This is a trend that’s becoming crystal clear. Essential services cost money. Need tethering support for your iPhone? AT&T will charge extra. Need GPS turn-by-turn navigation? Here it comes. AT&T will charge extra. Their new Navigator software is free, with a catch:

The application, which provides voice-guided directions with automatic rerouting and real-time traffic updates, is a free download from the AT&T store and includes maps for the U.S. as well as regular updates. Naturally, it requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later, but it’s compatible with both the iPhone and iPod touch.

The application is a free download but the turn-by-turn navigation service is $10 a month. I can’t wait to play an iPhone game that charges me 99-cents to go to the next level.