Greg Bensinger, WSJ:
Carriers say a move to unlimited-only calling plans would simplify what can be a confusing array of options. But it also would keep a cash cow healthy by depriving customers of the option to trade down to cheaper plans—even as their phone use drops as they spend more time texting and using Internet-based calling services such as Skype.
Basically with the advent of data-centric phones, customers use less cellular voice minutes. In order to maintain revenues, carriers will likely shift to offering an unlimited-only voice plan.
I am struck with two immediate thoughts. First, unlimited doesn’t mean what carriers think it means. Second, the diminishing role (and power) of carriers with customers is becoming increasingly evident. Eventually, carriers will be relegated to the role of a dumb data pipeline.