Following the confirmation of increased data through updated website literature three weeks ago, Straight Talk has officially announced the data increases, with more welcome changes to its $30 All You Need plan for basic/feature phones. Where the All You Need Plan offered paltry voice and text allowances along with 30MB of data, the plan now offers unlimited text, 1500 minutes of voice and 100MB of data a month for the same $30 rate.
As previously reported, the more popular $45 plan now includes 3GB of high-speed data (including LTE access on compatible phones and available on BYOP SIMs) regardless of which carrier powers the smartphone or SIM card. After the 3GB of high-speed data are used, speeds are then throttled until the next month is paid for. While Walmart and Straight Talk tout the change as being one of the lowest priced alternatives to competitor plans with 1 or even 2.5GB of monthly data, the addition of taxes and fees in the monthly rate effectively negate any competitive advantage, since they can drive the real cost up to $50 and higher depending on zip code and state.
The changes to both service plans are now live for new and current customers, with Walmart and Straight Talk also running service demos at select Walmart locations through the rest of the month and offering new customers a $25 Walmart gift card with the purchase of a Straight Talk Samsung Galaxy Centura or Discover smartphone, both in-store and at Walmart.com during the month.
“the addition of taxes and fees in the monthly rate effectively negate any competitive advantage”
How do you figure? All the other prepaids have those same fees and taxes.