AT&T iPhones get an "unlimited" calling plan

Finally, iPhone owners no longer have to mope around with a feeling of shame and embarrassment in their hearts: AT&T has blessed them with an "unlimited" calling plan. That's right, if you so desire (and you do so desire, don't you?), you can latch a $119.99 all-you-can-eat plan onto your super-device. Sure, it looks peachy, until you notice that despite your "unlimited" status, you still only get a measly 200 text messages, which is like a three-course steak dinner with no dessert. At least you'll never again have to end a conversation with Mom because you're worried about overages -- though you'll want to keep a close watch on those SMSs, since the prices seem to be constantly heading skyward.

[Thanks, impuLsive]

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 9th 2008 8:02PM]

Wow, the thing that is odd about this is the unlimited plan is almost the same for both iPhone and other phones on AT&T's network. I just signed up for unlimited voice ($99.99/month) + unlimited media.net (their phone data service for $19.99/month). The thing you get with the iPhone that you are not getting with the other phone is the 200 text messages. It seemed that before iPhone service plans were far better than what you get otherwise, but with this plan they come close to convergence.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 9th 2008 8:27PM]

Why is this being posted just now? This iPhone plan has been around since AT&T first launched the unlimited plans, weeks ago.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 10th 2008 5:21AM]

Well so think with all the big recent press about the iPhone, I think some folks are just now paying attention to such things.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 10th 2008 10:06AM]

How is it that companies with GSM networks tell you what phones you can and cannot with what plans? ATT as unlimited web for $139, except if you have a Blackberry or PDA phone then it's $149.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 10th 2008 10:14AM]

This is not new news. iliarules is correct when he says these have been available since launch. What many people don't understand is that the Iphone plans are AT&T's normal plans plus the $20 iphone data plan included in the price.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 10th 2008 10:18AM]

Chris, our unlimited data is only $30 for consumer PDA and Blackberry plans, or $15 on regular handsets. Therefore, the unlimited rate plan plus unlimited data for a non-enterprise consumer would be only $130 for PDA/Blackberries, or $115 for regular phones.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 10th 2008 12:04PM]

The separation of "regular" phones and PDA phones is highly dubious.
What if I had a $115 plan with a "regular" phone then simply moved my SIM card over to a PDA phone?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 10th 2008 12:44PM]

When customer care audits the account and notices a smart phone IMEI attached to your SIM ID they will remove the $15 plan and either block your internet or up you to the $30 PDA feature. They normally contact you if this happens.