Since 2008, I have had both unlimited data and unlimited text messaging plans. I text message and eat data up like no other. One time, I did not realize that my service had somehow switched a limited plan, and I wound up with a bill of $1,100 USD. While I recognize that I am privileged in this respect (possessing these unlimited plans), I have to wonder – when will all cell phone plans feature unlimited text messaging? *
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| Seriously, why not? |
Recently, AT&T asked the
same question:
We regularly evaluate our offers and are making some adjustments to our messaging lineup.
Starting August 21, we’re streamlining our text messaging plans for new customers and will offer an unlimited plan for individuals for $20 per month and an unlimited plan for families of up to five lines for $30 per month. The vast majority of our messaging customers prefer unlimited plans and with text messaging growth stronger than ever, that number continues to climb among new customers. Existing customers don’t have to change any messaging plan they have today, even when changing handsets.
With iOS 5 and iMessage [on iPhone] likely set for an early October launch, AT&T was facing a world where Apple provided an easy, integrated way to seamlessly exchange free instant messages inside the same Messages app that hosts costly, carrier-based SMS/text messages. Arguably, a subscriber who’s friends and family were also mostly on iPhones could have downgraded to a lower plan to save some money.
While AT&T's decision is
self-serving in the short term, it likely will push other companies to do the same. Then, each mobile company will have to make their unlimited plans competitive with one another. Yeah, it will be quite a hassle for new users in the next year or so, but I cannot imagine other companies not rising to this challenge.
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| Smartphones are truly changing the game when it comes to phone companies. |
I predict that within 5 years, an unlimited text messaging standard will be damn-near universal in the United States. I must admit that I am somewhat annoyed with some of my dear friends who do not yet have unlimited texting and must resort to choppy free applications or simply less texting, as a result. It's quite bothersome.
Of course, if the government wanted to create jobs, keep America current in the 21st century, and increase Internet availability, it would create incentives for mobile companies to expand their reach. But that's just wishful thinking.
* While I am curious when all data plans will be unlimited, the United States simply does not have the technology infrastructure to presently handle that.
