AT&T just announced it will soon enable FaceTime over cellular for all customers on tiered data plans using a compatible iOS device at no extra charge.

So, folks on tiered plans with an iPhone 4S can now use FaceTime over cellular. AT&T previously only allowed Mobile Share plan customers and LTE device owners—such as those with an iPhone 5 and iPad 3 and newer—on tiered plans to use the feature over cellular, but the carrier still plans to restrict users on grandfathered unlimited data plans.

[tweet https://twitter.com/javisayswhaa/status/291631046003400704]

AT&T said it would automatically start rolling out the update to customers “in the next couple of weeks.” The full press announcement from AT&T’s blog is below.

  • Sprint expands 4G LTE coverage, promises rollout to more markets soon (9to5google.com)
  • AT&T sneaks in 9 new LTE markets before iPhone 5 launch, 40 more before holidays (9to5mac.com)
  • Sprint expands 4G LTE coverage, promises rollout to more markets soon (9to5mac.com)
  • Sprint’s hilarious new ‘Sharing is not Caring’ ad touts unlimited data over data sharing plans (9to5mac.com)

FaceTime Update

When FaceTime over Cellular launched in September 2012, we explained that we wanted to roll it out gradually to ensure the service had minimal impact on the mobile experience for all of our customers.

As a result of ongoing testing, we’re announcing AT&T will enable FaceTime over Cellular at no extra charge for customers with any tiered data plan using a compatible iOS device.

This means iPhone 4S customers with tiered plans will be able to make FaceTime calls over the AT&T cellular network.  AT&T previously made FaceTime over Cellular available to customers with a Mobile Share plan and those with an LTE device on tiered plans.

Of course, FaceTime over Wi-Fi remains available for all customers who have a compatible iPhone or iPad.

We have already begun updating our systems and processes and expect to start rolling the update out to customers on an ongoing basis beginning in the next couple of weeks.  Customers do not need to do anything—the update will be applied automatically over the next few months.

Only AT&T offers benefits like the ability to talk and surf at the same time, the fastest download speeds using AT&T 4G LTE, and a variety of flexible plan options to meet customers’ needs.