michaelmurfy:

 

Yeah I see this as a soft launch of "hey want a sim for your device or tablet? That'll be $5/mo thankyou"

 

Over here in AU with the main providers - Optus, Vodafone, Telstra: 

• All provide data pooling (usually by default) to all numbers on the account at no additional charge. 
• Above the line, Optus and Vodafone offer data sims for tablets/ipads etc for $20 which also adds 20-30GB to your pool. There are no excess charges on their 'upfront' charged plans. 
• Below the line, you might be able to get discounted or free data sims from Optus or Vodafone. 
• Telstra offers data only SIM's for $10 a month, which also adds 10GB - also have no excess charge. 

$5 a month isn't 'out of line' with their Australian brothers and sisters... although given their history with 2D, I understand why people aren't too happy about it.