According to AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson, customers may see a move to data-only cell plans within 2 years. The CEO of AT&T has talked about toll free data usage and the chance of data only plans which could be expected by 2014. Randall Stephenson was reported as saying that phone calls along with text messages would become a form of data which would do away with the need to have separate limits on minutes, texts and data as they would all fall under one single counter.
AT&T CEO talks about data-only cell plans
At the moment AT&T along with other carriers can make good profits with the texting and call plans as so little data is used. However the CEO believes that data only plans are needed to contend with the likes of apps such as Skype which provides users with phone calls using data.
No prices have been suggested nor has there been any specific timeline given for the change. Individuals may be able to benefit from data only plans if they do not use text messages and minutes regularly. The downside is that data limits could become more restrictive and costs may increase for all users, especially those who thought they were saving big by using apps like Viber, Skype and WhatsApp, instead of relying on traditional calling and SMS.
It is expected that the changes will gradually take effect over a period of two years as opposed to something that will happen overnight but whatever it may be, it will eventually happen. Would you prefer a data only package to group all calls, messages and mobile data together? Or do you prefer the current setup? Sound off in the comments below.
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