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Forums - Gaming - AT&T predicts data-only plans within two years

sad.man.loves.vgc on 01 June 2012

 

Cellphones

AT&T CEO predicts data-only plans within two years

By Brian Heater posted Jun 1st 2012 12:59PM

The fact that modern smartphones still actually make voice calls may well come as a surprise to many users happy to use their mobile devices as pocket-sized computers. Carriers, on the other hand, seem content to keep the "phone" in smartphone. AT&T's Randall Stephenson told an investor conference this week that he sees a time in which carriers offer up data-only options for subscribers -- a time that may well come in the next two years or so. The CEO said he'd, "be surprised if, in the next 24 months, we don't see people in the market place with data-only plans." It's hardly an announcement, but it certainly comes from a guy who knows a thing or two about where the industry is headed.

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The Vita is the psp phone after all


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Mr Khan on 01 June 2012

I'm rather afraid of them eliminating voice-only plans, since i can in no way afford data plans but also don't want to go back to Tracphone.



Monster Hunter: pissing me off since 2010.

WiiBox3 on 01 June 2012

Yeah. There are times, even in a big city like San Francisco, where I can't get even 3G. THough I don't use the phone part much, it is necessary. If you don't want the phone part get an iPod touch.



mysticwolf on 09 June 2012

it had to happen sooner or later i guess



 Been away for a bit, but sneaking back in.

Gaming on: PS4, PC, 3DS. Got a Switch! Mainly to play Smash

NintendoPie on 09 June 2012

Well that would be stupid. If I'm reading this correctly, people want a Cell Phone... but they don't want a Cell Phone? Worst prediction I've ever seen. I would hate to have to talk to people over FaceBook because I don't have a texting or calling plan.



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SamuelRSmith on 09 June 2012

Guys, he said that data-only plans would be available, not that they would only offer data-only plans.

Read the post.



NintendoPie on 09 June 2012
SamuelRSmith said:
Guys, he said that data-only plans would be available, not that they would only offer data-only plans.

Read the post.

As someone posted earlier, then just get an iPod Touch or something like it! Why would you even need a plan, really?



SamuelRSmith on 09 June 2012
NintendoPie said:
SamuelRSmith said:
Guys, he said that data-only plans would be available, not that they would only offer data-only plans.

Read the post.

As someone posted earlier, then just get an iPod Touch or something like it! Why would you even need a plan, really?


Does iPod touch have 3g/4g connectivity? Can I get Android/WP7/whatever on my iPod touch?

There are many reasons why somebody would want a data-only plan for a cell phone. But, like I said, what does it matter? You could still pay for voice, messaging, whatever, it's just the option for data-only would be there for people who only use data.

Hell, I got my iPhone for free, and hardly ever use voice. I'd love the option for a data-only plan. I could buy an iPod touch... but I could only use it in WiFi areas. Plus, I'd have to buy an iPod touch.



NintendoPie on 09 June 2012
SamuelRSmith said:


Does iPod touch have 3g/4g connectivity? Can I get Android/WP7/whatever on my iPod touch?

There are many reasons why somebody would want a data-only plan for a cell phone. But, like I said, what does it matter? You could still pay for voice, messaging, whatever, it's just the option for data-only would be there for people who only use data.

Hell, I got my iPhone for free, and hardly ever use voice. I'd love the option for a data-only plan. I could buy an iPod touch... but I could only use it in WiFi areas. Plus, I'd have to buy an iPod touch.

Don't they have those on Mi-Fi things? What's the point of having 3G/4G when you have those? You can have Wi-Fi wherever you want basically.



SamuelRSmith on 09 June 2012
NintendoPie said:
SamuelRSmith said:


Does iPod touch have 3g/4g connectivity? Can I get Android/WP7/whatever on my iPod touch?

There are many reasons why somebody would want a data-only plan for a cell phone. But, like I said, what does it matter? You could still pay for voice, messaging, whatever, it's just the option for data-only would be there for people who only use data.

Hell, I got my iPhone for free, and hardly ever use voice. I'd love the option for a data-only plan. I could buy an iPod touch... but I could only use it in WiFi areas. Plus, I'd have to buy an iPod touch.

Don't they have those on Mi-Fi things? What's the point of having 3G/4G when you have those? You can have Wi-Fi wherever you want basically.

Ooo, this is starting to get pricey.

So, I'd have to buy an iPod touch, a 3G/4G converter, and some kind of data plan. Or, I could keep my phone, not buy the iPod touch/converter, and buy the data plan.

I know which I would rather do.