It is interesting the way the industry has ramped up each new technology--each being seen as a cash cow. First was voice (audio). I remember back in the late the mid 1980's I had to pay a steep monthly charge and then also pay per minute of use. Following that, the strangle-hold on voice was released but then they nickel and dimed us to death for each text message we sent AND received. Finally, when internet-enabled phones came to the market, the carriers saw that as capping their teeth with titanium. Well, now the that they are all fat and sassy, they decide to glean the rim of consumers, trying to get even those can barely afford food to get a smartphone.
I'll say one thing, the deals that I've received from AT&T lately as a direct result of the competition from T-Mobile has been wonderful for my wallet every month! Sent from my iPhone 5S.