If you have been paying attention to AT&T recently you might remember hearing or reading about their declaration of Open Network: Any Device Our Network. Basically the idea behind this statement was to attract those customers out there who are against carrier subsidized handsets and would rather enjoy buying unlocked GSM devices to use on AT&T’s 3G network without a contract. The catch to the entire puzzle is being able to choose from the post paid plans and services as a new AT&T customer would be able to do once signing a 2 year carrier commitment, but being able to accomplish this without the burden of a contract. Now for history sake this option has existed within the ranks of AT&T stores and the online marketplace and is not a new feature for the carrier, but it is the first time they have made a public announcement about the option and are encouraging the use of devices they do not offer to be used on their network.

Well the time came to see if AT&T would follow through with these claims by visiting one of their local retail locations. If you are waiting for my confirmation that this SIM only option does exist, well you have it. The SIM only option is available at all retail stores and online available now, but there are some small costs associated with this freedom. The first important piece of information for prospective AT&T SIM only subscribers is the activation requirement of $30 which you will pay at the point of purchasing the SIM only option from AT&T. This activation is a requirement for full 2 year contracts as well as the SIM only activations so you will not be able to get around this fee.

The SIM card itself is free so the only monetary burden you will occur will be the activation fee of $30. Once you are given your AT&T SIM card you have the same options that any new AT&T subscriber would have in choosing your plan and services, but unlike the 2 year commitment subscriber you do not have any obligation to continue service with AT&T and you are free to cancel at anytime. Your account will be post-paid so you will be in the same situation that an existing AT&T subscriber would face once they have completed their 2 year contract and are now on a month to month plan.

I am very happy with the confirmation that this SIM only option for AT&T does exist in more than theory. If you are considering testing out AT&T service and their 3G mobile internet speeds I would definitely recommend going ahead and opt for the SIM only option without going through the hassle of returning equipment and worrying that AT&T might charge you an EFT (Early Termination Fee). I do understand that worry free 30 days are available for nearly every carrier in the business, but returning equiptment and waiting for a credit to be issued to your card is a hassel and time consuming, but nothing will compare to being incorrectly charged a ETF when you only had service for a few weeks.

So there you have it, go out and get your SIM only AT&T option going and enjoy some 3G GSM service. On a side note I was able to run a few speed tests at the AT&T store to see how it compared with the HTC Mogul on the Sprint network. I was able to hit 1.2 Mbps using the 2wire.com speed test with AT&T and I was able to hit 1.35 Mbps with the Mogul on the same website. I am beginning to become impressed with AT&T’s 3G offering especially with EVDO Rev A being updated on the Mogul.

Want to get that iPhone without a contract, but use AT&T service? Go ahead and do your jailbreak and slap in your shinny new AT&T Sim card. If you are considering a Blackjack II or Tilt you can go ahead and purchase the phones unlocked and without carrier bloatware, just slide in your AT&T SIM card and have at it.