Starting September 6th, all AT&T customers with smartphones will be required to switch to a new “smartphone data plan” which the company claims will help customers maintain a more predictable month-to-month bill. It will also net them more revenue. Those with smartphones that DON’T have smartphone data plans will be grandfathered into the program but if you switch on or after September 6th, you’ll have to ditch your MediaNet plan.

This was uncovered by an internal AT&T email posted by BGR, and C&Ped b

Beginning September 6, 2009, customers who activate or upgrade to a Smartphone will need to sign up for an appropriate data plan. Existing Smartphone customers active prior to September 6, 2009 will be grandfathered and exempt from the new policy.

Why we are making this change?
We want our customers to have the best possible experience with their Smartphones. A predictable bill is a key factor in customer satisfaction, so effective September 6, 2009 Smartphone customers will need to subscribe to a data plan, as the vast majority of customers already do. Data plans let customers fully utilize their device, without the worry of bill shock.

How we will ensure an extraordinary customer experience?
The sales representative is the customer’s expert resource in helping select the right device for their needs. When a customer does not want a data plan, we will position other devices in our industry leading portfolio for the customer to choose from, as many devices do not require a data plan.

Action Required:
Sales Managers will review the Know the Facts, Job Aid, and FAQs (found under Related Links) with their sales teams and ensure all sales representatives fully understand the new policy and how to position the Smartphone data requirement to customers. A Sales Coaching Session will be available on September 5, 2009 (document to be distributed in advance).

Hopefully this means we’ll also be seeing more smartphones shortly after September 6th!