AT&T introduces hotspot data plan; gives extra 2GB to those tethering

General

Today, via a press release, AT&T announced one addition and one change to its smartphone data plan offerings. First, the addition. AT&T will now offer a mobile hotspot plan that will provide users with 4GB of monthly data to use via their handset or while connected to their handset as a hotspot. The plan will be available February 13th and will retail for $45 per month. Second, AT&T is revising the data allowance on its smartphone tethering offering. Previously, users could pay $20 per month for the ability to tether their smartphone to their computer; no additional data was provided for this fee, you simply shared your 2GB monthly allowance with your computer. Now, those who pony up the $20 will be given an additional 2GB of bandwidth (for a total of 4GB monthly) to play with. Not bad AT&T, not bad at all. Customers who are already enrolled in the tethering plan will receive a text message from AT&T around February 13th alerting them of their newly increased data pool. Hit the jump for the full press release.

AT&T Details Pricing, Launch of AT&T Mobile Hotspot App Coming February 13

Application Provides Additional 2GB of Data, Bundled with AT&T Data Pro

DALLAS, Feb. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — AT&T* today announced select smartphone customers will soon be able to connect multiple devices from their smartphone – via Wi-Fi – thanks to the new AT&T Mobile Hotspot application. The feature will first be available February 13, beginning with the in-store launch of the HTC Inspireâ„¢ 4G. Bundled with the AT&T Data Pro plan, customers will benefit from a total of 4GB for $45 per month.

In addition, also on February 13th, to bring AT&T’s smartphone tethering plan in line with the AT&T Mobile Hotspot offer, AT&T will automatically add the additional 2GB of monthly data usage to smartphone customers already on a tethering plan – at no extra charge. Customers will incur the same $20 monthly fee they’re accustomed to paying, only now they’ll receive an extra 2GB of data each month.

AT&T Mobile Hotspot details include:

  • Connectivity for multiple wireless devices to AT&T’s mobile broadband network
  • 2 GB of data usage for $20 a month, bundled with AT&T’s Data Pro plan ($25 / 2GB)
  • The combined AT&T Data Pro plus AT&T Mobile Hotspot will provide 4GB for $45 per month
  • 4GB applies to collective use among all devices
  • Overage fee of $10 per gigabyte

“Our customers want to connect as many devices as possible to the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, which is getting faster with 4G,” said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.

“We want to extend the benefits of an additional 2GB to smartphone customers on our tethering plan. This delivers more value today for the price they’re already paying – and that’s what our customers want.”

Customers will receive a text message from AT&T – as soon as February 13 – once the additional 2GB has been auto-added to their plan.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. Available in limited areas. Availability increasing with ongoing backhaul deployment. Learn more at att.com/network

23 Comments
  • http://twitter.com/Steelers7510 Ty Carlson

    Worried about losing iPhone exclusivity much AT&T???

    • Anonymous

      Didn’t they already LOSE it when the verizon iPhone was announced lol?

  • Anonymous

    the big blue slo-globe strikes again

  • Monique

    following in vzw’s footsteps once again….geez, could’ve at least lowered the pricing of the hotspot feature in order to really under cut vzw’s hotspot pricing

    • Anonymous

      why do they charge for this? All the data still goes through the phone with hot spot capability right? If the person goes over their limit then they can pay accordingly. I would make it on its own plan if people we using hotspot so much they needed increased data. Im sure there is something I am missing regarding tethering…???

  • Anonymous

    Here’s to hoping this makes it into the iPhone 4 and 5… Or will we get support next summer?

  • Scott

    Well, there is always the option of rooting/jailbreaking for those of us still on Unlimited plans ;)

  • http://twitter.com/swingkat Swingkat

    Hot Spot plan for $45 a month — And lose my unlimited data plan? No thanks, rather jailbreak and use it for free.

    • http://twitter.com/netposer net poser

      No kidding, I put a custom ROM on my Captivate and now I have a hotspot. :-)

  • Anonymous

    Don’t worry, Ma Bell is still a bitch to be with.. this won’t change that.

  • Oilfighter

    I still maintain that how I use the data is my business. AT&T (and Verizon for that matter) is just looking for ways to increase their profit.

  • Anonymous

    mywi is the way to go $20 one time fee beats a monthly fee

  • Anonymous

    Isn’t competition great!

  • Anonymous

    Jeebus!! $45 for 4GB data?!! For that money i could get a Clear Hotspot with unlimited data (great if you live in great Clear 4G coverage like i do in NYC). I predict an increase in sales of Vaseline and the like. Folks better be practicing yoga or something in preparation for the wide stance position…

  • http://twitter.com/D4mi4n1988 Damian Wozniak

    Competition is a beautiful thing

  • http://twitter.com/VDubb722 Vic Webb

    Thank you, Verizon Wireless!

  • Hilljack911

    Way to go AT&T!!!!

  • http://phonecan.com Epik

    Another BGR admission of AT&T love:
    “Not bad AT&T, not bad at all.”

    Huh?
    For $45/mo I can get 4GB of usage on AT&T ($25 for 2GB on my phone, and another $20 for a separate 2GB for tethering).

    Or at Verizon, I can pay $50/mo and get unlimited plus 2GB tethering ($30 for unlimited on my phone, and another $20 for a 2GB tethering allowance).

    Yes, AT&T, not bad at all. Five bucks less for a lot less. Win.

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=502582417 Dan Imondi

      You can’t say it isn’t an improvement. Plus, Verizon will soon be following suit with tiered/capped plans. Who uses more than 2GB on your phone anyway? I’d rather have 4 gigs to tether with than two, my laptop consumes much more than my iPhone.

      • Anonymous

        If you own a smart phone, I can pretty much guarantee Youtube will get you past that 4gb limit very quickly and you wouldn’t even notice.
        Especially when you have constant uploading and downloading, This is just from Youtube.
        Theirs also Netflix and Blockbuster.
        When you have no Wifi those gigs will fly!

  • http://www.facebook.com/joshwithachance Joshua Pingley

    wow… GO AT&T! a change that benefits users and that’s it. nice.

  • Verizon beats ATT

    It’s not an EXTRA 2GB, its 2GB on top of the 2GB cap they already have.
    At least with Verizon you have unlimited to start with.

  • Rhonin

    What about those of us who have unlimited data plans?
    This option does nothing for us……

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