Submitted by Frank Macey on
AT&T plans to make its Aio Wireless pre-paid plans available nationwide next month. Mid-September will see the service rolled out across the country, competing directly with similar plans offered by T-Mobile and others. When it comes to the basics, Aio plans start at $40 for 250MB of data, with other tiers upping the ante to $55 or $70 for 2GB or 7GB respectively.
To help spark interest in the service, Aio is offering a fall promotion that delivers the third month of service free for customers who sign up by September 29. AT&T is billing Aio as the best way to access a high quality cellular network with no contract. 4G LTE speeds are included, and the new service is less expensive than AT&T's GoPhone prepaid offering.
Aio customers can also bring any unlocked compatible device onto their service plan, with no obligation to purchase a device from AT&T. The prepaid service initially launched in test markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Tampa and Houston. New customers can sign up online or at participating retailers.
When it comes to the fall promotion, Aio will credit the third month of service around five days before the bill comes due, for basic rate plan charges. Extra features or services that are tacked onto the account will not be credited as part of the promotion.
Besides prepayment for one of three simple service plans, the company promises to bring easy activation to compatible devices and offer enthusiastic support for customers. Aio is competing with other pre-paid service plans such as T-Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Cricket Wireless, all with contract-free options. Unlocked devices can be used on the Aio network with a SIM card purchase of $9.99.