AIO Wireless

AT&T plans to make its Aio Wireless pre-paid plans available nationwide next month. Mid-September will see the service rolled out across the country, competing directly with similar plans offered by T-Mobile and others. When it comes to the basics, Aio plans start at $40 for 250MB of data, with other tiers upping the ante to $55 or $70 for 2GB or 7GB respectively.

To help spark interest in the service, Aio is offering a fall promotion that delivers the third month of service free for customers who sign up by September 29. AT&T is billing Aio as the best way to access a high quality cellular network with no contract. 4G LTE speeds are included, and the new service is less expensive than AT&T's GoPhone prepaid offering.

Now iPhone fans looking for no-contract wireless service on the AT&T network can turn to Aio Wireless. The new company will offer different tiers based on individual markets, with unlimited text messages, voice and data. Data plans will include a specific amount of high-speed (4G HSPA+ where available) data with additional usage over the limit being throttled.

Currently the service is available in Houston, Orlando and Tampa, with other US cities coming soon. Three data tiers will be offered in each market, with pricing ranging from $35 for 100 MB of high-speed data to 7 GB for $70. Right now Aio offers customers in Houston a 100 MB plan for $35, while Orlando and Tampa customers can spend as little as $40 for a 250 MB plan. Unfortunately for iPhone owners, the lowest-priced tiers are not available with smartphones.