Verizon's CFO Fran Shammo mentioned at the J.P. Morgan Technology, Media, and Telecom conference recently that anyone migrating from 3G to 4G devices won't be able to grandfather in their old unlimited plan and will have to instead take a data share plan scheduled to launch this summer. That way, not only are you burning through data faster, but you're also splitting it among friends or co-workers. Everybody wants that, right?

Those of you that scrambled to get unlimited data plans on Verizon before they dropped the axe on it will have to carefully consider your next upgrade.

To be fair, this will make it easier to split data between devices, which is a common eventuality for those of us using both an iPad and an iPhone. Still, this sentiment is in direct opposition to Sprint, who has pledged that they'll keep unlimited around even if an LTE iPhone is eventually released. The question is, how long are you going to be willing to hold onto your iPhone 4S with an unlimited plan before being tugged into a limited (but faster) world of LTE? Will Verizon still rip you from the warm embrace of unlimited data even if you stick with a 3G device?

Source: FierceWireless

UPDATE: Verizon recently clarified that no, they won't be forcing people to switch to the shared plan, though new subscribers still won't be able to pick an unlimited plan.

iOS 5.1 snuck in a 4G indicator on the AT&T iPhone 4S. When asked if they felt like their phone was running at mind-bending speed, one commenter smartly replied "Lightning fast. I can't wait to get throttled even sooner now." This encapsulates the conundrum of 4G data, and a problem currently faced by new LTE iPad owners: increased data speeds are only as useful as the data caps that go along with them. Drinking from the firehose is only fun if it's hooked up to more than a thimble of water.

The Wall Street Journal recently ran a piece detailing various anecdotes where users were quickly running out of data, and needed to pay extra to get their service back on track. Though it's good that the pitfall is being identified for those who might not know any better, for most of us it's obvious that higher speeds without appropriately bumped data caps will ultimately result in a bigger bill. If you buy a Ferrari, after all, you're going to need the gas to go with it.

This is the world Android owners have been living in for awhile now. The problem is only exacerbated on the iOS side as video is going to HD, even 1080p to take advantage of the new high resolution display. There are a few things you can do to alleviate the stress on your bucket of data, like relying on Wi-Fi as much as possible, and reducing the quality on streaming video, but that kind of defeats the purpose of having an iPad with LTE, doesn't it? It seems like the impetus is on service providers to get with the times and adapt their pricing structure for next-generation wireless speeds. But what to change?

Flex data

As you might have seen from out AT&T versus Verizon comparison, iPad plans start at 250 MB for $15 and max out at 5 GB for $50, but there aren't clear steps for transitioning from one tier to another. Up here in Canada, TELUS and Bell offer Flex plans, which basically means you're paying a little more at each tier, but you'll automatically be knocked up or down the ladder depending on your monthly usage. While this might not seem particularly different from simply paying overages on top of your standard plan if you blow past your data cap, a billing system that goes down with your usage is entirely reasonable, especially for those with erratic usage habits.

Speed tiers

One trend that might be worth transplanting from the landline internet world are speed tiers. Grandma probably doesn't need LTE data speeds, but little Billy probably wants the best of the best. Even if they were both transferring the same amount of data, what really matters to each of them isn't whatever is in their respective packets, but how quickly they get them. Ultimately, that should be what wireless service providers are charging for. If carriers are worried about congestion, this would be a fine way of mitigating and controlling bandwidth, without earning the ire of power users when they get throttled; offering separate 2G, 3G, and 4G data plans would essentially be pre-emptive throttling for people who opt-in in exchange for lower rates, and an opportunity for heavy data users to guarantee consistent performance.

Roll-over

If service providers are going to stick with data caps, it would be nice if we could use them after the month's up -we paid for those megabytes, after all. This is something prepaid voice service has done in the past, and seeing as new iPad owners aren't on a term contract, it would be a great fit. Some months you're going to spend on the move more than others, and it seems ridiculous that during those times, you've got to pay more even though the entire month before your iPad might have existed within reach of a Wi-Fi zone. Of course, it could be a huge stress on carriers if folks just stockpiled their data and went nuts on their LTE iPad in a short period of time.  Those kinds of activity spikes are hard for carriers to deal with. Still, offering a spare unused GB from the last month or two could be all the wriggle room someone needs to go without paying overages or reconsidering their plans.

Of course, this whole issue would be cleared up if service providers just upped their data caps or lowered their prices, but I understand that they have shareholders to keep happy, and that involves making sure they aren't just giving away service. There's also the obvious issue of capacity; one would hope that as LTE networks mature, the situation will improve. These are just some ideas to get the conversation rolling, and I doubt any of them are a silver bullet to addressing the disparity between data speed demand and bandwidth supply, but the fact remains that it's becoming a problem that needs to be solved. I invite anyone from the retail or infrastructure side to comment on why some of the options would or wouldn't work. New LTE iPad owners, is there anything you would like to see on the service side, or is everything hunky-dory as is?

And while you're at it, jump into the new iPad forums and tell us how much 4G data you've used on your new iPad so far.

AT&T has just announced some upcoming changes to their data plans for iPhone and iPad -- and smartphones and tablets in general -- that will go into effect as of Sunday, Jan. 22.

The new smartphone plans include:

• AT&T Data Plus 300MB: $20 for 300MB
• AT&T Data Pro 3GB: $30 for 3GB
• AT&T Data Pro 5GB: $50 for 5GB, with mobile hotspot / tethering

iPhone customers needing additional data can pay $10 per additional gigabyte on the AT&T Data Pro 3GB and Data Pro 5GB plans; AT&T Data Plus users will receive an extra 300MB for $20.

The new tablet plans include:

• AT&T DataConnect 3GB: $30 for 3GB
• AT&T DataConnect 5GB: $50 for 5GB

Current customers won't be required to change to their already existing data plans. In other words, they're not enforcing anyone onto the new plans... yet. However; if you find any of the new plans better then what you have now, you can up customer care and make the switch as of Jan 22.

Source: AT&T

If Verizon's new tiered, capped data plans make the kind of sense that doesn't, don't worry -- Phil Nickinson from Android Central has broken them down for us. Check out the chart up top for the details, and here are the bullet points:

• If you have Verizon's $29.99 unlimited data plan, you'll be able to keep it after July 7.
• You'll also be able to keep the $29.99 unlimited plan when you upgrade to a new phone. (No word on if there's a pricing difference >- or when that policy could change.)
• If you add a line to an existing account, you'll not be able to chose the $29.99 unlimited data plan.
• If you're a new customer between now and July 7, you'll still be able to choose the $29.99 plan.

Check out AC via the link below for the full set of leaked docs and emails, then come back and tell us what you think of the new rates.

[Android Central]

AT&T isn't the only one confirming iOS 4.3 personal hotspot support, with Rogers (and subsidiary Fido) also letting us know their plans -- and keeping it free!

Mobile hotspot on iOS 4.3 will be enabled on the Rogers network and will follow our current tethering policy. This feature will be available at no additional charge for Rogers and Fido customers who subscribe to data plans of 1GB and above.

That's great for iPhone 4 users but what about iPad 2? Same deal as the original iPad with 250MB for $15 or 5GB for $35 (or you can use their data sharing but they aren't great value for the $30 surcharge).

So great news for personal hotspot, good news for iPad 2!

[Rogers Red Board, personal hotspot]

The Verizon iPhone will -- for now -- have an unlimited $30 data plan option according to what Verizon COO Lowell McAdam told the Wall Street Journal:

“I’m not going to shoot myself in the foot,” he said. Not offering an unlimited plan would put up a barrier for customers who might otherwise switch from AT&T, he said. The country’s No. 2 carrier still has millions of subscribers grandfathered into unlimited plans they signed up for before AT&T switched to tiered pricing last summer.

Once they've lured in those AT&T switchers, however, McAdams said Verizon will also, eventually move towards tiered and capped plans of their own.

AT&T went from unlimited to 200 MB and 2 GB plans last year. Anyone going to jump on Verizon unlimited before they follow suit?

[WSJ]

iPhone users on AT&T received an email filled with tips on how to manage usage and save money while traveling internationally. With access to email, Visual Voicemail, safari and data using applications, it doesn't take much to rack up a very expensive bill while abroad. Instead of surprising you with a giant bill, AT&T has decided to give iPhone users some saving money strategies. Here they are:

• If you want to place calls but not use data, turn data roaming "OFF". This will block email, browsing, Visual Voicemail and downloads, but it will not block SMS or MMS messages. But feel free to use wifi; you can do so without accumulating any data charges.
• If you want to use data but not receive email automatically, turn Fetch New Data "OFF". This will allow you to have total control of your data usage because nothing will be synced or downloaded in the background without your solicitation.
• If you want to use data and track your usage while abroad, consider purchasing an International Data Package. The 20 MB package is $24.99 per month, the 50 MB package is $59.99 per month, the 100 MB package is $119.99 per month, and the 200 MB package is $199.99 per month. If you decide to purchase an international data package it is recommended to reset the usage tracker to zero so that you can estimate your data usage while abroad.

Any of you plan to travel abroad for the holidays? If so, which of AT&T's tips are you planning to partake in?

AT&T announced today that owners of the Apple iPad 3G + WiFi can now manage their data accounts online from any PC or Mac using a web browser. From 9to5Mac:

Now, users can manage their data by heading to www.att.com/ipad and clicking on the “add data now” section on the middle of the page on the right side. AT&T notes that you can now also use this website to setup and manage new iPad 3G devices you purchase

That last tidbit implies that you can kill the data connection to any lost or stolen iPad and remove your account from the device in case anyone finds it and decides to use it.

With a 2gb data cap for most iPad 3G users, this expected feature from AT&T should come in quite handy. No longer will users be wondering how much data they've used for the month, or having to depend on the built-in data meter for iOS that only keeps a count of the user's total data usage since it was last reset.

Any iPad 3G users planning on using this new feature? Let us know what you think in the comments!

[ 9to5 Mac ]

From the Forums is a great way to see all of the hot topics in our iPhone and iPad forums. In order to create a new thread of your own or reply to any of the existing threads, you must be a registered member. Becoming a member is a simple process that will only take a few minutes out of your day, so if you have not already already done so, head on over and register now!

• WWDC is finally here, lets hear your last minute predictions!

• It is highly possible today you will be able to pre-order the next iPhone via Apple's web site, will you be pre-ordering?

• For your chance to win your very own 4th generation iPhone from TiPb be sure to visit this thread - TiPb 4th gen iPhone (iPhone HD/iPhone 4G) give-away!

• Want to talk next generation iPhone carriers and plans? This would be the forum to do to it in - iPhone and iPad Carriers and Plans.

See you in the forums!

As part of their attempt to reboot the matrix of US data rates today, AT&T also altered those "groundbreaking" iPad data plan rates Steve Jobs announced back in February. Existing customers can keep their existing plans, but new customers will get less for less:

For new iPad customers, the $25 per month 2 GB plan will replace the existing $29.99 unlimited plan. iPad customers will continue to pre-pay for their wireless data plan and no contract is required. Existing iPad customers who have the $29.99 per month unlimited plan can keep that plan or switch to the new $25 per month plan with 2 GB of data.

Anyone going to save the $5 and make the switch?

[AT&T]

Orange was first out the gate with iPad 3G data plans in the UK, and now O2 and Vodafone are finally showing their hands as well. The plans certainly look more flexible than AT&T's US plans, though the lack of real unlimited data is apparent. No ability to add the iPad to an existing account like Rogers in Canada either.

Orange UK iPad data plans

• 5p (per MB)
• £2 200MB/day
• £7.50 1GB/7 days
• £15 3G/month
• £25 10GB/month

The last two plans also include access to Orange's Wi-Fi hotspots.

O2 iPad data plans

• £2 500MB/day
• £10 1GB/30 days
• £15 3GB/30 days

All plans are recurring and include access to O2's Wi-Fi hotspots.

Vodafone iPad data plans

• £10.00 250MB per month
• £25.00 5GB per month

[Apple Online Store UK, O2, thanks for the details, Chris!]

If you're picking up an iPad Wi-Fi + 3G in the UK, let us know which carrier and what plan you're picking up with it. And what you think of the rates.

Apple's online store in Canada is now open for iPad pre-orders and along with them are Rogers data plans for both new and existing users.

• $15 for 250MB
• $35 for 5GB
• $20 to add iPad to an existing data plan

There's also an option to pre-order your Rogers MicoSIM for $0.20 (limit 1 per customer). We've got to hand it to Rogers, however, while the base plans are a tiny bit more expensive and/or limited than AT&T's US plans, the ability to add $20 to an existing Rogers data plan is fantastic and combined with the recent extension on free tethering for iPhone users makes us think Canadians are finally out of the data dark ages.

UPDATE: Rogers replied to TiPb saying the $20 was an error and is being removed.

Apple has links to Rogers for more info, though they're currently being redirected to a request form. There's also a link for additional carriers which doesn't list any, not even Rogers subsidiary Fido, though its hard to imagine Bell and Telus, along with new upstarts like Wind sitting Apple out entirely.

If you're on Rogers, let us know what you're going for.

[Apple Online Store Canada]

Rogers dropped us a note to let us know they've extended their 6GB/$30 data plan, first introduced last year with the iPhone 3G and re-introduced this year with the Android Dream and Magic, and the iPhone 3GS, until September 15. So, if you have a qualifying phone like the iPhone, and you want ungodly amounts of data usage -- and you haven't already -- make sure you add the 6GB/$30 promo to your plan ASAP. (Especially with free tethering still on until December 31, 2009).

While we've heard Canadian iPhone supplies still can't keep up with demand, Rogers says:

Rolling inventory of the iPhone 3GS is on its way, and back orders are being filled for customers on a priority basis.

(And no, no official word yet on when Bell or Telus' HSPA network will be functionally rolled out, nor when they will begin offering the iPhone 3GS, but we can't help but think increased competition is great for consumers -- and for the networks, witness Rogers beginning to test 21Mbps HSPA+).

Full Rogers/Fido iPhone upgrade options repeated after the break...

1) For Rogers Wireless customers who bought an iPhone 3G between July 11 and Sept. 30, 2008, and with an average monthly spend of at least $100, Rogers will provide $500 off the cost of an iPhone 3G S. This special offer expires September 15, 2009 and comes with the addition of a one-year term to the customer’s existing service agreement.

• 16GB 3GS $199
• 32GB 3GS $299

2) For Rogers Wireless customers who bought an iPhone between July 11 and Dec. 31, 2008, but aren’t eligible for the above offer, Rogers will provide $250 dollars off the purchase of an iPhone 3G S. This special offer expires September 15, 2009 and comes with the addition of a one-year term to the customer’s existing service agreement.

• 16GB 3GS $449
• 32GB 3GS $549

3) All Rogers Wireless customers can upgrade to the iPhone 3GS at our cost at Rogers.com, or for a suggested retail price of just $19 more than our cost through our retail channels.

• 8GB 3G $580/$599
• 16GB 3GS $680/$699
• 32GB 3GS $780/$799

4) Fido customers can take advantage of the Fido Rewards iPhone 3G S promotion:

• Use FidoDollars towards the purchase of a new iPhone 3G S
• Fido will top up the FidoDollars amount by $100
• This promotion does not include an extension or renewal of their service agreement.

iPhoneinCanada.ca is reporting that as of June 16, Rogers will begin offering a "heavy user" data plan for 15GB at $150 a month. Those of us who remember 200MB at $100 a month are no doubt shaking our heads, but for especially rapacious users on tethered or laptop setups, it could be more than worth the money:

Device support: All iPhones, Blackberries, HTC Devices, Smartphones, and Mobile Internet Sticks

Anyone hopping on that premium bandwagon any time soon?

AT&T Mouth of Sauron Speaks!

Business Week is warming up the rumor we heard ten days ago about AT&T considering reducing the iPhone data plan from $30 to $20. This time, however, instead of just a price drop, it's suggested there could be the introduction of a new, limited data option.

So, high end users could get "unlimited" data for $30, and lower end users could get a capped plan for $20.

Business Week's sources also suggest that a lower price or price tier is part of the ongoing negotiations between Apple and AT&T regarding the extension of AT&T's US iPhone exclusivity.

Of course, $99 and pre-paid iPhones are also tossed in for good measure. Apple has stated in the past that they wouldn't leave an umbrella for the competition, so lower-cost -- up-front up on plan -- iPhones are seen as putting pressure on RIM's BlackBerry and Palm's upcoming Pre, and shoring up Apple and AT&T's market share.

If you don't use a lot of data, would a tiered option (already available on many international carriers) appeal to you? Would a lower end or pre-paid iPhone?

Apple Insider has a pair of reports up, the first of which cites one analyst following up two other analysts who would all really, really like to see AT&T reduce data plan charges by $10 a month.

So would consumers. However, nothing to back it up yet but wishes and analyst musings to make it so.

The second report highlights that if AT&T does drop rates, and drives adaptions, they'll only reach saturation level faster, forcing Apple to look again at Verizon and their 15 million customers to drive further growth.

Verizon customers would certainly love it, but can Apple wait long enough for LTE-compatibility to roll out?

Lastly, Dmackdaddy tipped us to what looks like AT&T seeking a lot of "retail sales consultants" in the Bay Area. Looks like some other areas may also be stocking up on staff. Regular business cycle, or just one more sign of the big iPhone 3.0 and iPhone next generation release expected for the summer?

UPDATE: Keith from Rogers in the comments:

I’m in the communications department at Rogers and can confirm that we are aware of this issue with the 6GB promotion. It was a technological malfunction that resulted in an error on less than 10 customer accounts. We take these things very seriously and we’re working to fix it. We will, of course, continue to honour the 6GB promotion for those customers who signed up for it.

Thanks Keith, now how about news on bringing back those $30/6GB accounts as standard so Canada reaches some form of parity with US pricing?

ORIGINAL: Prior to the iPhone 3G launch in Canada last year, there was a massive internet and public protest surrounding Rogers exorbitant data plans (not too long ago cresting $100 for 200MB!). To try and turn things around, Rogers offered a limited time $30/6GB plan (which should never have been limited in time) on 3 year(!) contract, and many were quick to sign up for it when they got their new iPhone 3Gs. Fast forward 9 months later, however, and seems some shenanigans are going on again around Rogers way. According to MacNN, people are losing those $30/6GB accounts, way before the 3 years are up:

The problem is allegedly widespread amongst Rogers iPhone customers, and believed to be connected to alterations of a person's account, such as a change in address or phone number. Because the promotional code for the $30/6GB plan no longer exists, discounts may simply be evaporating as accounts are recreated. People who signed up for the $30 price were originally promised that it would persist throughout their three-year contract.

Customer service staff seem to vary greatly in their willingness and ability to solve this problem. NOT. GOOD. ROGERS. Being a GSM monopoly doesn't let you abuse it, remember?

Meanwhile, according to Engadget Mobile, Rogers' wholly owned, discount branded Fido subsidiary seems to be gearing up to ditch the iPhone 3G's 16GB SKU entirely, leaving only the 8GB version on the product list. Fists with the low-end brand, we guess...

So, anyone hosed by Rogers on data, or going to be missing out that 16GB iPhone 3G on Fido? Let us know!

[Thanks Chris for the tip]

My fellow Canadians, if you're already enjoying the virtually "unlimited" goodness and peace of mind that comes with Rogers reluctant, 11th hour $30/6GB promotional plan, then there's nothing to see here. Your rate is good for the length of your contract.

If you haven't jumped on the "deal" yet, however, remember that the plan is set to expire Aug. 31. Or it was... Rogers seems to have extended it -- slightly -- to Sept. 30.

After that?

A monthly fee of $30 will buy 1 GB of data instead of 6GB. A cheaper package of $25 will give 500 megabytes, filling the needs of most customers based on early consumption trends, [Rogers spokeswoman Liz Hamilton] said. Other plans include $50 for 2GB, $60 for 3GB and $80 for 8GB.

To mitigate the disaster of these new plans, Rogers will provide unlimited data for 3 months to all new customers on the plans, and customers can change between plans (up or down) without penalty. They'll also receive a text message when they're getting close to their hard limit, and another when they hit it. An overall cap will also be placed at $100 a month, usage be rogered.

While Rogers claims neither you nor I may really be able to chew through 6GB a month, they're contention about not wanting to over-charge us is clearly disingenuous, or else they would be offering lower bandwidth plans at LOWER rates, not higher. (i.e., they would keep the 6GB at $30 and add a 2GB at $20, 1GB at $15, and 500MB at $10).

The protests are likely over -- which we're sure they're counting on -- but way to show your regressive spots there, Rogers.

I'm not going to get off on another Rogers rant here. Suffice it to say, when it comes to Canadian telcos, I'm the rat who, having learned helplessness, now lies face down on the hot plate.

However, not content to let me lie there and wither in peace, now comes this report, determined to kick poor downed me with some hope:

Sources from inside Rogers claim that the device should be available the same month as an expected US release of an updated, 3G-capable model [...] currency values are likely to place the cost of the phone itself closer to the eventual US figure. [...] The sources claim that the iPhone will qualify for Rogers' $7 on-device browsing plan, which currently allows all phones offered by Rogers (excepting BlackBerry and Windows Mobile devices) to access the web as much as they like through the carrier's officially-sanctioned browser. Whether Rogers will allow YouTube, the App Store, and other official but non-web devices to fall into the unlimited plan is unknown, though unlike with other phones Rogers will not have the choice of installing or customizing the web browser or other applications.

We'll see (or more likely, we won't see). The best indicator of future behavior being prior behavior, I figure the iPhone data plan will cost $100/month for 1GB. Prove me wrong, Rogers!

What do you think?

Read Via

As posted (and updated) earlier, O2 has officially launched the iPhone in Ireland, making it the fifth country (after the US, UK, Germany, and France) to enjoy the revolutionary phone and breakthrough internet device... ish...

Apple Insider reports that Irish iPhone plans, unlike all previous iPhone plans DO NOT come with unlimited data or visual voicemail (a feature often touted by Steve Jobs as being a prime example of carrier cooperation and hence, the benefit of exclusivity).

There seems to be two options here:

1. We've heard before that Edge (2.5G data) coverage isn't strong in Europe (which more quickly embraced the faster 3G data model), so could this be a (potentially temporary) situation that O2 will rectify over time? If so, we could be looking forward to service improvements and price drops like we saw with O2 in the UK.
2. Or is this a sign that Apple is no longer pressuring carriers to offer affordable, unlimited data plans or features like visual voice mail as part of the iPhone package? If so, this could be the beginning of a far more sweeping and important story. It's long been rumored that extremely high data rates have kept the iPhone out of countries like Canada, so if Apple is bending to carrier demands on these issues, it could allow the iPhone to spread wider, but at the cost of the concessions Apple was previously able to leverage. (And which analysts said could change the wireless industry)

What do you think? Is this just a temporary road bump on the way to Irish iPhone bliss, or a sign of changing times in carrier-land? And if so, would you prefer to see the iPhone in more countries, even if you get less data and fewer features? Or do you want Apple to hold the line on unlimited plans and visual voicemail-style innovations?