While they may lack the name recognition of their larger competitors, regional carriers are tweaking their rate plans ahead of the holiday shopping season.
Qwest Communications International Inc. introduced a set of wireless plans emphasizing messaging and data use.
The Messaging and More plans are aimed at subscribers who are heavy text-message users and utilize data services such as Web browsing and sending photos from their mobile phones.
The plans start at $60 per month for 500 anytime minutes on an individual line, and include unlimited text messaging along with domestic long distance, unlimited Qwest mobile-to-mobile, unlimited off-peak calling and access to Sprint Nextel Corp.’s Vision data service with picture mail. The plans also include Qwest features such as free calls to a customer’s Qwest home phone number and a unified bill. Customers can add video messaging for an additional $5 per month.
The plans range from 500 anytime minutes up to an unlimited plan, topping out at $220 per month for the single-line unlimited plan. Users can add up to three additional lines for $10 per month apiece.
Pocket
San Antonio-based carrier Pocket Communications introduced a pair of new rate plans, including one that starts at $25 per month, in an attempt to attract users to its flat-rate calling service.
Pocket has a track record of shaking up the south Texas market with its offerings, which have prompted local price changes by larger competitor Leap Wireless International Inc.
Pocket previously offered two calling plans at $28 and $37 per month. Now, the company has lowered the price of its unlimited local calling plan-which includes text and picture messaging-from $28 to $25. For $30 per month, users can now choose a calling plan that adds unlimited long distance. At the $35 per month price point, the company throws in unlimited text messaging to Mexico and functions such as caller ID, voicemail, call waiting and forwarding, and three-way calling.
Pocket also introduced a $40 per month plan, which includes all the perks of the others plus unlimited directory assistance and Web access.
