AT&T Announces $3 Monthly Price Increase for FirstNet Smartphone and Data Plans

AT&T has officially informed its FirstNet customers, a network dedicated to public safety and first responders, of an upcoming $3 monthly price increase set to take effect on January 15, 2025. This adjustment impacts both unlimited smartphone and data-only plans. According to a Reddit user, they discovered this price increase while reviewing their bill. They expressed uncertainty about whether this change would influence others' decisions regarding their service plans.The current pricing for FirstNet's unlimited smartphone plan begins at $39.99 per month, while data plans are available from $40 per month. Customers who activated their service after April 15, 2024, will continue to enjoy the older rates for the first nine months of their service, although they will receive a monthly credit during this period to mitigate the impact of the price hikes.FirstNet provides its users and their families with priority access to AT&T's network, ensuring they remain connected even during peak commercial traffic times. The service also boasts enhanced security features through comprehensive tower-to-core network encryption, making it a safer alternative to typical commercial networks.Some users expressed that they find the new pricing justifiable, considering the quality of service, while others voiced concerns about the cumulative effect of incremental price increases in today's market. One Reddit user noted that small hikes like this can quickly add up, highlighting the usual practice of price increases across many industries, including telecommunications.As the trend of rising prices continues to affect consumers, AT&T's announcement serves as a reminder of the challenges customers face when managing service costs in an evolving market.