AT&T Deletes Entry Level Texting Plan

AT&T Wireless said it will no longer offer its low-cost text message package, beginning August 21.

The plan, which gave users 1,000 test messages per month for $10, is being replaced by an a la carte plan charging 20 cents for each message or unlimited texting packages costing $20 per month for individuals and $30 per month for families with up to five lines.

Those who currently have the $10 plan and want to keep it, can. AT&T says current users will be grandfathered in. It will only be new subscribers who won't have the option after August 21.

Texting achieved popularity before the advent of smartphones and teenagers easily sent and received thousands of texts each month. Despite the capabilities provided by smartphones to send and receive email, many consumers prefer text. An AT&T spokesman said texting “is bigger than ever.”

New AT&T subscribers who don't choose to enroll in a texting plan will automatically be assigned to the ala carte plan and pay 20 cents per text.