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Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile Offer Unlimited Cell Phone
Plan
AT&T, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile USA on Tuesday announced
flat rate plans for unlimited calls in the United States,
raising investor concerns that a price war could break out
and sending shares lower.
Verizon Wireless said early on Tuesday it had started offering
unlimited calls for $99.99 a month. AT&T followed with
a similar plan, while T-Mobile USA went a step further by
including unlimited texts as well as calls for the same price.
Verizon's plan is now in effect, T-Mobile's takes effect
Thursday, and AT&T's goes live on Friday.
Verizon's $99.99 service includes domestic roaming and long
distance voice service, as well as Internet access and support
for mobile Web 2.0 use. A $119.99-per-month plan adds unlimited
messaging for anyone in the U.S. and a premium $139.99-per-month
plan includes VCast video, VZ Navigator and Mobile E-mail
functions.
In comparison, AT&T's $99.99 plan provides unlimited
voice calling, with a variety of messaging plans that start
at $5 per month and go up to $35 per month for unlimited messaging
on standard phones. Apple Inc.'s iPhone and smart phones are
not considered standard wireless phones.
(February 19, 2008)
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