AT&T Postpaid Tablet Data Plans Revealed Ahead Of iPad 2

AT&T has announced a new post-paid billing plan for tablet data packages, as an alternative to the current prepaid plans the carrier offers. Added to an existing monthly wireless bill, the new month-to-month plans are almost identically priced to their prepaid counterparts: $14.99 for 250MB per month, or $25 for 2GB per month.

The only difference is in overage charges. Prepaid users who reach their limit can pay for a further 2GB for $25, with fees applied to a credit card. However, postpaid users will be charged at $10 for every 1GB, added to the monthly statement, which works out cheaper.

AT&T is offering a free month of 2GB access to new sign-ups on the $25 postpaid plan, though it's a limited deal. We're guessing this is all in preparation for the new iPad 2, which will arrive in 3G form on March 11.

Press Release:

AT&T Introduces New Monthly Billing Option for Tablets

Customers Get First Month Free When Activating New Postpaid Plan

DALLAS, March 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — AT&T* today introduced convenient new postpaid billing options for tablets. Beginning today, customers can choose between AT&T's existing prepaid billing options or the new postpaid plans. The new plans can be added to customers' existing monthly wireless statements, offering the simplicity of a single monthly bill. For a limited time, customers who activate a new postpaid $25/2 GB plan will receive the first month free(1).

The new postpaid billing option will be available across AT&T retail locations, as well as att.com, Best Buy, Fry's, select Nexcom locations, and Walmart stores nationwide.

"Tablets offer the convenience of mobile broadband virtually anywhere and our new billing options give customers the flexibility to choose how they prefer to be billed," said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets.

Customers may choose from the following options.

Postpaid: $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB. Customers on the 2 GB plan who exceed their monthly data allotment will be charged $10 per 1 GB of overage. Charges will appear on customers' monthly wireless statements.

Prepaid: $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB. Customers on the 2 GB plan who exceed their monthly data allotment may choose to purchase an additional 2 GB for $25. Charges will appear on customers' credit card statements.

Both options are month-to-month and do not require a long-term commitment.

For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com.

(1) Mobile broadband not available in all areas. Plan is for 30 days. Service free for new postpaid activations for first 30 days or the first 2GB of usage, whichever comes first. Offer available for DataConnect Personal for Tablets 2GB Plan only. Subsequent thirty day periods to be billed by AT&T Mobility at $25 for 2GB usage. To avoid subsequent charges, service must be cancelled prior to 30 days after activation of the plan, or prior to usage in excess of 2GB within the first 30 days after activation of the Plan. Usage in excess of 2GB during the first 30 days and in each subsequent thirty day period to be billed at $10 per each additional GB. Unused data does not rollover to the next 30 day period. Offer not available for on-tablet activation. DataConnect Personal for Tablets Plans are for compatible tablets only. Plans are not suitable for corporate email or intranet systems. Credit check required. No term commitment or termination fees apply. Plan automatically renews every 30 days, unless you cancel service prior to the start of the 30 day renewal. Service may be cancelled at any time by calling 1-800-331-0500 or seeing store representative. Limited time offer.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.