I’ve been saying for quite a while now that unlimited data wasn’t going to last (in US). We’re taxing networks and not upgrading fast enough, and apps and data services are putting a lot of strain on infrastruture.

Well, looks like AT&T is the first to announce the news:

AT&T Abandoning Unlimited Data Smartphone Plan for New Customers: This is big news for anyone with a “smartphone” with AT&T service, especially for iPhone users or someone planning to get an iPhone.

On Monday, June 7, AT&T will no longer offer its $30 unlimited data plan for smartphone subscribers. Existing AT&T customers with unlimited plans, such as plans for iPhones and Blackberry with unlimited data service, will continue to have unlimited service. This affects people who sign up for a new AT&T service plan, such as someone who buys a new iPhone who did not previously have an iPhone.

The good news is, an entry-level data plan for new iPhone customers will be cheaper than the $30 unlimited plan, but people who plan to use the phone a lot could find themselves paying some hefty fees.

The new AT&T data plan:
$15/month for 200 MB per month
$25/month for 2 GB per month
other plans which go up to $55 per month for more GB
These fees apply only for data over the AT&T network, not wifi at home and work, so most people will never go over a 2GB limit. Some people will. People who watch youtube videos in the doctor’s waiting room, stream live baseball games in the car, upload videos to Facebook from the park, and listen to streaming live.fm on the jogging trail – those are people who may hit the 2GB limit.

Existing smartphone, iPhone, and iPad users will have the option of sticking with their current plans indefinitely, even if they switch phones, at least for now.

Someone who signs a contract for new AT&T service on Monday or later, will go under the new plan without an unlimited option. So if you were thinking of switching to AT&T when the new iPhone is released later this month, you will be under the new plan and not have an unlimited option.

If you are an existing iPhone customer, you should be able to transfer your existing unlimited iPhone data plan to a new iPhone, including the new iPhone if you decide to upgrade.

If you are not an iPhone customer, planned to get one, but didn’t know when, this weekend may be your final chance to get one and lock yourself into an unlimited data plan.

If you buy the new iPad with 3G, you must sign a new AT&T contract before Monday to be eligible for the unlimited service, or transfer an existing unlimited data service, if possible.

AT&T’s Blackberry users may not really need an unlimited data plan as much as iPhone users, but should be aware of the new pricing structure if you are a current or plan to become a Blackberry user on AT&T’s network.

I was never on AT&T. I’m on T-Mobile and Verizon. I doubt it Sprint will follow suit, but Verizon might be looking into things soon given the amount of tethering that’s going to happen once Android 2.2 hits devices!

Guess lots of folks will be hoping more onto WiFi in the coming years.