That'll Be a Nickle and Dime, Please

Seth Weintraub for 9to5Mac a couple days ago:

We just got the word directly from AT&T that Facetime over 3G and 4G would only be available on AT&T for those who choose to go with its new “Mobile Share” plans. If you have an individual plan or family plan, you will not be able to purchase or use FaceTime over 3G/4G at any price. Pre-paid? Nope.

[…]

AT&T noted that you could still use FaceTime over Wi-Fi with an AT&T iPhone. *Slow Clap*.

Sprint & Verizon? Not hindering FaceTime over Cellular.

Both times I have bought an iPhone (iPhone 3G and iPhone 4, in 2008 and 2010, respectively), AT&T was the only carrier in the US. I very likely would not have chosen them if there had been options.

I am ready to be done with AT&T’s sparse coverage, slow rollout of 3G (let alone 4G LTE), and extreme nickle-and-dimeyness.

For extra credit, go read Jim Dalrymple’s interpretation of AT&T’s PR.