cellular networks currently. I think in the future with 4G networks you might start to see, as you already are with Sprint the ability to use a cellular network as not only a mobile network though one that is open and fast enough to be used as your home ISP. With that said, I think it is rather dumb that Verizon and ATT have not yet figured out how to offer a deal to consumers to group together DSL/FIOS and mobile broadband. |
What they are saying is that the US might one day be as advanced as Europe when it comes to mobile data plans.
The current lineup of plans is pathetic. You either pay $60/month, or you don't. There are no other options out there. |
There seems to be one other option; when I got through the process of adding a line to my ATT account and select a data device, I'm offered either the 5GB for $60, or 50 (!!) mb for $40 plans.
Hardly a good deal. Agree with ScottC; it would be nice to have something even almost as advanced as the European folks on this score. |
I think one other part of the problem though is the fact that there is no competition because they know that if you buy the hardware (or they pay a PC manufacture to build it into your laptop) it is inoperable on the other carrier's networks. ATT's 3G is different from even Tmobile's 3G and they are both GSM carriers and of course Verizon and Sprint are completely separate.
|
Originally Posted by adambadam
(Post 11633558)
I think one other part of the problem though is the fact that there is no competition because they know that if you buy the hardware (or they pay a PC manufacture to build it into your laptop) it is inoperable on the other carrier's networks. ATT's 3G is different from even Tmobile's 3G and they are both GSM carriers and of course Verizon and Sprint are completely separate.
That is slowly starting to change now GOBI cards are popping up. |
Just discovered more fine print from ATT.
The $60/month data plan "includes a $20 per month discount for a two-year contract." If you bring your own equipment and want a month-to-month contract, it's $80! |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 2:57 pm. |
This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.