AT&T and Apple on Tuesday said wireless service plans for the iPhone will range from $59.99 to $99.99 a month.

The $59.99 monthly plan includes 450 minutes of voice time, a $79.99 plan includes 900 minutes, and a $99.99 plan includes 1,350 minutes. All three offer 200 text messages, unlimited data services, minutes that roll over month-to- month, and mobile-to-mobile calls. There also is a $36 activation fee.

For me these plans pale in comparison to what I can get from Verizon. Two hundred TXT messages wouldn't last nearly long enough and unless Apple can add Instant Message ability or a web2.0 site offers IM for the iPhone through the browser this doesn't much appeal to me.

I also rather think the thirty six dollars is just a kick in the shins after shelling out the cash for the device to begin with.

Am I going sour on the iPhone? No. But I do have to wonder if the rate plans will open up a bit for those of us who happen to prefer TXT over voice.

Labels: Apple, ATT, Instant Message, TXT, Verizon, Web2.0