See my sister reply, it's definitely not twice as much now (but was 18 months ago), but is still higher. (For example going from 2GB to 5GB in 2014 would cost you $20 more, and now costs $30 more).
How much would the starting level of 2GB cost then, though? Your other post seems to ignore the mandatory voice service, which I think has become a bit cheaper. It certainly has if you want unlimited, but not as much if you're like me and 500 minutes was fine.
Unlimited texting & voice was also not standard back then though. They charge more for data now to make up for having to give voice & sms away basically for free.
It's not really free, nor are they losing money on it. It's just that's texts are no loner cost as more then sending a msg to the International Space Station. You know, back when you were paying 10 cents for a 160 bytes.
