AT&T grows data revenue by leaps and bounds -- again
By Chris Ziegler 
posted Jul 23rd 2008 12:59PM
posted Jul 23rd 2008 12:59PM
Okay, AT&T, we get it, you've finally figured out how to pitch data services to your subscriber base. Good for you! Last quarter saw a nice boost in data revenue for the megacarrier, likely due to a proliferation of 3G-compatible handsets that make mobile byte consumption less painful -- not to mention the fact that virtually every iPhone customer is signed up for a data plan -- and they're at it again this quarter with a staggering 52 percent bump in cash flow from data alone (which includes messaging, but still a sobering stat). Overall, revenue from the wireless division was met with a 15.8 percent gain, thanks in part to a net subscriber gain of 1.3 million, giving AT&T a grand total of 72.9 million heads. They'll still be dwarfed when the Verizon-Alltel thing goes down, but don't be down on yourself, AT&T -- there's nothing wrong with being number two. Honest.[Via mocoNews]
One of the things I have to credit AT&T for is that they're not afraid to offer value-added services such as data to both their postpaid and prepaid customers. Unlimited MediaNet is available to all prepaid customers for $20 per month with no contract and no obligation to use your prepaid balance on voice minutes. I don't know why the other US carriers are so afraid to offer identical services to prepaid customers that they offer to postpaid customers except the fact that they all want you sign over your life for a 2 year contract. AT&T is still the only carrier that you can use a smartphone on prepaid and get unlimited data for only $20 per month. I have been doing this for over a year with an unlocked Treo 650 and have saved a bundle of cash since I don't use very many voice minutes each month. The other carriers need to get with the program when it comes to the prepaid market.
The only thing is at&t doesn't offer 3G service on prepaid, which kinda blows.
i like the fact that they have data on prepaid.it is freakin awesome, i wish others did that too. TMO why you are afraid? you only got EDGE anyway?
@UnnDunn
That is not true. You will have 3G on prepaid as well, the only thing is you have to have 3G handset. My friend is enjoying 3G on his prepaid LG phone which is US 3G.
@Kevin: I agree.
I just wish they would lower the price of the tethered plans, now that they're making their money.
lower your data prices AT&T and you will gain more
Nice to see T is not going broke, because they sure are breaking all the Bellsouth retired people. I have a very nice retirement ring that I would send to the head of T if I knew he would get it. A $2,200.00 deductible on meds and doctors before insurance even starts is what I would consider Grand Thieft!! I started my career with AT&T and finished with Bellsouth. T back then was known as MA Bell because they took care of the family so to speak. Today they are throwing the kids out with the bath water. SHAME ON YOU MA! JMHO
Hopefully they invest that money in added coverage - because of all the carriers I've ever used, AT&T is the worst (Verizon comes in close second).