AT&T has been making moves to allow for "sponsored data" on their wireless network - usage that does not count against your monthly data caps. Finding ways to take advantage of this is about to get a lot easier...
A company called Syntonic Wireless is rolling out an iOS and Android app that will act as a portal to sponsored content - allowing for a range of sites to be visited (only through the app) without it counting against your monthly allotment.
Sites signed up with Syntonic include Airbnb, Amazon, eBay, ESPN, Etsy, Expedia, Facebook, MLB.com, Open Table, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and Yelp - with more on the way.
On one hand this is great for users fighting to stay under the monthly caps, but on the other this is a genuine threat to the idea of an open internet -- with non-participating sites left at a competitive disadvantage and AT&T left with less incentive to bring out lower per GB prices for non-sponsored data.
It is also unclear how much information the sponsoring sites get handed about you in return for paying for your access.
You can sign up to be part of the beta program now if you are interested in trying this service out. We'll be checking it out further once the iOS app is released.
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of