

AT&T has announced new data plans for the iPhone, iPad and other smartphones on its network. In addition, the iPhone will get data-tethering when the iPhone OS4 update hits this summer.

The new plans are rather simple. DataPlus gives you 200 MB of data per month for $15 (and you can add an extra 200 MB for another $15). DataPro cuts you from the 5-GB "unlimited" plan to 2 GB and it will cost $25. Get an additional 1 GB for another $10.

To tether your phone and share its data connection with other devices, you'll need to buy the $20 Tethering plan on top of DataPro.

AT&T is also killing off the $30-per-month (truly) unlimited data plan for the iPad, replacing it with the $25, 2-GB DataPro option.

Before you panic too hard, these new plans, coming into effect June 7th, are for new subscribers only (although you can opt in without renewing your contract). From the press release:

Existing iPad customers who have the $29.99 per month unlimited plan can keep that plan or switch to the new $25 per month plan with 2 GB of data.

If you are a heavy data user, this clearly sucks, and it appears that there is no way you can pay extra for an unlimited plan. [UPDATE: AT&T just e-mailed me to make clear that you can add "as many buckets of 1 GB/$10 as you need beyond the plan's included 2 GB." That's not unlimited, but $10 per GB isn't a bad rate.]

On the other hand, AT&T says that 98 percent of its smartphone customers average less than 2 GB per month. In this case, the caps may actually improve the accessibility and speed of AT&T's beleaguered network for the majority of users. The cheaper entry-level prices will also let more people get mobile internet.

To help manage your usage, you'll get a text message when you "reach 65 percent, 90 percent and 100 percent of the threshold," and AT&T has apps for Blackberry, iPhone and Android to track consumption.

The real losers here are the content providers. Were you wondering when Hulu would finally get around to making an iPad app? Well, quit worrying. With 2 GB data, you won't be able to watch more than a few hours a month, anyway.

One more thing. That June 7 launch date is the same day that Steve Jobs makes his keynote address at the 2010 WWDC. Coincidence? I doubt it.

AT&T Announces New Lower-Priced Wireless Data Plans to Make Mobile Internet More Affordable to More People [AT&T]

Illustration: Charlie Sorrel

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