AT&T has introduced a new post-paid monthly data billing option for its covered tablets, including the freshly unveiled iPad 2. AT&T is striking first to gain a small advantage over Verizon Wireless, which offers pre-paid only plans for tablets.
In a press release issued Thursday, AT&T revealed that, effective immediately, 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.” But “for a limited time,” customers who activate a new postpaid $25/2 GB plan will get the first month free.
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.
Following AT&T’s announcement, Verizon said that data charges for the iPad 2 will remain identical to those the carrier charges for other tablets.
Verizon presently has four data pricing tiers for tablets, compared with AT&T’s two.