If you have an iPhone you know better than anyone what it’s like to dole out that $30/mo for your data plan. Well, there may be some relief on the way. AT&T may be working on cheaper plans in order to keep their exclusive deal with Apple.
AT&T may have gotten the message. The exclusive U.S. iPhone service provider is considering cutting the price of its monthly service package or offering a range of lower-priced plans, say people with knowledge of the company’s thinking. One plan that could be introduced as early as late May would include limited data access at a $10 monthly reduction, the people say.
The possible price cut likely reflects the back-and-forth between AT&T and Apple (AAPL) as they work out whether and under what terms AT&T would remain the sole U.S. iPhone carrier. Apple may want flexibility in pricing as a condition, analysts say. “We understand it’s part of the extension [of its contract] that AT&T wants to maintain,” Richard Doherty, director at consultant Envisioneering Group, says of the prospect of lower data-plan prices. As Apple considers whether to widen its circle of U.S. providers, AT&T may have less ability to balk at Apple’s requests. Representatives of Apple and AT&T declined to comment.
It would be wonderful to see the unlimited iPhone data plans go down to $20 but I believe that’s highly unlikely. I’m sure AT&T will work out a new pricing structure in order to maintain it’s iPhone monopoly, but I doubt it will actually take a step backwards.
Is anyone else having trouble connecting to any of their apps? I’ve tried WeatherBug, the default weather app, Twitterrific, At Bat and Facebook. None of them are connecting. I haven’t added any new apps recently and for some reason it seems that I can still connect to sites with Safari. Not sure what the deal is but I hope it’s resolved soon.
