Citing customer complaints about internet performance on AT&T somewhat pokey EDGE network, AT&T seems to be giving disgruntled users the option of a new data-free wireless calling plan for the Apple iPhone. Apparently, this last ditch option will be offered as a retention tactic, to keep subscribers from completely canceling their iPhone plans due to the lackluster web-surfing experience. The phone-only wireless calling plan should run AT&T customers about $40 per month – $20 cheaper than the minimum $60 iPhone calling plan.
The neutered iPhones will still be able to surf the web and check email through WiFi connections, and will still include 5,000 nights/weekends minutes with 450 anytime minutes. However, the 200 free SMS text messages and Visual Voicemail feature will be surrendered – SMS text messages will cost $0.25 a piece without an additional text messaging bundle.
A post over at Kludgeless claims to have successfully wrangled the $39.99 data-free iPhone calling plan from AT&T’s grasp. It’s as siple as 1-2-3:
- Call AT&T customer service
- Threaten to cancel your service due to crappy EDGE network performance. Ask to remove data features from your iPhone if they don’t offer you that option.
- Confirm what your data-free iPhone calling plan will cost – the $39.99 does not include any additional charges such as taxes and fees
[Via: Electronista]