AT&T Messaging Plan Requirement-NEW!

I searched this site a bit just to make sure it wasn't already posted...and I never found a thing...so I'm posting it for you.

Well, Engadget and BGR both got their hands on an official document from AT&T stating that new messaging plans for "Quick Messaging Devices" will be required. I then contacted AT&T's PR representative in my area and she stated that it is correct and that future mandates will be added in the near future (I'll talk about those at the end of this article).

OK, AT&T has followed very close to Verizon the last few years. Verizon comes out with Unlimited Messaging (after T-Mobile did) then AT&T released the same plan the following day. Verizon lowers their unlimited voice plan from $99.99 to $69.99, AT&T did the same three days later. Verizon Wireless released friends and family, AT&T released the A-List (similar feature) a few weeks later. They've been neck and neck, and now they've made a huge change.

It's true and it's already in effect (or will be very soon). Some people may not be effected as much as others, so here is the breakdown.

• Phones that MUST have a compatible messaging plan at time of purchase include: Pantech Reveal, Pantech Impact, Motorola Karma, Samsung Flight, Samsung Impression, Samsung Magnet, Samsung Solstice, Samsung Mythic, Samsung Propel, LG Xenon, LG Neon, and the LG Vu.

• The MINIMUM monthly cost you could expect when you have a "Quick Messaging" phone will be around $20, since if you only want messaging the require you get unlimited messaging or if you want data too, you could get $5 messaging bundle with $15 unlimited data.

• Family plans have various different requirements, check with AT&T upon activation (or upgrading).

• If you already have a "quick messaging" device, you don't need to worry, but when you upgrade YOU WILL BE EFFECTED BY THESE CHANGES.

AT&T also made a statement that basically said "We're smarter than the customers, so customers trying to be sneaky and do things behind our back will not be able to get past the security provisions in place". Basically, if you purchase a phone that is a "Quick Messaging Device" and deactivate it later and add a different "non mandated device" you then remove the plans, and then reactivate the "Quick Messaging Device" the plan will automatically be added for you (no notice required).

OK, I promised I'd tell you about future mandates. In the near future AT&T will be requiring data plans of $15 a month or higher and they will be eliminating their unlimited data plan options for non-smartphones.

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