AT&T Shared Data Plans: Are They Right for You?

06.08.2012
AT&T's shared data plans will launch on August 23, allowing subscribers to connect several phones, tablets, laptops, and hotspots under one big pool of data.

Unlike Verizon's similar "" plans, AT&T's so-called "" plans won't be mandatory for new subscribers. Individual and family plans will still be available, and existing customers can hang onto their current plans as well.

Still, for some families or individual users, switching to shared data might be a good thing. Such a switch could lead to lower monthly bills, and more service for their money. Here are some tips for figuring out whether shared data is worth it for you:

Do the Math

AT&T's cheapest shared data plans are more expensive than basic individual and family plans, but they include unlimited voice calls and text messages. Shared data is probably a bad deal if your existing plan only has the bare minimum for talk and text. If you've already using unlimited talk and text, switching to shared data may lower your bill and allow you to connect more devices for less money.

Things get tricky when you're somewhere in between on voice and text, or when you're dealing with several phones, tablets and hotspots. Get out a calculator and check the , and compare it to what you're paying now.