Traveling iPhoners get more data options

AT&T Mobility is set to expand international data plans for 3G iPhone owners – but they’ll pay a pretty penny for it.
Beginning tomorrow the carrier will release two new, international data plans for Apple Inc.’s uber-device: 100 megabytes of data transmission for an additional $120 per month; or 200 MB for an additional $200 per month. Both are iPhone add-on plans, meaning the prices come on top of the existing device plans, which range anywhere from $70 per month to $130 per month.
However, the new add-on plans don’t require a commitment, and users can add or remove the plans at any time.
AT&T Mobility offers similar plans for other smartphones, but at a cheaper rate. For Research in Motion Ltd.’s BlackBerry users its International Plan costs an extra $70 per month for unlimited e-mail, but if the plan is combined with a voice plan it gets knocked down $5, to $65 per month. This plan however, requires a one-year commitment. All of AT&T Mobility’s other smartphones and PDAs can choose from two add-on plans including the 20 MB Data Global Add-On for and extra $25 per month or the 50 MB Data Global Add-On for an extra $60 per month.
Other carriers offer similar plans and pricing for international travelers. Verizon Wireless features its GlobalAccess monthly plan at $130 per month. GlobalAccess, another add-on, offers a 5 gigabyte allowance in the United States and Canada and 100 MB of access in select international destinations. Sprint Nextel Corp. and T-Mobile USA both offer pay-as-you go international data service.