iPhone data plan

AT&T Mobility made big news in June last year when it abolished its unlimited data plans once and for all. Or did they? Current iPhone customers who have not signed a new contract still have unlimited data, and now the AP reports there's hope for the rest. iPhone subscribers who have switched from an unlimited data plan to a tiered one can contact AT&T and have their old data plan reinstated.

The move is not being actively publicized by AT&T, nor will the company confirm the activity. iPhone users report that a quick phone call was all it took to get unlimited data back if they had it before. To reinstate your unlimited data plan call 1-800-331-0500 or dial 611 directly from your iPhone.

Could it be revenge for Apple's suggestion that iPhones carry embedded SIM cards? European wireless carriers are concerned about the heavy bandwidth-usage devices operating on their networks, and have suggested that companies like Apple pay for network upgrades. It's no secret that iPhone owners download a lot of data.

What's new is that wireless carriers including France Telecom, Telecom Italia, and Vodafone are suggesting that Apple, Facebook, Google and Yahoo among others pay a usage-based fee on their networks. Wireless companies are worried that as mobile usage grows and per-customer revenue decreases, the cost of providing adequate network upgrades may overwhelm their business model.

AT&T Mobility contacted iPhone owners via text message to let them know of a pending settlement over taxes charged to subscribers from 2005-2010. Other smartphone data plans, laptop connect cards and pay-per-use services are also affected by the lawsuit. iPhone owners could receive a check in the mail after the settlement is approved in March 2011.

Participants in the settlement have a few options. Doing nothing will result in the settlement benefits being paid by check to the wireless subscriber. If the AT&T customer wants to, they can exclude themselves from the settlement, write feedback to the court about the settlement, or ask to speak in court about the fairness of the agreement.