Cell Phones : AT&T revamps global data packages, gives international travelers (slightly) more for their money

Let's face it: roaming internationally, particularly when it comes to mobile data, is a terrible decision. And we've got the breakdown to prove it. Thankfully for you, said decision just became marginally less terrible thanks to a handful of plan revisions from AT&T. The new international data package tiers are slightly less galling than the ones they're replacing, but they're hardly what we'd consider a bargain. Folks looking to roam overseas in around 100 qualified nations will see $24.99 / month net them 50MB of global data (up from 20MB), while $49.99 / month gets 'em 125MB (up from 50MB). The $99.99 monthly package provides 275MB (up from 100MB), while the $199.99 / month tier offers 800MB of data (up from 200MB). Even still, the avid jetsetter can blow through 800MB in a single workday abroad, and none of these new options hold a candle to an unlimited rental from a firm like Xcom Global. Still, it's a huge relief to see a major US carrier moving international data rates in the right direction, and hopefully we'll see sensible figures published in our lifetime. The world ain't gettin' any smaller, you know?

 

International Travelers Can Use A Lot More Data With New Global Packages From AT&T

Available July 17, New Packages Will Offer Better Value and More than Double the Data Allowance in Over 100 Countries

Dallas, Texas, July 12, 2011

AT&T* today announced a new lineup of AT&T Data Global Add-On packages that will make it more affordable than ever for wireless customers to enjoy data services while traveling internationally. Launching July 17, the upgraded packages** give customers more than double the data allowance of current packages and offer additional savings.

The new international data package tiers are:

* 50MB package for $24.99/month compared to the current 20MB package for $24.99/month
* 125MB package for $49.99/month compared to the current 50MB package for $59.99/month
* 275MB package for $99.99/month compared to the current 100MB package for $119.99/month
* 800MB package for $199.99/month compared to the current 200MB package for $199.99/month

Designed to give customers the freedom and flexibility to use data abroad, without having to search for a Wi-Fi hotspot, the new packages make it more convenient and affordable for international travelers to use their smartphone, tablet or laptop to stay in touch via email, update their status on popular social networking sites and enjoy convenient access to information such as maps and directions.

"Mobile data is a huge part of our customers' wireless experience-whether they are in the United States or traveling around the globe," said Bill Hague, executive vice president of International, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "We've long offered more phones that can be used internationally than our competitors, and now we're delivering industry-leading value with redesigned international data packages."

AT&T's wireless customers enjoy a robust selection of world phones and international discount data, messaging and voice packages, along with the broadest global coverage of any U.S. wireless provider. With voice service in more than 220 countries, AT&T customers can travel around the globe and make and receive calls on the same wireless number they use at home. AT&T also offers data roaming service (email, web browsing) in more than 200 countries, including 3G speeds in more than 140 countries, including Japan and South Korea. Coverage is also available on more than 140 major cruise ships.

For more information on other AT&T international services, including discount packages for messaging, voice and international long distance services, as well as travel tips, visit www.att.com/global.