AT&T launching voicemail-to-text service, new Mobile TV stations, Canada plans next week
- Voicemail to Text: This is a variation on a theme that has launched countless times both on other carriers and in the aftermarket, but AT&T's version is explicitly stated "not to be a replacement for a transcription service" because each message is limited to 60 seconds. Users have the option of routing messages to SMS, email, or both for a charge of $9.99 a month. Unfortunately, moving from basic voicemail to this new service will cause all existing messages to be lost, so be careful when adding this one to your plan.
- AT&T Nation with Canada: It's exactly what it sounds like -- AT&T Nation plans with a little extra Great White North thrown in for good measure. No long distance charges on calls to Canada, 1,000 night and weekend minutes that work in both countries plus full rollover and anytime minute compatibility; A-List and early nights / weekends can be added as well.
- New Mobile TV channels, coverage, and pricing: Three new channels will be added into the MediaFLO-based Mobile TV mix, though AT&T's being coy about what they are; all we know so far is that there's a comedy station, a "national broadcaster," and a kids' channel. Three new markets are launching between now and December 11, and seven more have launched since September 25. The biggest news here, though, might be that service is dropping from $15 to $9.99 a month, while Mobile TV plus unlimited data goes from $30 down to $24.99. It's still pricey, but it's an improvement.
[Thanks, anonymous tipster]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
bfspider808 @ Nov 4th 2009 3:16PM
erm.. google voice for voice mail anyone? why pay another $10/mo for something that is already free...
Adnan @ Nov 4th 2009 3:39PM
Because At&t doesn't allow google voice, they would rather charge you for it, instead of you getting it for free.
Gabriel @ Nov 4th 2009 11:20PM
I agree with the google voice option. I have it and love it.
jeff @ Nov 4th 2009 3:54PM
False: At&t doesn't allow google voice
Fact: AT&T doesn't block FORWARDING which is all that is needed to use Google Voice. I actually use YouMail and have for months. The number is even part of my A-List so I don't use minutes to check VM either.
Adnan @ Nov 4th 2009 4:06PM
That's all fine and dandy, but does YouMail transcribe your emails as emails/texts?
torch29 @ Nov 4th 2009 5:34PM
it can, but that a fee. gv on the other hand does for free. i have both.
Kel @ Nov 4th 2009 8:31PM
Agreed, I'm currently forwarding my AT&T voice mail to my GV account, which SMS's the transcrived VM to my AT&T phone.
BigB @ Nov 4th 2009 4:04PM
wiating for the Canada roaming plan
on an old AT&T NAP which includes Canada roaming for over 7 years .. will be glad to get on a new plan and get an iPhone and rollover in the mix :-)
youngcalihottie @ Nov 5th 2009 12:07AM
what does ur NAM plan include? id be really surprised if ur not already getting a better deal than this
youngcalihottie @ Nov 5th 2009 12:09AM
oops. NAP*
sorry guess that was just my wishful thinking coming out that nokia wouldve made a NAM n900 with 850/1900 3g.
text central @ Nov 4th 2009 4:29PM
what about texting to canada??? the calling is nice and all, but what about sms/mms???
mbumb2k @ Nov 4th 2009 6:14PM
$10 to have AT&T do what google voice already does for me?
No thank you.
Tekkie79 @ Nov 4th 2009 4:46PM
Doesn't Google do this for free?
sikkboy626 @ Nov 4th 2009 4:58PM
Will MediaFlo TV ever work on the iPhone?
jeff @ Nov 4th 2009 4:55PM
@Adnan - YouMail will do it, if you pay them. Google Voice will do it free. My point was that you can use 3rd party VM services with AT&T. Sprint is really the only one that blocks it.
Damon @ Nov 4th 2009 6:52PM
I'd rather see them adapt the visual voicemail service to more platforms!
Nicholas @ Nov 4th 2009 11:39PM
You can all thank Bellus for this one (Telus and Bell) they are two of the three largest carriers in Canada that just when HSPA+(3G). I can't wait to see waht Telus and Bell offer... if it's good I'm jumping ship, Bye Bye Rogers.