AT&T announces sweeping changes to data rates

AT&T today announced sweeping changes to its data plans for iPhones and iPads. Here’s the gist:

• No more “all you can eat” data for mobile phones (beginning June 7)
• DataPlus plan - $15/month for 200MB + $15 per additional 200MB
• DataPro plan - $25/month for 2GB + $10 per additional 1GB
• Current unlimited data customers may continue with their unlimited plan
• iPad gets same plans
• DataPro plan customers can pay $20 extra ($45 total) to share their 2GB of data between phone and tethered device

Each plan includes unlimited access at no additional charge to more than 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots in the U.S. To prevent accidental overages AT&T will offer automatic text and email alerts at 65, 90, and 100 percent usage of your monthly allowance. Gizmodo offers a comprehensive breakdown.

Given that 98% percent of its customers use less than 2GB of data per month (at least according to AT&T) I’m fine with the new rates as they’ll mean a reduction for most customers.

I just hope that AT&T includes the iPad in its tethering plan and that it doesn’t require a contract extension if you change data plans.

Secrets to Saving Money with Prepaid Phone Cards

Prepaid prepaid phone cards allow the user to purchase a specific dollar value of calling time and to have the cost of each call deducted from the account balance. Sold at many retail locations as well as on the Internet, you can buy them at relatively cheap prices and use them from almost from anywhere.

But are these phone cards really a great deal?

Have you seen calling cards at your local convenience store or gas station and wondered how they work? Maybe you have heard about the great long distance rates that calling cards offer, and are curious about how they can offer such great prices?

Are you really getting any minutes with such a deal?

If you want a prepaid phone card, be sure to get the best card for your needs. Calling cards from different companies have a wide range of fees and restrictions. By comparing phone cards before you buy, you can make certain to get the most bang for your buck.

Don't get cheated on your phone card. With calling card companies, as with any product or service, there are good deals, bad deals, and outright frauds. Learning what precautions to take when buying a prepaid phone card could save you money and trouble. Learn how to select a good prepaid card, and what to do if you get cheated.

Don't leave home without it. Whether you use them to make sure you can always use a phone booth in an emergency or to keep in touch with your loved ones on the road, prepaid calling cards can be extremely handy. This is just one idea for how prepaid phone cards could be useful for you and save you in a tight spot.

Prepaid phone cards are an excellent way to save on international calls. By buying minutes in bulk, calling cards can offer rates at a fraction of the price of regular carriers, without complicated calling plans.

Keep in mind that you can donate calling cards to the military. Calling cards are an excellent way to show your support for our troops and to help a lonely soldier overseas stay in contact with his friends and loved ones.

Also, many of the credit card companies offer cards that have all of the usefulness of having a prepaid phone card on hand in case of emergencies, without many of the hidden fees and inconveniences.
It's only by comparing each of the plans that you will find the best one for you.

Karen Kirby