Kindle is getting some absurd deal on international wireless data?

Seth Weintraub
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October 07, 2009
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Update: Whoops - I didn't read the fine, fine print.  It is $1.99/item extra to download internationally. -Thanks Commenter

We found out last night that Amazon's Kindle will now be riding on the same network as the iPhone in the US –at least the international version will be.  The question we immediately have to ask is: How does AT&T provide that data to Amazon at basically the same rate as Sprint's domestic service?!  The only additional charge is a $20 up-front cost which is the difference in the price between the $259 Sprint model and the $279 AT&T international version.

Even if Amazon floats some money to the wireless carriers for each item purchased on the Kindle, how can AT&T get basically the same cut as Sprint, yet deliver international data packets?

Have you seen international data rates lately?  That $20 would get eaten up with the first 20 MBs of international data.  After that, who pays the international rate difference?  Can anyone hazard a guess how AT&T is allowing the Kindle to get data at domestic rates when all of us iPhone users are paying at least $25 for 20MB of data? 

Also: Will AT&T offer that same data plan, or lack thereof, to Apple's tablet (though admittedly it will use much more data)?

 For your reference, here is AT&T's International phone rates:

$24.99/month: 20 MB Data Global Add-On gives you 20 MB of usage within over 90 countries
$59.99/month: 50 MB Data Global Add-On gives you 50 MB of usage within over 90 countries
$119.99/month: 100 MB Data Global Add-On gives you 100 MB of usage within over 90 countries
$199.99/month: 200 MB Data Global Add-On gives you 200 MB of usage within over 90 countries

 

 

Comments (11)

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | October 07, 2009 - 9:13am

The Kindle isn't a bandwidth hog.

And the cost for the wireless service is hidden in the cost of the digital books.

admin | October 07, 2009 - 9:26am

True, but how is the only difference between Sprint's domestic service and AT&T's international service only a one time $20 fee?

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | October 07, 2009 - 9:35am

The small print does say that the privilege of downloading abroad will cost you $1.99 per item and they may charge you for other connectivity. Still a deal?

Amazon:
- When traveling abroad, you can download books wirelessly from the Kindle Store or your Archived Items for a fee of $1.99.
- Kindle (U.S. & International Wireless) user living in the United States: If you transfer personal documents to your Kindle via Whispernet while inside the United States, the fee is $ .15 per megabyte. When traveling outside the United States, a fee of $.99 per megabyte will apply.
- You may be charged a fee for wireless connectivity for your use of other wireless services on your Device, such as Web browsing and downloading of personal files, should you elect to use those services. We will maintain a list of current fees for such services in the Kindle Store.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | October 07, 2009 - 9:40am

From the Kindle page on Amazon:

"When traveling abroad, you can download books wirelessly from the Kindle Store or your Archived Items for a fee of $1.99"

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | October 07, 2009 - 9:41am

From the Kindle page on Amazon:

"When traveling abroad, you can download books wirelessly from the Kindle Store or your Archived Items for a fee of $1.99"

Kev Orng (not verified) | October 07, 2009 - 9:48am

convince Amazon to sell the kindle in more countries, it will probably make Kindle roaming cheaper for everyone.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | October 07, 2009 - 10:02am

what AT&T does not want you to know - SOC code: IRPZ Unlimited International Data at $20 per month

eliotw (not verified) | October 07, 2009 - 10:23am

10MB ?

rangnar (not verified) | October 07, 2009 - 10:30am

The additional cost will be somewhere below 1 US-Dollar per GByte. That's the cost for data over the (international) fiber backbone. And that's what AT&T will use after the wireless connection from the kindle was routed through the AT&T network to make it "international".

Now again. What are you talking about?

eliotw (not verified) | October 07, 2009 - 10:35am

SOC code: IRPZ is actually $64.99/month....not so much the bargin :-)

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | October 07, 2009 - 10:40am

Free Wireless: Free 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle. No monthly fees, service plans, or hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots. For non-U.S. customers, there are also no additional charges for wireless delivery outside your home country. See Coverage Map. See Wireless Terms and Conditions