AT&T launches new unlimited plan: What you need to know

AT&T is expanding its unlimited data plan, dropping the requirement that a user must sign up for pay TV service.

Read more: Sprint's unlimited plan just got better!

Unlimited cell phone plans: AT&T vs. Verizon vs. Sprint vs. T-Mobile

According to a news release, the new plan includes unlimited talk, text and data on four lines for $180 a month after a $40 per month credit for the fourth line.

The $180 a month figure matches the price of Verizon’s new unlimited plan for four people. USA Today reports that a single line of unlimited data on AT&T will cost $100 a month and additional lines are $40 each.

After using 22GB of data in a month, speeds may be slowed during times of network congestion.

AT&T’s plan includes HD video, but it won’t allow customers to use their phones as a mobile hotspot, according to USA Today. Plans from Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint do include a mobile hotspot.

This news from AT&T comes on the same day that Sprint upgraded its plan to add HD-quality streaming video and 10GB of mobile hotspot data per month.

Here’s a comparison that’s featured on Sprint’s website:

AT&T says the new unlimited plan is available to all postpaid wireless customers.

Read more in our guide to the best cell phone plans and deals for 2017.