AT&T is dropping all SMS plans and offering only one unlimited plan. It sounds like a good thing at first, but what is really going on here? iMessage is going on. Apple is about to launch iMessage with iOS 5. The app will allow users to send messages to other iOS users without using SMS. That means that users could theoretically cancel their SMS options and downgrade their plans. To combat the loss in revenue AT&T will offer one plan and one plan only.
"We regularly evaluate our offers and are making some adjustments to our messaging lineup.
Starting August 21, we're streamlining our text messaging plans for new customers and will offer an unlimited plan for individuals for $20 per month and an unlimited plan for families of up to five lines for $30 per month. The vast majority of our messaging customers prefer unlimited plans and with text messaging growth stronger than ever, that number continues to climb among new customers. Existing customers don't have to change any messaging plan they have today, even when changing handsets."
Starting August 21, we're streamlining our text messaging plans for new customers and will offer an unlimited plan for individuals for $20 per month and an unlimited plan for families of up to five lines for $30 per month. The vast majority of our messaging customers prefer unlimited plans and with text messaging growth stronger than ever, that number continues to climb among new customers. Existing customers don't have to change any messaging plan they have today, even when changing handsets."
So long to your $10 for 1000 messages. Users will either have to choose between the unlimited plan at $20 monthly, or a pay per message plan (RIPOFF).
Carriers have been charging ridiculous prices for SMS messages. If you do the math, it's close to $1500 per megabyte of data. That's price gouging as far as I'm concerned, but they've been getting away with it for years. Apple is about to change the game with iMessage so AT&T is trying to adjust. I'm sure other carriers will follow suit.
