Or, perhaps, AT&T could send a basic phone bill to subscribers on paper and post the details online by default. In a world where data usage is exploding, as smartphones and Internet-ready feature phones are becoming more and more popular, the problem will only get worse if AT&T doesn't do something soon.

As independent analyst Rob Enderle said to USA Today, ”Not only does it cost AT&T more to do this, it just upsets customers. It's bad business."

As America's largest mobile operator, AT&T would be setting a good example that other carrier's could follow. It would also save itself a lot of money. Heck, it could choose to pass those savings onto the consumer, or, even use the extra cash to make improvements to its wireless network.

While excessively detailed phone bills existed before the iPhone, because it is a cultural touchstone and the most hyped mobile-device ever, this particular smartphone has attracted a great deal of attention to the matter.

You've got at least a couple of hundred thousand people, many who have little or no experience e-mailing, texting, or accessing the Web from a mobile handset, receiving their first bills nearly simultaneously. And when they do, the bills aren't just higher than they thought they'd be, they’re so detailed it's annoying, and, for some, intimidating

Still Far From Paperless World
Years ago, there was much talk about the paperless office, about how computers and the Internet would reduce the need for paper, if not make paper as the main medium for carrying information obsolete. Well, if you look around, it is easy to see the opposite has happened. We use more paper than ever in our work places and receive more junk mail than ever at home, for example.

It would be nice if a carrier-giant like AT&T stepped up after the outcry over the iPhone bills to demonstrate that it’s a company that cares about the environment and what its customers think. It would be good PR and good for business.

That's a win, win, win situation.

Upfront iPhone Costs
Late in June, Apple and AT&T started selling the iPhone after months (if not years) of build up and hype. Today, the 4GB model still sells $499 and the 8GB version for $599. Monthly usage plans range from $59.99 to $79.99.

All plans feature unlimited mobile-to-mobile calls, unlimited data usage (i.e. e-mail and Internet), roll over minutes, 200 SMS text messages, and Visual Voicemail, which allows you to see who left messages and listen to them in the order you choose. You can choose to pay extra for more or unlimited text messaging.