mindWireless: AT&T Ends Unlimited Data Rate Plans - the Impact to the Enterprise; mindWireless Analysis Shows 100% Increase in Smart Phone Data Usage from 2008 - 2010

    HOUSTON, TX, June 16, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Following the recent announcement by AT&T to eliminate its unlimited data rate plans, upon customer request mindWireless analyzed data usage of select enterprise customers between September 2008 and May 2010. Looking at over 25,000 iPhone and smart phone users, the analysis found that 95% of individuals used less than 200MB of data per month in 2008, while that number decreased to 75% in 2010. Overall, data consumption between 2008 and 2010 grew 100% each year (compounded annual growth rate).

Even with this growth, in 2010 less than 3% of enterprise users exceeded 1 GB per month in data usage on their smart devices (including iPhones).

"The introduction of Apple's iPhone fundamentally changed the way wireless customers consume data and we're seeing wireless carriers, beginning with AT&T, adjust to the impact that significant data usage can have on their networks," said Sloan Smalley, customer finance director at mindWireless. "While the AT&T rate plan change should have minimal impact on users today, our analysis indicates the increasingly rapid adoption of data-enabled devices points to continued data demand and a risk for future financial impact."

Smalley concluded, "Given the increase in data consumption and the growth in number of smart devices, the costs will likely increase for enterprises under the new limited plans over time."

mindWireless is assisting its clients, who initially blocked iPhones as corporate devices, to adapt corporate wireless policies and best practices. With rigorous monitoring and monthly optimization enterprises can manage data consumption and guard against potential increased costs of these and other data-enabled devices.

About mindWireless
mindWireless helps Fortune 1000 companies manage their wireless devices and usage through technology and outsourcing solutions. Founded in 2000, mindWireless is the oldest and largest pure wireless expense management firm and has become a leader in the corporate mobility management market with services deployed worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.mindwireless.com.

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