Are carriers trying to kill off their text plans?

The word on the web is that AT&T Wireless is dropping its monthly $10/1000 messages plan leaving only the $20 unlimited option.

With advanced feature phones and smartphones there is little reason left to  pay for a text plan at all. I do have a minimal texting plan with AT&T, but I use Google Voice for most of my texting. If I were faced with only a $20 option I think I'd be inclined to pass. Facebook's new messaging app joins a bevy of third party messaging solutions used by millions.

The size of data for an SMS text is minuscule compared with the bandwidth required to make a call. It would seem to be a way for carriers to free up bandwidth.

Text messages are data which smartphone users already pay for.

I'm surprised we consumers have not applied more pressure on carriers to provide FREE texting plans. The cost for a carrier is insignificant and the monthly charges are pretty much legacy fees. It is a bit like still paying AOL for an email account that you can get for free at aol.com. It is still happening.

Understandably, carriers would be reluctant to pass on such easy revenue, but if a carrier could support a free option of just 100 SMS messages per month it would get the attention of frugal smartphone users.