AT&T Mobility responds to VZW price cuts with its own

Well, that took longer than expected.
Some eight-and-a-half hours after Verizon Wireless rolled out revamped pricing plans, its main rival and industry No. 2 operator AT&T Mobility did the same.
Citing its customers’ “desire” to do more with their phones and not one mention of the copycat move, AT&T Mobility’s new rate plans are back in line with its larger rival after one-third of a day of being different.
Similar to Verizon Wireless’ new plans, AT&T Mobility will slash $30 per month off of its single-line, unlimited calling plans for its so-called “feature phones” from $100 per month to $70 per month. Family plans will include two lines of unlimited calling at $120 per month, down from the previous $200 per month. Customers looking to add unlimited messaging will have to fork over an additional $20 per month for single lines, $30 per month for family plans.
For its quick messaging devices, AT&T Mobility indicates that customers will have to select an unlimited messaging plan to go along with unlimited voice services. That means rate plans for those devices will start at $90 per month for a single line or $150 for two lines on a family plan.
Smartphone users, including those surgically attached to Apple Inc.’s iPhone, will be able to purchase unlimited voice and data for $100 per month, with the ability to tack on unlimited messaging for another $20 per month on a single line. Family plans will provide for two lines of unlimited voice and data for $180 per month with unlimited messaging priced at an additional $30 per month.
AT&T Mobility said the new plans will be available to both new and existing customer, who will not be required to extend their current contracts. And, for those silly enough to not have an unlimited calling plan, AT&T Mobility said it will continue offering its Rollover and A-List services.
The move by AT&T Mobility was expected as the carrier has made a recent pattern of quickly following the price plan moves made by Verizon Wireless. Current Analysis research director of wireless services William Ho noted earlier today that the last time Verizon Wireless made a big pricing move – when it first went to unlimited voice calling at the $100 price point – AT&T Mobility matched the change within hours.