Despite the fact that AT&T's decision to pull the plug on its unlimited data plan may end up lesser payments for most users, there are several people who opine that the change is not a very positive one; and that it might bring bad publicity for the carrier.

The new tiered-pricing policy introduced by AT&T practically sees the back of the carrier's unlimited data plan for the new subscribers; though the current users can continue with the plan if they so desire.

In place of the unlimited data plan, new usage-based pricing by AT&T - the carrier which is already plagued with infamous network performance related problems - gives the users the choice of either a 2-GB plan for $25 a month or 200-MB plan at a $15 monthly charge.

According to Macworld's Dan Frakes, with the introduction of data-caps, AT&T is practically going back on its earlier promise that the users of the Apple iPad could activate unlimited 3G service on-demand, as and when they needed it - sans any contract or commitment.

Criticizing AT&T's tiered-pricing decision, one of the carrier's customers, Giorgio Galante, wrote to CEO Randall Stephenson that the company is essentially squeezing more money out of its customers by removing the unlimited data plan.

Galante wrote: "I don't think even Steve Jobs can spin 2 GB for $25/month as a good thing for the consumer."