And then there was one. It's been revealed that AT&T is planning to slash its number of messaging options in half on August 21st, axing its $10/1000 messages offering and leaving the $20/unlimited as the sole messaging plan on AT&T. Customers that forgo a messaging plan can expect to pay $0.20 per SMS and $0.30 per MMS. The change has been confirmed by AT&T, which explained the change by saying that "the vast majority of [its] messaging customers prefer unlimited plans and with text messaging growth stronger than ever, that number continues to climb among new customers." The good news is that customers already signed up for the $10/1000 option on the 21st can keep that plan, even when changing handsets. The full statement from AT&T:

"We regularly evaluate our offers and are making some adjustments to our messaging lineup.

Starting August 21, we're streamlining our text messaging plans for new customers and will offer an unlimited plan for individuals for $20 per month and an unlimited plan for families of up to five lines for $30 per month. The vast majority of our messaging customers prefer unlimited plans and with text messaging growth stronger than ever, that number continues to climb among new customers. Existing customers don't have to change any messaging plan they have today, even when changing handsets."

Kind of a bummer for anyone in the future that's a light texter and doesn't need the full-on, all-you-can-eat $20 SMS buffet, but the good news here is that you've still got a few days to sign up for the $10 plan if you're not already on it. Better get going!

Via Engadget