T-Mobile USA clarifies data pricing, prepares for new devices

Lost in the shuffle of AT&T Mobility’s announcement this week that it was now limiting previous smartphone data plans to 2 gigabytes of data transmission were changes rival T-Mobile USA Inc. quietly made to its data packages last weekend.
The nation’s No. 4 carrier equalized what it charges for its WebConnect wireless data offering across its Even More and Even More Plus rate plans. The service is now $40 per month for 5 GB or $25 for 200 megabytes of data transmission on both plans. Both plans include unlimited access to the carrier’s Wi-Fi service.
T-Mobile USA does not charge overage fees on the 5 GB plans, though it does note that network speeds could be reduced if the cap is exceeded. A number of carriers use a similar “throttling” for customers that exceed the cap on their plans.
Customer selecting the Even More plan receive a subsidy of up to $230 on a wireless modem in exchange for signing a two-year contract while those on the Even More Plus plan bypass the subsidy and contract. The plans are compatible with a pair of wireless modems as well as a Dell netbook that includes an embedded wireless module, and include access to the carrier’s rapidly expanding HSPA+ network.
The new plans undercut similar offerings from its larger rivals that typically charge $60 per month for 5 GB of data transmission and steep overage charges. Leap Wireless International Inc. charges a similar $40 per month for its 5 GB plan, though coverage is limited, while Clearwire Corp. also charges $40 per month for its mobile broadband service that includes unlimited access to its WiMAX network.
T-Mobile USA also announced a slew of new devices for its network, including Nokia Corp.’s E73 smartphone that will be made available June 16 and three new phones from LG Electronics Co. Ltd. due out this summer.
The E73 runs Nokia’s Symbian operating system and includes access to the company’s line of Ovi products, including its free navigation service. The device also includes a 5 megapixel camera and access to T-Mobile USA’s 3G network and is slated to retail for $70 after all rebates.
The LG devices, which will be the first from the manufacturer available through T-Mobile USA, include the Sentio, the dLite and GS170. The Sentio includes a 3-inch touchscreen, support for GPS services and access to the carrier’s 3G network. The dLite includes a 2.8-inch screen in its flip-phone form factor and access to T-Mobile USA’s Social Buzz social networking interface. The GS170 is a more basic flip phone that includes a speakerphone and VGA camera. Prices for the LG devices are expected to be announced closer to launch.