Just as expected, AT&T announced today that its GoPhone prepaid users can begin using iPhones and other HSPA+/LTE-capable devices starting today, May 24. AT&T spokesperson Mark Siegel confirmed the news to FierceWireless, explaining that GoPhone customers can use AT&T's HSPA+ or LTE networks by bringing their own device or buying a new one at full retail price. A recently-leaked memo noted that existing GoPhone users will receive an update to enable HSPA+/LTE network data access on June 21, though customers that don't feel like waiting that long may be able to contact AT&T to gain access sooner.
AT&T's GoPhone service offers a special $65 plan targeted specifically at smartphone users that includes unlimited talk and text as well as 1GB of data. There are also $25 and $50 options available that include unlimited texting and either 250 minutes or unlimited minutes, but those packages require a separate data add-on. GoPhone users that need a data pack can select a 50MB plan that's priced at $5 per month, a 200MB option for $15 or a 1GB add-on for $25 per month.
AT&T has been steadily expanding its LTE network lately, and the service is now available in 224 markets. Meanwhile, AT&T's HSPA+ network covers 292 million people, meaning that most GoPhone customers should have some speedy new service to play with after getting their update for high-speed data network access. AT&T's GoPhone service may not be ideal for heavy data users since its highest data package is only 1GB, but if a user can stick to Wi-Fi for monitor their cellular data usage, GoPhone could be a prepaid option worth looking into.
