AUSTIN, TX -- (Marketwire) -- 09/26/12 -- These days, it seems, everyone is talking about the oncoming storm of mobile data and how -- through a mix of LTE, Wi-Fi and small cell -- wireless carriers will eventually be able to meet the surge in demand. However, not quite as much attention is paid to how much U.S. mobile operators charge per megabyte for using mobile broadband data, the range of pricing options, and how much operators charge for "overage."

In late September 2012, iGR studied the public rate plans for 60 U.S. mobile operators. iGR reviewed integrated plans (those that include voice, text and data), data-only plans (those that only provide mobile broadband service) and overage prices. iGR discovered that there is a wide range in data pricing for integrated rate plans and a smaller range for data-only plans. iGR also discovered that many operators do not publish their overage prices, which are, not surprisingly, very expensive.

"The smaller range of prices for data-only plans is largely due to market competition that has driven prices lower and into a smaller range since it is generally easier for consumers to compare data prices directly on a per gigabyte or per megabyte basis," said Iain Gillott, president and founder of iGR, a market research consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile industry.

iGR's new market research report, U.S. Mobile Data Pricing Survey: Highs, Lows, Means and Medians, provides an overview of the prices that 60 U.S. mobile operators charge for mobile broadband data services.

The following key questions are addressed in the new research study:

• What is mobile broadband?
• How much data (in megabytes and/or gigabytes per month) do the surveyed carriers provide to their customers?
• How much do the surveyed carriers charge for mobile data access?
• What is the price per megabyte for that mobile data?
• What are the ranges of prices U.S. consumers are charged for mobile data access?

The information in this report will be valuable for:

• Mobile operators
• Device OEMs
• Telecom regulators
• Financial analysts and investors.

The new report can be purchased and downloaded directly from iGR's website at www.iGR-inc.com. Alternatively, contact Iain Gillott at (512) 263-5682 or at Iain@iGR-inc.com for additional details.

About iGR
iGR is a market strategy consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile communications industry. Founded by Iain Gillott, one of the wireless industry's leading analysts, in late 2000 as iGillottResearch, iGR is now entering its twelfth year of operation. iGR continuously researches emerging and existent technologies, technology industries, and consumer markets. We use our detailed research to offer a range of services to help companies improve their position in the marketplace, clearly define their future direction, and ultimately improve their bottom line.

iGR researches a range of wireless and mobile products and technologies, including: smartphones; tablets; mobile applications; bandwidth demand and use; small cell architectures; DAS; LTE; WiMAX; VoLTE; IMS; NFC; GSM/GPRS/UMTS/HSPA; CDMA 1x/EV-DO; iDEN; SIP; macro-, pico- and femtocells; mobile backhaul; WiFi and WiFi offload; and SIM and UICC.

A more complete profile of the company can be found at www.igr-inc.com.