Chat via SMS maybe?
Surur
I don't know, my w600i has a full-fledged POP/IMAP email client, Yahoo/MSN/AIM chat client, WAP browser. (actually reluctantly got a Treo because my TX digitizer is dying, the phone is pretty "smart" actually) Personally I think they are content with a $20 unlimited data plan from most people. That's some good money, I pay about the same for my home DSL.
I think this is more of an issue of Apple wanting to get the phone out the door before the competition can catch up (and not really being ready) so it is still "5 years ahead" than any nefarious plan between Apple and AT&T. Besides, isn't the iPhone going to be tied to a $500 pricetag for 2 years/$40 a months unlimited data plan like Treos are anyway? That's how they get people, by saying you get a savings if you sign the contract. I bought an unlocked phone simply to avoid the contract and the $20 more a month for unlimited SMS/MMS. I can make due with 200 messages per month.
The iPhone's web browser is certainly looking to be top of it's class, and the phone OS and hardware also seem the best out there, but I feel a Treo is still a better device for me right now. But iPhone 2.0 may change that, especially if they can get the size and then cost down a bit.