Starting September 6, new AT&T customers who purchase a smartphone or BlackBerry, as well as existing AT&T customers that upgrade to one of those devices will be required to purchase a $30 data plan with their phone.   This requirement puts AT&T in line with the other major carriers, all of whom have had this requirement for a while (although pricing varies by carrier).   Until now, AT&T had only required a data plan for the iPhone, one that is built into a separate series of plans available for that device.

MyRatePlan Analysis: The impact is likely to be fairly small, as most people who purchase a high end device would likely purchase data service to take full advantage of the features.  However, future customers (and those upgrading) who are mainly interested in having one of these phones for texting via the QWERTY keyboard may choose to instead purchase one of the many “quick messaging” phones offered by AT&T.  These will not require a data plan.    On the business side of things, BlackBerry may see a slight reduction in market share of AT&T’s business if customers forgo those devices to avoid the data plan.

This special offer from AT&T expires March 22nd at midnight.   You must use this link or click the image below to get to the promotion. The link goes to the touch screen LG Vu; you can browse and switch to a different phone.

Details:   Order a new line of service with a two-year contract from AT&T and receive an automatic activation credit from AT&T.   No activation fee applies for up to a 5 line family plan.  You could save up to $140!     Must be new contract service.   Contract renewals,  upgrades, prepaid, add-a-line do not qualify.  Apple iPhone is ineligble.

AT&T Waived Activation Fee

In our prior post we spoke about the free cell phone insurance benefit available with the new AT&T Universal Savings & Reward Card. That feature applies regardless of carrier.

However, for AT&T and former Cingular customers, there is an even better benefit. The card will reimburse you up to 10% of the cost of AT&T products and services, including your wireless phone bill, for 12 months; 5% thereafter.

The AT&T Universal card has no annual fee and offers a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 12 months. To apply, click here.