VERIZON WIRELESS: The unlimited data plan that is going away costs $30 per month. For that, new smartphone customers will get 2 gigabytes of monthly data usage. They can also pay $50 for 5 gigabytes and $80 for 10 gigabytes. Customers should choose carefully. Those who use more will be charged an additional $10 per gigabyte.
AT&T: Eliminated $30 unlimited data plan for new customers a year ago. Customers can now pay $15 for 200 megabytes of monthly data usage or $25 for 2 gigabytes. There's also a 4-gigabyte plan for $45; with it, laptops can access AT&T's cellular network through their phones using a technique known as tethering. With the cheapest plan, there's a $15 charge for every 200 megabytes over the limit. The charge is $10 per extra gigabyte with the other two plans.
T-MOBILE: Offers four plans with high-speed data. Customers who go over their limits are still able to send and receive data without charge, but speeds will be lower. The limit is 200 megabytes for $10 a month, 2 gigabytes for $20, 5 gigabytes for $30 and 10 gigabytes for $60.
SPRINT: Offers unlimited data use for $30 a month. Some higher-priced calling plans come with data at no extra charge.
