AT&T to require smartphone users to buy a data plan

AT&T has done it again and made me, and thousands of others, hate their company even more. I’ve been on AT&T since the Razr V3, then the iPhone 3G, and now the 3GS. However, I’ve grown tired of AT&T and their antics. Their terrible coverage and, dare I say, slow 3G speeds have crippled the hot new devices coming to the carrier. Two year contracts and poor customer service have also played into the crude image of AT&T. But now, they have really made me upset: starting September 6th, all customers who purchase smartphones must also purchase a data plan.

AT&T defends their decision by saying Smartphone users are surprised when they are charged outrageous amount per bit and requiring a data plan will helps users keep their costs down. Perhaps if AT&T’s sales staff accurately portrayed the hefty price they charge for data customers wouldn’t suffer “bill shock”. I mean, Blackberry/Smartphone data plans start at $35 a month, from what I can see on the AT&T website.

Another thing to keep in mind is how current customers will be grandfathered into the new policy. If you purchase a smart phone before September 6th you can continue to use your phone without a data plan. However, if you have a feature phone with a current Medianet data plan and you decide to upgrade to a smartphone, you will fall under this new policy and will be required to purchase a new, more expensive, data plan. Even users who currently have a dirt cheap phone will be required to purchase a data plan if they decide to upgrade to a smartphone on or after September 6th.

The one positive note comes in the form of the GSM spec. Because GSM phones use sim cards, users can continue to take their current SIM and use it with a new phone. So if you are currently using a normal phone you can take your SIM, put it into an unlocked GSM smartphone, and use the smartphone without a data plan or a lower cost medianet plan. Of course, unlocked smartphones are expensive, being as they aren’t subsidized at all, but it’s an option for those who don’t want the cost of a data plan. If you do the math, you can determine if buying an unlocked phone is cheaper than a subsidized phone with a required data plan.

Here is the internal memo that has been circulating the web confirming this information:

Beginning September 6, 2009, customers who activate or upgrade to a Smartphone will need to sign up for an appropriate data plan. Existing Smartphone customers active prior to September 6, 2009 will be grandfathered and exempt from the new policy.

Why we are making this change?
We want our customers to have the best possible experience with their Smartphones. A predictable bill is a key factor in customer satisfaction, so effective September 6, 2009 Smartphone customers will need to subscribe to a data plan, as the vast majority of customers already do. Data plans let customers fully utilize their device, without the worry of bill shock.

How we will ensure an extraordinary customer experience?
The sales representative is the customer’s expert resource in helping select the right device for their needs. When a customer does not want a data plan, we will position other devices in our industry leading portfolio for the customer to choose from, as many devices do not require a data plan.

Action Required:
Sales Managers will review the Know the Facts, Job Aid, and FAQs (found under Related Links) with their sales teams and ensure all sales representatives fully understand the new policy and how to position the Smartphone data requirement to customers. A Sales Coaching Session will be available on September 5, 2009 (document to be distributed in advance).

This news was originally reported by BGR.