MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
Highlights
- AT&T increased prices across several plans, including older unlimited and mobile share plans.
- Reductions in discounts and added fees frustrated loyal customers.
- Fiber internet and entertainment bundles also became more expensive.
AT&T's 2024 price hikes and policy changes
In 2024, AT&T made several decisions that left many customers feeling the sting of higher bills and fewer perks.
From raising prices on older plans to trimming discounts, the telecom giant appeared to prioritize its bottom line at the expense of its customers.
Here's a breakdown of the six most significant changes that left AT&T subscribers frustrated this year.
1. Price hikes on older unlimited plans
AT&T increased prices on its older, retired unlimited wireless plans by $10 for single-line users and $20 for multi-line users. This move frustrated many long-time customers who felt betrayed after relying on AT&T's promise of affordable legacy plans for years.
2. Reduction in AutoPay discounts
The company reduced the AutoPay discount for customers paying with credit cards, cutting it from $10 to $5 per month. For many subscribers, this felt like AT&T penalizing payment flexibility and forcing them to use debit cards or bank account payments instead.
3. Fiber internet price hike
In November 2024, AT&T increased the cost of its fiber internet plans by $5 per month across all tiers. Customers relying on affordable internet services expressed frustration with what they saw as AT&T's latest push to raise household bills with little added value.
4. HBO Max-integrated plans cost more
Customers on older unlimited plans that included the price increases of $10-$20 per month left many questioning the value of AT&T's entertainment bundles as part of their wireless plans.
5. Price increases for Unlimited Starter, Extra, and Premium plans
The Unlimited Starter, Extra, and Premium plans received a small increase of $0.99 per line per month in 2024. Although these plans now include additional hotspot data, many customers felt that AT&T's incremental price hikes chipped away at affordability.
6. Mobile Share plan cost increases
In August 2024, Mobile Share plan users saw a $5 increase for plans with under 6GB of data and a $10 hike for plans with 6GB or more. This left budget-conscious customers unhappy with AT&T's consistent focus on higher rates for existing plans.
My take
AT&T's 2024 changes reflect a clear focus on revenue growth, but the result has been frustration for many long-term and loyal customers.
Price hikes on older plans, reductions in discounts, and increases in fiber internet costs have hit families, individuals, and small businesses alike. While the company added minor perks like more hotspot data to some plans, these changes often didn't justify the higher costs.
If AT&T wants to maintain customer loyalty, it needs to rethink its pricing strategies and offer real value without eroding trust. Transparent communication and customer-focused decisions are the keys to keeping users happy.
Summary
AT&T's 2024 price hikes and policy changes show a trend of increasing costs across the board.
From higher wireless plan rates to fiber internet increases, customers have been left feeling squeezed.
If you're affected, it might be time to explore low-cost carriers that can offer the same AT&T coverage but at half the cost.
Connect with us on Facebook, X, and TikTok for the latest insights and money-saving tips.
