AT&T confirmed that it will be changing its available text plans for new customers, starting August 21. It will end it's $20 fee for 1000 messages and only offer an unlimited plan for $30 a month or and à la cart fee of $.20 per text message or $30 per picture/video message.
Current AT&T customers can keep the plans they already have.
"We regularly evaluate our offers and are making some adjustments to our messaging lineup.
Starting August 21, we're streamlining our text messaging plans for
new customers and will offer an unlimited plan for individuals for $20
per month and an unlimited plan for families of up to five lines for $30
per month. The vast majority of our messaging customers prefer
unlimited plans and with text messaging growth stronger than ever, that
number continues to climb among new customers. Existing customers don't
have to change any messaging plan they have today, even when changing
handsets."
If AT&T were to change the text options for current customers then it would give them the opportunity to get out of their current contract. Previously, when AT&T increased its fee for each text rate, some customers were able to get out of their contracts.