There’s no doubt iPhone is one of the coolest mobile phones every created in this universe. What many iPhone users don’t find cool is its outrageous bills for checking emails and net surfing while outside the U.S. In fact some owners were billed $3,000 just for these services.

To pacify these disgruntled customers, AT&T has announced 2 flat-rate international data plans applicable in 29 countries including Mexico, Canada, China, and selected areas in Europe and Asia.

The least expensive international data plan costs $25 per month, which allows users 20 MB of data monthly to check websites, emails, and other info in the countries included. If the country you’re visiting is not included in the list, the rate for data usage is $.0195/KB and excess usage is charged with $.005/KB.

For frequentl travelers, there’s another plan worth $60 per month, which is equivalent to 50 MB of data each month. If the country is not included, the data usage rate is $.010/KB while excess usage is charged with $.005/KB.

Unfortunately, AT&T has emphasized this option is not a standalone offer. Customers must have domestic voice and data plan for the iPhone. It also warns customers to check the options prior to travel, so customers won’t get any heart attack when the next phone bill arrives.

Still, the rates are not very competitive compared to other services. A better alternative is to buy a cheap or disposable phone to use in that country. Alas, you just can’t buy any SIM card because iPhone can’t be legally unlocked.

Via GigaOM

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