AT&T announced their new expanded international service plans today for frequent travelers that need to stay connected no matter where they go.

The new services include:

New international data discount plans for smartphone and LaptopConnect users.

Increased global voice and data coverage:

• International data roaming coverage in more than 150 countries, up from 145.
• More countries where discounted data packages apply — up from 41 to 67.
• International roaming coverage on more major cruise ships — up from 75 to 120.

New global GPS navigation with turn-by-turn GPS directions in the six Olympic cities in China, as well as Western Europe and North America.

Both LaptopConnect and smartphone users will now be able to use data at a much cheaper rate overseas. Two new plans are available starting today including a 50MB of data plan that works in 67 countries for an additional $59.99 a month (smartphone) and a 5GB of data plan (U.S. only) that includes 200 MB in 67 countries for $229.99 a month (LaptopConnect).

In addition, there is AT&T Navigator Global addition, the only GPS service from a U.S. wireless carrier with international capabilities. You can use either text or verbal turn-by-turn directions in “six Olympic cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao, Shenyang, Tianjin and Qinhuangdao as well as most western European countries, North America and the U.S. Caribbean.”

However, this raised one important question: Wouldn’t the GPS eat up all of your allotted data usage in a jiffy?

Per Brad Mays this is the response to our inquiry about GPS data usage:

Any data use goes toward your 50MB (except SMS/MMS).  AT&T Navigator Global Edition does not download maps because that uses more data; instead it gives you turn by turn directions…Moving 3D maps [is] very data intensive so eliminated to keep data consumption (and therefore cost to customer) lower.  International does provide a visual of the turn to be made and as Alex stated it does provide turn by turn text and spoken directions.

Read the rest of the press release.

The following are the new AT&T ads that focus on wireless services abroad.

Alter Ego Hotel Ad

Alter Ego Hong Kong Ad

Alter Ego Beach Ad

Bill Kurtis Amelia Ad

[Thanks Brad Mays, see AT&T for full details]