You don't think the power company is actually paying for a full $30-$40 a month 3G data plan do you?
This is actually pretty standard for these kind of cellular data collection systems. The company negotiates a ridiculously monthly rate for a bulk volume of devices, on the premise that those devices will be using very a low and probably consistent monthly amount of data.
In return, they usually have a very low data allowance and high to very high overage charges. Basically, it puts the pressure on the company to ensure that their equipment is properly configured and really doesn't use a large amount of data.
This is actually pretty standard for these kind of cellular data collection systems. The company negotiates a ridiculously monthly rate for a bulk volume of devices, on the premise that those devices will be using very a low and probably consistent monthly amount of data.
In return, they usually have a very low data allowance and high to very high overage charges. Basically, it puts the pressure on the company to ensure that their equipment is properly configured and really doesn't use a large amount of data.