If 4 GB of data isn’t enough for your shared data plan, AT&T has announced some new and incredibly expensive shared data plans with huge amounts of data. These plans are aimed more at businesses with multiple users on a single data plan. However, there’s no reason your typical consumer can’t purchase these plans if they are so inclined.
New Data Plan Options
Previously, the largest data plan AT&T offered had 20 GB of data allotment. AT&T has unveiled three plans that offer more than twice as much data as that previous plan. Users can opt for a 30 GB plan at $300 per month, a 40 GB plan at $400 per month, and a 50 GB plan at $500 per month.
The 30 GB plan allows 15 devices to share that data. The 40 GB plan allows 20 devices, and the 50 GB plan allows 25 devices. Each device added to the shared data plan does require an additional $30 monthly charge.
Who Benefits from These Plans?
These new plans are particularly beneficial for businesses that rely heavily on mobile data for their operations. For example, a company with a large sales team that needs constant access to the internet for emails, video conferencing, and cloud-based applications would find these plans advantageous. The ability to connect up to 25 devices under a single plan can simplify billing and management, making it easier for IT departments to monitor and control data usage.
However, these plans are not limited to businesses. Families with multiple members who are heavy data users might also find these plans useful. Imagine a household where everyone streams videos, plays online games, and uses social media extensively. A 50 GB plan could prevent the constant worry about exceeding data limits and incurring overage charges.
Moreover, these plans could be a good fit for tech enthusiasts who use multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, all requiring internet access. The flexibility to add multiple devices under one plan can be a significant advantage.
Cost Considerations
While the data allowances are generous, the cost is undeniably high. At $300, $400, and $500 per month, these plans are a significant investment. Additionally, the $30 monthly charge per device can add up quickly. For instance, a 50 GB plan with 25 devices would cost $1,250 per month ($500 for the data plan and $750 for the devices).
It’s essential to weigh the benefits against the costs. For businesses, the expense might be justified by the increased productivity and streamlined operations. For individual consumers, the decision would depend on their data usage patterns and budget.
Comparing with Other Providers
When considering these plans, it’s also worth comparing them with offerings from other providers. Verizon, for example, offers similar shared data plans but with different pricing structures and data limits. T-Mobile and Sprint also have their versions of shared data plans, often with added perks like international data roaming and unlimited streaming for specific services.
In conclusion, AT&T’s new shared data plans with 30 GB, 40 GB, and 50 GB options provide substantial data allowances suitable for businesses and heavy data users. While the costs are high, the convenience and potential productivity gains could make these plans a worthwhile investment for the right users.
via The Verge
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