AT&T looks to add family data plans

NEW ORLEANS — The head of AT&T’s wireless business said he’s looking to introduce plans that share a data allowance among family members, similar to the way it sells family calling plans.

AT&T’s Ralph de la Vega said the company is working out the details of such plans, but has no firm launch date. Competitor Verizon Wireless has said it plans to introduce family plans this summer.

“We’ll introduce them when we can,” De la Vega said. He was speaking on the sidelines of the CTIA Wireless show in New Orleans, which opened Tuesday.

The plans could make data service more affordable in families where data-capable devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops proliferate. Right now, each device needs a separate data plan.

CNET reported earlier on AT&T’s plans.