(Image Source: The Droid Guy)

BY LAURA JANVIER 

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES
 

AT&T wireless data rates are going up-- and some tech analysts say there’s just no good reason for the changes.

WTVJ brings us up to speed.

“Starting January 22nd, customers will pay $30 for a 20 mega bite data plan. Data usage is reportedly increasing every year, which is the reason AT&T says they're spiking those prices.” (NBC)

So according to AT&T-- data usage is on the rise. But a senior writer at CNET says-- that’s not the reason for the hike.

“...the real force behind AT&T spiking their prices is to increase revenue and to get more unlimited consumers to choose the tiered offering. " (CNET)

And according to some tech analysts-- a lot of wireless customers don’t even use all the data they have now.

Wireless plan analysis group Validas reports the average customer doesn’t come close to using 30GB’s of data a month. Plus-- Validas says its analysis reveals usage rates haven’t gone up all that much. (Validas)

But even if usage has increased-- a ZDNet blogger says-- that’s still not a good enough reason for AT&T to change its rates.

“I understand that people might use more data, but on a capped plan the carriers win if that happens. The only time I see the need to charge a premium for data plans is when the plan is unlimited.” (ZDNET)

A blogger for CIO agrees, using this analogy...

“It's a bit like being forced to buy a larger, more expensive box of cereal, whether you need the extra Cheerios or not.” (CIO)

Finally-- the good news-- according to WOAI-- if you’ve already got an AT&T wireless plan- your bill won’t change.

 ““The new options will be three gigabytes of data for $30 a month and five gigabytes for $50. The 250- megabytes-for-$15 plan will remain in tact for tablet owners, and the new options will be three gigabytes of data for $30 a month and five gigabytes for $50.” (WOAI)