AT&T has introduced an unlimited mobile data plan for all postpaid customers that removes a requirement that they also bundle in TV services from DirecTV or U-verse.
The new plan, announced Thursday, offers unlimited talk, text and data on four lines for $180 per month, or $100 for the first smartphone on the plan, and $40 for additional smartphones (the fourth line is “free” after a bill credit). The plan also supports an optional “Stream Saver” feature that reduces mobile video to 480p quality.
The shift in available data plans comes more than a year after AT&T launched an unlimited wireless data plan for new and existing pay TV subs, and followed AT&T’s acquisition of DirecTV in July 2015. Per the small print, AT&T “may slow speeds during periods of network congestion” once a customer exceeds 22 GB of data usage during a given month. AT&T’s version also does not bake in any mobile hotspot data usage (save for connected cars). Subs will need a usage-based plan to support tethering.
RELATED: AT&T Uploads Unlimited Data Plan to TV Subs
AT&T is the latest mobile carrier to shift or upgrade it unlimited data policy.
Earlier this week, Verizon introduced an Unlimited plan with HD video streaming, charging $80 for one line, or $180 per month for four, along with 10 GB of mobile hotspot data. Verizon’s unlimited plan also has a 22 GB data ceiling before the carrier “may prioritize usage behind other customers in the event of network congestion.”
T-Mobile countered with a revised “One” unlimited plan that includes HD streaming, 10 GB of mobile hotspot data, for $70 for one line, $100 for two, or $160 for four lines. That upgraded plan takes affect Friday (Feb. 17).
Meanwhile, Sprint today launched a new unlimited offer, with four lines at $90 per month (equal to $22.50 per line), alongside 10GB of mobile hotspot data for new subs, HD streaming, and the option to lease an iPhone 7 for no additional charge for 18 months.
Soon after AT&T new plan was announced, T-Mobile CEO John Legere couldn’t resist the temptation to gloat via Twitter:
.@TMobile offers unlimited. LITERALLY EVERYONE FOLLOWS. We just drug this industry to offer #unlimited for customers. Next up: taxes & fees https://t.co/wvELqLOKjX
— John Legere (@JohnLegere) February 16, 2017
