AT&T announces new Mobile Share plans

The new AT&T plans, which will go into effect tomorrow, come just days after Verizon Wireless (NYSE: VZ) introduced its own simplified shared data plan pricing. But if you have two or more lines, you’ll likely save some money opting for the $100 a month data plan. “Monday, we announced an offer that gives $500 in credits for DirecTV customers when they switch to AT&T wireless service”, said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility. The carrier is eliminating several of its price tiers, and replacing them with slightly more expensive plans with more data. Meanwhile, AT&T’s double digit data tiers are also being reduced, and some subscribers can potentially end up with more data at no extra cost per month or get a better rate on even higher data tiers.

AT&T provides options for 25GB, 30GB, 40GB, and 50GB of high speed data; interested customers should speak with a company representative. AT&T is basically trying to raise the bottom line by pushing some subscribers who use low to moderate amounts of data per month into new plans that would ever so slightly increase their bill.

Initially, this doesn’t sound too bad (and, in fact, you could save $10 a month if you only used 1-2GB a month previously). All of these Mobile Share Value contracts get rollover data from month to month as well as unlimited global texting. Anyone paying for 5GB or less of data has to pay $25 for each line rental with AT&T Next, while those going for 15GB or more only have to shell out $15.

25 GB for $170, which is a new option AT&T said is designed for small businesses with multiple lines.

20GB for $140 – This replaces our 20GB for $150 plan. Both plans also now include unlimited voice calling and text messaging from the U.S.to Mexico and Canada as well as the $15 charge per smartphone tapping into the data bucket. The changes also include some solid add-ons for folks who have larger data buckets. Business customers will be able to purchase up to 200GB per month. In addition, customers who trade in their smartphone can also get additional trade-in credit or promotion card for 0. “There’s never been a better time to be an AT&T customer”.