AT&T is bringing back its unlimited data plan for mobile phone customers, which will be bundled with its DirecTV or U-Verse TV services. The big move of the nationwide wireless carrier could represent an industry trend away from data caps and extra charges for big consumers of video clips, TV shows and movies.
Last year AT&T purchased DirecTV for $48.5 billion. Thus, the new bundle is trying to cash in on the acquisition of the direct broadcast service provider.
AT&T's new unlimited data plan will benefit certain customers. They include families that watch tons of video, and also want cable television.
The new plan is a limited-time offer, and AT&T has made no announcements about when it will end. However, people who sign up for the unlimited mobile plan can keep it if/when the promotion ends, according to NBC News.
AT&T ended its unlimited data plan for its new customers in 2010 and Verizon took the same step a few years later. Both major carriers still allow unlimited plans for current customers. However, Verizon bills customers an extra $20 for each line, and AT&T tacks on $5 per line.
T-Mobile and Sprint still offer unlimited data plans for new customers. However, the 3rd and 4th largest nationwide carriers throttle (slow down) the data speed after customers reach 23 gigabytes (GB).
Verizon has claimed that it has stopped throttling. Meanwhile, AT&T has announced it might take the step if there is a lot of Web traffic once customers use up 22 GB.
Recently T-Mobile launched "Binge On," which provides free streaming video from some of its partners. However, critics have argued that it does not maintain net neutrality.
The United States government blocked AT&T from purchasing T-Mobile in 2011. Since then the telecom became the "Uncarrier" and took steps such as ending two-year contracts, offering flexible plans, and launching Binge On. This has caused AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint to take similar steps
AT&T's unlimited data plan will cost $100 for one smartphone, and each extra line will be $40 each, according to Engadget. The carrier will also cut the customer's DirectTV or U-Verse bill by $10, and provide unlimited texts and calls.