Telesite USA

It’s an Uncertain Future for Data Usage

June 28, 2010 – 9:24 am

When I purchased my first Smartphone, I was surprised and uncomfortable with the idea of having to pay a 30 a month data usage fee. The sales rep at AT&T assured me that this was simply for peace of mind, because of the unlimited data usage it covered. I begrudgingly accepted the plan, only because I really did want that new Blackberry Bold. I soon learned just how great of a deal this really was. With unlimited usage, I am free to use my mobile Internet to look up anything, anytime, no matter how frivolous. Since the rise of the Smartphone, we’ve grown to expect unlimited data usage, without any concern of overage charges. Well, this may all be about to change.AT&T recently announced their changing data rate plans for new customers. Fortunately, I’m grandfathered in as an existing customer and can retain my unlimited plan, but newcomers will have to choose between a 15, 250MB plan and a 25, 2GB plan. For some users who only use their mobile Internet to occasionally check the weather or send an email, this could be good news because now they can spend less money and no longer have to pay for much more data than they would ever use. However, for those of us who are practically phasing out the use of PCs and are constantly checking scores, streaming video, or emailing, we are holding on to our unlimited plan for dear life. AT&T does offer features to help customers minimize overage charges such as reminder texts at various usage intervals as well as a website where you can check your usage at any time.The question now remains, will other cellular phone companies follow suit? Being one of the leaders in the cellular phone industry, AT&T definitely has a strong influence in this market. Only time will tell if unlimited data really is on its way to extinction.