Your favorite carrier, AT&T, has decided to start making some changes regarding its smartphone division. It looks like the carrier will force users to get a data plan with each smartphone. The new measure will apply to everyone getting a new smartphone after September 6 which means that everyone else is safe for now. In case you will buy unlocked handsets the change will not apply to you but then again, not so many people choose to pay the full price for a smartphone, do they?

And AT&T is saying that it’s going to apply the new policy in order to make sure that customers receive a predicable bill each month. Here’s an internal AT&T email talking about the change:

Beginning September 6, 2009, customers who activate or upgrade to a Smartphone will need to sign up for an appropriate data plan. Existing Smartphone customers active prior to September 6, 2009 will be grandfathered and exempt from the new policy.

Why we are making this change?
We want our customers to have the best possible experience with their Smartphones. A predictable bill is a key factor in customer satisfaction, so effective September 6, 2009 Smartphone customers will need to subscribe to a data plan, as the vast majority of customers already do. Data plans let customers fully utilize their device, without the worry of bill shock.

How we will ensure an extraordinary customer experience?
The sales representative is the customer’s expert resource in helping select the right device for their needs. When a customer does not want a data plan, we will position other devices in our industry leading portfolio for the customer to choose from, as many devices do not require a data plan.

Action Required:
Sales Managers will review the Know the Facts, Job Aid, and FAQs (found under Related Links) with their sales teams and ensure all sales representatives fully understand the new policy and how to position the Smartphone data requirement to customers. A Sales Coaching Session will be available on September 5, 2009 (document to be distributed in advance).

What do you think? What carrier will be the next to apply similar measures?

via BGR