I’ve been thinking about phones a lot lately while I’m strongly considering the switch to Virgin Mobile’s new (game changing) prepaid plan. While pricing numerous phone plans the issue of data pricing comes up over and over because it’s a big draw for many consumers. The question really is, WHY? People who work in an office environment (and we can assume a LARGE percentage of those are the target audience for data usage; and they are mainly the target of my discussion here) are in front of a computer for a minimum of 8 hours a day. They then go home after work and have access to internet for the remainder of their day. This leaves only the drive home and when you’re out running errands, at the bar, etc. to actually use any of that data you pay for.

If you look at it on the surface, you are dedicating a relatively large portion of your phone bill (normally a third to half of the total cost) to this function that is very rarely used (for the average person; me included). Do you really need to check your email or facebook on your 10-20 minute drive home? What could you possibly want to know that you didn’t get a chance to find out the 8 hours every single week day you are at work? Does the fact that you feel ‘connected’ justify the cost. I propose the answer is no.

Given this fact, I’m lead to wonder why AT&T decides to propose this new ridiculous data pricing structure. They know most people don’t use that much data, but insist on helping you feel ripped off by creating a tiered structure. I get their intention (I think), but I feel like it’s poorly implemented.