So we got an email today from a reader who wanted to know if we got something wrong; specifically, the data plan prices for the PlayStation Vita.
Along with the question, he sent us this link , which definitely contradicts previous reports .
Well, technically, all sources provided that same information, as the source was AT&T themselves. It appears they've shifted things up a bit, that's all: for the 3G model of the Vita, the 250MB plan for $15/month is intact, but they've altered the upgraded plan.
Instead of 2GB for $25, the new plan is 3GB for $30. Mathematically speaking, that's a little better, right? Some still maintain that the 250MB plan really is worthless, as one can use up 250MB of data awfully quickly; 3GB makes a lot more sense. The prices still fall in line with most other 3G devices, which may or may not satisfy portable gamers.
I'm getting 4GB of data for $30 for my new 4G phone, but I'm not sure how normal that is, and I have to assume plans are different for various portable devices, like tablets and handheld gaming devices like the Vita.
I will just stick with the wifi and us my phone for 4G wireless, all you need to do is root your smart phone and you can then use your data plan to run the vita or any other device you have with out the need for another bill from the cell company.
Exactly! I'm already paying for a 5GB data plan, why on earth would I pay for another when I can just broadcast a WiFi connection from my phone? And, depending on your carrier, you don't even need to root your android phone to do this. I'm with Telus in Canada and I've been able to broadcast WiFi from day one, without rooting.
I think the change is happening because ATT is converting the 2GB plan to a 3GB plan, and converting the 4GB plan to a 5GB plan today. If you have the old plans, you'll be grandfathered in, but if you get a new device, you have to get one of the new plans.
250MB is plenty considering you cant download anything over 20MBs!
i surf the web daily on my iphone and never go over 200MBs per MONTH!
still cant understand what the point of a 2GB+ download usage is if you cant actually download any larger applications with it.
If/when I get a Vita, I'll just stick with Wifi. I'm not much of an online gamer, so I don't see the need to pay for a data plan I likely wouldn't use.
Xperia Ray= WiFi tethering plus i got a 3G plan
therefore the wifi would do just fine for me 🙂
That 250MB plan *might* work for people that just want to play online with their vita, as long as all downloads were done via wi-fi or via a PS3, and no web browsing. Of course since the web browser is still the same sucky piece of crap that the PSP has, that might not be an issue.
Personally, I'm getting a wifi one and hoping that I can upgrade my phone to a new Motorola Droid Maxx with wifi tethering. My 3G verizon data plan is one of the old unlimited ones and as long as I do not sign a new contract they can't limit it…. XD
BTW, I noticed something about device costs and think it's an interesting perspective on the Vita's price.
With a 2 year contract, one of the more recent Motorola Droids costs only $199.99. For a month by month service (no contract), you have to pay nearly $600 for the phone. That's because the contract isn't subsidizing the phone and so the cost of the phone is closer to the actual cost.
These Motorola Droids are only dual core devices, and yet they are priced at $600 without a contract. Vita, without a contract is $299 (or $249) for the wifi version. Yet the Vita has a bigger screen, quad core CPU *and* a quad core GPU, two touch surfaces and other controls. Yet people still whine about the price of the Vita. Good grief people a Smartphone with this level of technology would be in the $600-$800 range, what are you smoking that you can think the Vita is too expensive?
Thank you Highlander! I've been singing this song for months. I just don't get the complaint that it's too expensive. There's so much tech crammed into the Vita. This same technology would cost twice as much with any other delivery method.
If i get a vita will go wifi and tether to phone with unlimited data.
I don't play multiplayer especially on a mobile device so even if i didn't have a phone would still go wifi as i just don't want to pay for another data plan
Makes a lot more sense and is a better deal, but still no reason to get a 3g plan
especially since my data plan for my phone is unlimited
Last edited by firesoul453 on 1/23/2012 11:34:03 AM
250mb for $15 is joke Att can do better. When ever I get a Vita it'll be the wifi for I have no use for 3g.