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Users looking for a no-contract 3G data plan with low limits and high prices (we didn't get that backwards, folks) have reason to jump for joy, and reach for their wallets. AT&T's revamped Dataconnect Pass service offers a variety of data and payment options, and we'll let you be judge if any of them sound appealing. Here's how it breaks down:
"Demand for high-functioning, lightweight, mobile computing devices remains strong among consumers and small business customers who want access to the Internet while on the go," said David Haight, VP of product development, AT&T emerging devices, in a statement. "By offering the DataConnect Pass Plans, customers receive added value, choice, and flexibility to decide when to consume data within the parameters of their personal budget, for a more consumer-centric and convenient experience."
We're with Haight on the "choice" and "flexibilty" part, but we have a hard time identifying any of these plans as "valued" oriented. To use the DataConnect Pass service, subscribers will need a laptop or netbook with an aircard/connect card for AT&T's wirless network.
Are we being too hard on AT&T, or do you think the new data plans are a little weak?
Comments are closed on this article
nadako
September 21, 2010 at 7:47pm
I could see it as something like 15$ for 100MB untill you use it up but just for 1 lousy day talk about a rip off i really hope no one buys this bs plan.
Biceps
September 21, 2010 at 1:35pm
So, only 250 times more expensive than a monthly bill from Comcast. This is such a screaming deal, I think I will run out a buy myself an overpriced iPad so I can buy myself an overpriced data plan on ATT.
whiskeymcclinton
September 21, 2010 at 12:08pm
This plan is not meant for existing residents. It sure looks like it's tailor-made for visitors. When I fly in from Canada to St. Louis, I get gouged on roaming charges (seemed like $15/hour). What I've been asking for is a no-contract, pay by the day or week plan. This looks like it.
TechLarry
September 21, 2010 at 12:06pm
There is a service, I think it's called Rocket or something, that is:
$5 for one day.
$20 for the week.
$50 for the month.
UNLIMITED DATA
I'm not sure I have the name right. I do know I looked it up when I first read about it and it has good coverage.
Keith E. Whisman
September 21, 2010 at 12:21pm
What do they think Unlimited Data means? Most companies think that Unlimited means 5Gigs. Most companies have forgotten what the word UNLIMITED Means. So here is the current definition from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary..
un·lim·it·ed adj \-ˈli-mə-təd\ Definition of UNLIMITED
1 : lacking any controls : unrestricted
2 : boundless, infinite
3 : not bounded by exceptions : undefined — un·lim·it·ed·ly adverb
Examples of UNLIMITED Membership gives you unlimited access to the facilities. This ticket is good for unlimited travel on all trains. This plan allows you to make an unlimited number of phone calls to anywhere in the U.S. Her funds seem to be unlimited.
First Known Use of UNLIMITED 15th century Related to UNLIMITED Synonyms: bottomless, boundless, endless, fathomless, horizonless, illimitable, immeasurable, immensurable, indefinite, limitless, measureless, unbounded, unfathomable, infinite Antonyms: bounded, circumscribed, confined, definite, finite, limited, restricted
Here is the URL http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlimited
CentiZen
September 21, 2010 at 9:11pm
Thank you keith. Your definition of Unlimited has enriched my life and added valuable insight into this discussion.
Eoraptor
September 21, 2010 at 11:41am
Yeeeeeeeeeah.... $15 a day to watch like, three you tubes? and how much of your overhead will be taken up with advertising you can't even control downloading (shoot the monkey anyone)?
I don't know what's more sad... that AT&T thinks they can pull this off? or that they are probably right. I used to work for a DSL provider who shall not be named... but I never understood the logic that it's more effective to use prohibitive pricing than to actually upgrade infrastructure.
meh
violian
September 21, 2010 at 11:14am
Give me unlimited data access on my iPad for $45/month and I'm in!!!
Slipk487
September 21, 2010 at 11:13am
I have yet to see someone offer good wireless without the super low monthly usage cap.
Glycerin
September 21, 2010 at 10:10am
I don't get it.. AT&T has been around the longest.. why do they suck the most?
wizardsc8
September 21, 2010 at 9:50am
And sadly enough, there will be a lot of people that will sign up for this money stealing scheme unaware of just how badly they are getting ripped off.
Keith E. Whisman
September 21, 2010 at 9:44am
I'm sure they think that that is a great value, the executives that came up with the prices make hundreds of thousands of dollars each year if not more, so of course it's a wonderful deal. What's $50 bucks? pocket change.
Keith E. Whisman
September 21, 2010 at 9:41am
"Demand for high-functioning, lightweight, mobile computing devices remains strong among consumers and small business customers who want access to the Internet while on the go,"
So AT&T is going to do everything it can to make as much money on this trend as quickly as it can. I won't be one of their customers.
Rather than build the infrastructure to be able to offer a truly high speed unlimited 4G network, the telcos like AT&T want to get by with just the minimum and charge a premium for as little service as possible. That's like me selling someone dirt or sand for 5000 dollars a ton and then telling them they have to goto the beach to get it after they pay me. Or charging $1500 dollars for a glass of water and only giving the glass, the water is an additional $25 bucks an ounce.
