AT&T Ends The Unlimited Data Plan

The $30 unlimited data plan with AT&T is soon coming to an end.

AT&T announced that it would start offering metered data plans for mobile device users. The lowest-priced data option is called DataPlus and will cost $15 a month for 200 megabytes of data transfer. For those who use less than 200 megabytes of data a month, the price of the new plan is effectively cut in half.

The next step up is the DataPro, providing 2 gigabytes of data a month to a single phone for $25. If a DataPro subscriber goes over the 2 gigabytes, they will be able to purchase an additional gigabyte for $10.

AT&T also announced a new service that would allow smartphone users to tether their devices and access the Internet as a modem. The tethering feature will cost an additional $20 a month and is only available for those with the DataPro plan.

Although the $30-a-month unlimited data plan will be eliminated, existing AT&T customers will have the option to be grandfathered on their existing monthly charge.

Users of the iPad will be affected by the service changes, too. AT&T said new iPad customers would have the option to purchase a $25 monthly plan for access to 2 gigabytes of data. This will replace the $29.99 unlimited access option currently offered for the iPad.

The service changes will go into effect on June 7 with the expected release of the iPhone OS4.

To read more about the end of the Unlimited Data Plan with AT&T, check out NYTimes.com.