From the press release via Droid Life-
" T-Mobile is the only major national wireless provider to make tablets affordable, connected and mobile right out of the box. There’s no bait and switch, no trial period and no strings attached. T-Mobile is the only national wireless provider to offer tablet owners up to 200 MB of free 4G LTE data every month for as long as they own their tablet, even if they’re not yet a T-Mobile customer.[iii] It’s really as good as it sounds – 200 MB of free data on T-Mobile’s nationwide 4G LTE network. That means each month customers can send approximately 800 Instagram photos, more than 2,500 emails or stream 200 minutes of music – all for free."
This is a great perk for those of us with the LTE Nexus 7 and another reason to get one if you havent already. Just thought Id share the good news. :laugh:
Well you should train your retail store employees. They just told me only the first month was free.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
It looks like you'll have to wait until November 1st. From Engadget's article on same-
"As of November 1st, the no-charge bandwidth will be available for the lifetime of any tablet on the network; customers who pay for data will get the 200MB on top of their existing caps. The company is simultaneously launching a tablet trade-in program that will discount new devices when shoppers bring in old slates, even if they're WiFi-only."
really happy about this. :laugh:
This will be sweet
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
so long as i am paying for an expensive phone contract, i will not ever consider an LTE tablet contract as well. If only we could get this is england, it would be great.
What i wish someone would do though, is allow you to buy a second sim if you have an LTE phone contract. If i can tether my tablet to my phone, why can't they just create a system where you can have two sims, linked, and share your monthly data allowance between the two.
That's exqc ly what at&t and Verizon are doing with their plans in the US. The way only problem is that they've priced them so high it only helps if you have many devices. They also don't allow tethering. You generally have to install a 3rd party ROM for that.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
hughlle said:
What i wish someone would do though, is allow you to buy a second sim if you have an LTE phone contract. If i can tether my tablet to my phone, why can't they just create a system where you can have two sims, linked, and share your monthly data allowance between the two.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's widely available here in Germany. I don't use it, because my phone operator has a good entry level offer (unlimited SMS, unlimited calls in my network and another one, 100 minutes into any network and 300MB UMTS data, after that it is locked to 2G speed) for 18€ per month. 300MB is fine for my smartphone usage. But upgrading to 1GB even adds 10€ per month, going to 3GB doubles the cost. But in theory if I had more data volume, I could add another SIM card to that plan and use the data on all devices.
But it was easier and cheaper to get a heavily discounted contract from another operator (Telekom) which has a better network for data and it costs me 14€ per month for 5GB LTE volume.
Wrngway said:
That's exqc ly what at&t and Verizon are doing with their plans in the US. The way only problem is that they've priced them so high it only helps if you have many devices. They also don't allow tethering. You generally have to install a 3rd party ROM for that.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
That's not exactly true. We switched just my wife's phone to the family share plan and it was the same price as paying for the lowest amount of data + minutes + sms. On the share plan she now has unlimited sms, unlimited, calls, and 1GB of data as compared to 400 minutes, a small block of sms, and 300 MB of data. Not to mention before she did not have tethering and now she has tethering already included. Switched one device and we're already seeing savings.
So, for the same price we got: Unlimited Minutes, Unlimited SMS, 3 times the data, and tethering included (a service we didn't get before). So how is this AT&T pricing too high?
Now if we add my Nexus 7 on the plan it will be only $10 more a month and I will share 1GB of data with her. I don't find that to be priced too high at all. Either way, I'll be taking my free data from T-Mobile and just tether from my phone when I run out.
If i wanted just 200mb from my current provider, it would cost me £2 and would only be available for 24 hours. If i want the data available for a whole month i could get 1gb for £10. It is a joke.
I looked into it in the UK for my provider (02) and looks like they do allow this shared data thing, but only if you have a business contract with them.
LTE tablets are just not going to succeed so long as they are requiring people who already pay for a data plan on their mobile to pay for a data plan on their tablet as well. I will just tether, because name a situation where you have your tablet at hand, but not your phone.
sola fide said:
That's not exactly true. We switched just my wife's phone to the family share plan and it was the same price as paying for the lowest amount of data + minutes + sms. On the share plan she now has unlimited sms, unlimited, calls, and 1GB of data as compared to 400 minutes, a small block of sms, and 300 MB of data. Not to mention before she did not have tethering and now she has tethering already included. Switched one device and we're already seeing savings.
So, for the same price we got: Unlimited Minutes, Unlimited SMS, 3 times the data, and tethering included (a service we didn't get before). So how is this AT&T pricing too high?
Now if we add my Nexus 7 on the plan it will be only $10 more a month and I will share 1GB of data with her. I don't find that to be priced too high at all. Either way, I'll be taking my free data from T-Mobile and just tether from my phone when I run out.
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Click to collapse
I suppose it depends on your situation. I haven't had to go out shopping in a while, but I'm grandfathered into a Verizon Unlimited data plan for roughly $125/mo for two smartphones. I'm stuck in contract until Aug 2014 for now.
For a Verizon share plan, we'd spend roughly $15 more for both phones and 4Gb of data (we use more than 2Gb combined)...assuming they apply our employee discount to the entire account. Adding a tablet is another $10 and we don't need mobile tablet access every month.
If I had to shop now, I'd look at Net10 with AT&T access for 2 phones for $85 and 2.5Gb of high speed data each. Then with the money saved I could get a prepaid tablet plan when I need it from whomever had the best rates at the time.
Of course if you can tether your phone, which I can do with my GS3 right now, then your data might as well be pooled and an extra sim is just a matter of convenience.
I'm hoping things in the US are starting to change for the better. It seems like a racket compared to rates available in Europe.
Related
I switched over to the new 20gb mobile share plan from ATT...I had the 5gb plan and continuously went over the limit and had to pay close to $100 in overages consistently. Unfortunately, I travel for work, so I'm constantly in hotels, so there's no way I can have a cable company install internet in my room, and the wifi from the hotels is hopelessly slow. I looked into broadband or "mifi" but they all had some limitations, whether in speed or in data allowance.
Here was my idea: Switch to a 4gb mobile share plan (I have 2 lines) from ATT, then get another phone from either Sprint or T-Mobile since they offer unlimited data. Sprint only offers 2gb or 6gb hotspot plans, but I'll just root and get their unlmtd plan, and T-Mo is goin to offer unlmtd 4G starting Sep. 5, and while they won't allow hotspots, once again, I'll just root. Right now, I'm paying $260/month for two smartphones and 20gb shared between the two on ATT. If I switch to 4gb, I'd be paying $150, plus getting an unlimited plan from either Sprint or TMo, get a basic Android phone that offers a tethering option, and monthly pay no more than maybe $70-$100, which would put my bill max at $250, still $10 cheaper than what I'm paying now and I get the added benefit of unlimited data.
I would be using the T-Mobile or Sprint phone for strictly a hotspot, so I'd need minimal minutes and messages. Does this make sense? Is there something I'm missing that would make this impossible?
composi said:
I switched over to the new 20gb mobile share plan from ATT...I had the 5gb plan and continuously went over the limit and had to pay close to $100 in overages consistently. Unfortunately, I travel for work, so I'm constantly in hotels, so there's no way I can have a cable company install internet in my room, and the wifi from the hotels is hopelessly slow. I looked into broadband or "mifi" but they all had some limitations, whether in speed or in data allowance.
Here was my idea: Switch to a 4gb mobile share plan (I have 2 lines) from ATT, then get another phone from either Sprint or T-Mobile since they offer unlimited data. Sprint only offers 2gb or 6gb hotspot plans, but I'll just root and get their unlmtd plan, and T-Mo is goin to offer unlmtd 4G starting Sep. 5, and while they won't allow hotspots, once again, I'll just root. Right now, I'm paying $260/month for two smartphones and 20gb shared between the two on ATT. If I switch to 4gb, I'd be paying $150, plus getting an unlimited plan from either Sprint or TMo, get a basic Android phone that offers a tethering option, and monthly pay no more than maybe $70-$100, which would put my bill max at $250, still $10 cheaper than what I'm paying now and I get the added benefit of unlimited data.
I would be using the T-Mobile or Sprint phone for strictly a hotspot, so I'd need minimal minutes and messages. Does this make sense? Is there something I'm missing that would make this impossible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to insult you, but using a phone exclusively as a hotspot is kind of a douchebag move. I know you need it for business and I know you're trying to save money, but you're the reason unlimited data is going away and carriers started cracking down on tethering. So please, don't do that, and consider going for a business line on AT&T or something.
What he said ^^^. Cricket has 3G unlimited data and they have modems as well. That may be a thought.
Hello,
I'm planning on purchasing the Nexus 7 w/ HSPA+ once it's available. As as far pre-paid plans go, it would seem T-Mobile has the best 4G plans available. I know T-Mobile has specific pre-paid tablet plans available, but the amount of data per dollar seems less then what I could get with their "Pay By The Day" $3/day plan.. Now obviously that plan is setup with phones in mind as it includes Talk + Text, but I don't plan on using the cell radio everyday on the tablet because on most days I'm covered by Wifi.
I don't like their tablet broadband plans because the data is offered in 7 day blocks and I'd rather pay a premium price for unlimited data for the day vs paying 5x the cost for a measly 300MB of data.
I'm just curious, Is there any reason why this plan wouldn't work w/ a tablet?
Thanks in advance,
- Mitalis
Since this is not a T-mobile device you may get away with a SIM set up with a phone plan. But it's popularity may induce t-mobile to block it as they have done recently blocking Nexus Phones to be used with broadband plans. It's a wait and see really.
On the other hand, I'm my self planning to use my planned Nexus 7 3G with a combination of ATT Broadband plan, Tmobile broadband and freedom pop.
I will have to see....with broadband plans only you get more data for your money...the bad side is the period limit.
Tip: Tmobile has a special 60 days vs 30 days if you buy your broadband card from Walmart only on the $35 3.5gb and 50 5gb plans. After that you can renew them online without having to go thru Walmart.
The other option I will look into...(which negate the benefit of 3G Nexus) is the Internet on the go plans which use Sprint...but recent changes make them very competitive in a sense you pay like 1.13 cents per MB.....and the gb you buy will never expire....The cons are you have to buy a $80 hotspot device, carry it around and you only get EVDO Rev A...thru sprint...Not as fast as tmobile.
Mitalis said:
Hello,
I'm planning on purchasing the Nexus 7 w/ HSPA+ once it's available. As as far pre-paid plans go, it would seem T-Mobile has the best 4G plans available. I know T-Mobile has specific pre-paid tablet plans available, but the amount of data per dollar seems less then what I could get with their "Pay By The Day" $3/day plan.. Now obviously that plan is setup with phones in mind as it includes Talk + Text, but I don't plan on using the cell radio everyday on the tablet because on most days I'm covered by Wifi.
I don't like their tablet broadband plans because the data is offered in 7 day blocks and I'd rather pay a premium price for unlimited data for the day vs paying 5x the cost for a measly 300MB of data.
I'm just curious, Is there any reason why this plan wouldn't work w/ a tablet?
Thanks in advance,
- Mitalis
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats about $80 a month (assuming you go a few days without using the 3G Coverage)
You are going to realize after getting your Nexus 7 it will be used more often than you think... I bought mine, thinking it would be something to keep around the house, watch movies, listen to music on occasion, and take it on road trips. But it turned out I hardly put it down, I use it more than my cell phone. So I will certainly be getting the 3G model as soon as google makes it available for order.
The T-mobile "Classic – Overage-Free Plus" has a 2gb 4G limit, but it doesn't cut you off or charge you more when you use of the 2gb, it just drops you to 3G (maybe 2G) speeds until the next month. So you have Unlimited Data, just not always a High(er) speeds. Its gonna cost you 40$/mo but atleast it doesnt charge you more or cut you off completely like most other Wireless Carriers do. (http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/mobile-broadband-plans.aspx)
I ordered a StraightTalk (US Based) SIM Card, and will see how well it works, and how service is in my small town.
But if that does not work, I have T-mobiles Completely Unlimited Service Plan (Unlimited Talk/Text/Data) for $89. I can just add a new line (to get a another SIM Card) for $10 more a month, and share the Data with the Nexus 7 3G
nashi20002003 said:
Since this is not a T-mobile device you may get away with a SIM set up with a phone plan. But it's popularity may induce t-mobile to block it as they have done recently blocking Nexus Phones to be used with broadband plans. It's a wait and see really.
On the other hand, I'm my self planning to use my planned Nexus 7 3G with a combination of ATT Broadband plan, Tmobile broadband and freedom pop.
I will have to see....with broadband plans only you get more data for your money...the bad side is the period limit.
Tip: Tmobile has a special 60 days vs 30 days if you buy your broadband card from Walmart only on the $35 3.5gb and 50 5gb plans. After that you can renew them online without having to go thru Walmart.
The other option I will look into...(which negate the benefit of 3G Nexus) is the Internet on the go plans which use Sprint...but recent changes make them very competitive in a sense you pay like 1.13 cents per MB.....and the gb you buy will never expire....The cons are you have to buy a $80 hotspot device, carry it around and you only get EVDO Rev A...thru sprint...Not as fast as tmobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You dont want to do that sprint EVDO is slower than a snail... Its unlimited but your battery on the device will run out before you can get anything real accomplished.
Mitalis said:
Hello,
I'm planning on purchasing the Nexus 7 w/ HSPA+ once it's available. As as far pre-paid plans go, it would seem T-Mobile has the best 4G plans available. I know T-Mobile has specific pre-paid tablet plans available, but the amount of data per dollar seems less then what I could get with their "Pay By The Day" $3/day plan.. Now obviously that plan is setup with phones in mind as it includes Talk + Text, but I don't plan on using the cell radio everyday on the tablet because on most days I'm covered by Wifi.
I don't like their tablet broadband plans because the data is offered in 7 day blocks and I'd rather pay a premium price for unlimited data for the day vs paying 5x the cost for a measly 300MB of data.
I'm just curious, Is there any reason why this plan wouldn't work w/ a tablet?
Thanks in advance,
- Mitalis
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any updates from anyone on this.... Curious if you can use the Nexus 7 3g on a $3 daily plan... I just want to use it when I travel in the states...
It won't work. Tmo will block the tablet. Use a prepaid broadband plan instead, or tether to a phone.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
The subject kinda says it all. I'm one of the lucky ones that got grandfathered in on big red's unlimited data plan.
My wife has been on at&t and she's tired of it. Her phone (Atrix 4G) is falling apart and she isn't thrilled with the phone offerings from at&t.
She loves the Razr M so I've been looking to get her added to my account. It would also save us about $30 per month for her not to be on at&t separately.
A few months ago it was still possible to add an individual line to an existing account, without affecting the primary account.
Now they force me to convert my primary line over to a share-all-your-money plan, which will mean I lose my unlimited data.
The thing is, I use, on average, about 2.5G of data. I'm not a heavy user and I know that. My wife isn't either so we could make due with 4GB.
So, I need some thoughts.
1) Keep my unlimited and sign my wife up for her own individual big red plan? (no savings per month, but happy wife)
2) Convert over to a shared data plan, and add line for wife. ($30/mo savings)
So, it comes down to this: is having unlimited data you don't really use worth the $30 in added cost?
One side of my brain says no, the other says yes.
I have been battling that same question. My answer was keep my unlimited data as long as I can. Why? With more and more things going towards the cloud my data usage is sure to go up in the future. So I'm thinking for then and not now. I don't think Verizon is doing this because the masses asked to share data as they would have us believe. Verizon seen data usage dramatically increasing in the future as well and is trying to get us to switch now when our usage is low. Now is when they can convince us we don't use much data.
Sent from my XT926
I was grand-fathered into unlimited data for a while, but then I started tracking my actual data usage and it was only about 1.5-2.0GB per month so I just switched over. The only time now where I would maybe want it back, is if I was using 4G has my home Internet connection and just using my phone as a mobile hotspot. I don't feel that would be reliable enough so I'm fine with it.
I have a feeling sooner or later Verizon will come up with some way to get those who are still on unlimited data and won't sign a new contract.
I would just get her a verizon pay as you go plan. Decent phones. Give your wife your phone and then make twelve monthly payments on yours?
I am almost certain if you keep calling back eventually you'll get someone to transfer you that can help. You can probably find a rep to finagle 29.99 4GB...
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD
THe only reason to a share plan is to get subsidized phone.
I have resigned myself to keep unlimited until they kick me off. I'll buy my phone retail if I have to.
If they kick me off I'll switch to Sprint.
Keep unlimited at all costs.
We use a combined 11-13GB on three lines.
I kind of split the difference. I stayed on the old voice plan but was able to get a subsidized phone upgrade by losing my unlimited data. I instead got a 5GB data plan and dropped unlimited texting and switched completely over the Google Voice (which I had been meaning to do). So I pay the same as a 2GB share everything plan but with 400 minutes of voice (not a problem for me) and 5 GB of data... I only ever use up till 3 GB so I have been considering lowering to 3 or 4GB and just paying the $10/GB overage on months that I go over.
So there is some room for negotiations when you talk to the tele sales folks. That's good to know!
-- Android: It's a UNIX thing. You wouldn't understand.
Keep it no matter what. NO MATTER WHAT. Even if you don't use the unlimited, you could sell it to a friend (someone trustworthy) who has a crappy home internet connection, and turn a hefty profit. Just give them the activated SIM card and they can put it in a mobile hotspot and easily beat ADSL speeds for less money and better reliability.
Seriously, you guys are making a huge mistake by giving up one of the last reasonable cellular data plans in North America; nay, the entire world.
Don't do it. Keep your unlimited. Set up a new account for a new phone if you have to. Pay retail on new phones if you have to. Sell your activated SIM to someone you trust who'll use the data for a huge profit. Do anything EXCEPT willingly give in to The Man and the fascist data plan, oops I mean the shared data plan.
Sent from my Motorola RAZR Maxx HD with Tapatalk 4
I wish I never got rid of mine. I switched to the 2gb plan when they first offered it to save money because I used about a gig a month. Now I have the 15gb plan.. Damnit
Sent from my PACMAN MATRIX HD MAXX
Howard forums has people wanting to do assumption of liabilities. Now I've never heard of someone selling their unlimited plan but that's only because most people that go the aol route are in contract, need out, and find people that really need unlimited.
I would not be advising someone to use the sim solely for home Internet. Yes it's unlimited but some use hundreds of gigs of data. This isn't good for others. You could also get caught.
The only reason I'm keeping my unlimited plan is because we have 2 smartphones and 3 feature phones. Always transfer upgrades to the feature phones and transfer new phone back. Why waste upgrade when feature phones are super cheap retail?
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD
jfriend33 said:
I would not be advising someone to use the sim solely for home Internet. Yes it's unlimited but some use hundreds of gigs of data. This isn't good for others. You could also get caught.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Few things:
1. You can consistently use between 50 and 75 GB per month and not get in trouble. Believe it or not there are people who use more than that and haven't been threatened with disconnection. But yes, if you download at 100% line capacity 24/7 you will get disconnected. Even 50 GB can be downloaded in an extremely short time (about 1 to 2 days depending on your LTE signal), leaving a lot of room for other users on the network.
2. Verizon is contractually prohibited by the FCC, which allows them to operate the licensed 700 MHz spectrum, from discriminating against a user because of that user's choice of device, which means you can either tether a smartphone or use a mobile hotspot, or even a USB modem, and they can't do anything against you based solely on your choice of device or they risk losing their operating license.
3. All of Verizon's towers will throttle your LTE speed down to a lower level (faster than 3G, but way slower than your LTE is capable of) if they identify you as a heavy data user AND the tower is 100% utilized. So they minimize data hogs' impact on other users by slowing them down when the tower is busy. Light or Occasional data users will be able to use the tower at full LTE speeds. When the tower isn't busy, well, why do you care if unlimited users are just using up spare capacity? That doesn't hurt anyone at all, and doesn't cost Verizon a penny, since all their back haul and peering is unmetered, so if they aren't 100% utilizing it they are actually paying for capacity that isn't being used, which is a waste.
I'm lucky that the tower closest to me at home is ALWAYS extremely under-utilized. I get fantastic speeds and no throttling, ever, at home. In the city I have seen close to 3G speeds on the LTE network due to saturation, which I am fine with. I still benefit from LTE's improved reliability and ping compared to 3G, so even if it's not 20 Mbps, I'm happy to have what I'm allowed. Verizon keeps me on a pretty long leash.
And no, I don't make the network worse for everyone else by using 70GB on an underutilized tower. 70GB over a month is not even a drop in a bucket to Verizon's back end infrastructure. I know some FiOS users who run multiple terabytes per month.
Sent from my Motorola RAZR Maxx HD with Tapatalk 4
I love my unlimited data and I'm definitely gonna keep it. If i like a new phone that comes out, ill just pay full price for it. I canceled my internet and cable at home because I have access to both thru my phone. I average around 150gigs a month and haven't seen a decrease in speed.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda app-developers app
I seem to have struck a nerve with someone and that was not my intention. You are probably used to having countless people advocating for verizon and following their rules. I am not one of them.
I was not aware that such policies were in place to protect the consumers. This is good to hear. I was under the impression that 4G devices weren't throttled (for the most part), even when on 3g and that only 3g devices were being throttled after heavy use. Verizon has obviously updated their guidelines so I need to read up on it.
I could not limit my home internet consumption to only 50 gigs. What is an average use anyway? I'm generally under 200 gigs. I am in areas where 4G is new and isn't that fast (under 10mbps, 3g tops off at 0.75) or in a big city where it's over utilized. I pay $20 a month for 50 mbps cable internet and that is a luxury many do not have.
Let's face it. We are lucky to have this unlimited plan. There are no guarantees on how much longer it will last. Just keep it, please?
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD
I switched from Sprint Unlimited to Verizon "share-all-of-your-money" (that's about right) plan. I had a real hard time letting go, but my wife and I have been on for 2 months now and it hasn't been a problem. We went with 4GB, and I initially thought it would be a problem, but we haven't even come close to 2GB yet. I mitigate that a lot by using WiFi as much as possible. Especially when I'm home, but also at work. I've also become a lot less bashful about asking for their WiFi password. What's the worst that could happen? They just say no. Many of them don't care though and don't give it a second thought. I also make the conscious decision to wait until I'm home to watch that YouTube video or what have you everyone one is clamoring about. I also used to tether my laptop to my phone and used that as my primary internet connection. Haven't needed to do that, so data consumption has gotten a lot less.
I haven't found it that difficult to live with a 4GB cap.
tech_head said:
THe only reason to a share plan is to get subsidized phone.
I have resigned myself to keep unlimited until they kick me off. I'll buy my phone retail if I have to.
If they kick me off I'll switch to Sprint.
Keep unlimited at all costs.
We use a combined 11-13GB on three lines.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what happens when Sprint cuts off unlimited? I agree with the idea of voting with your wallet but in this case, I feel there needs to be an exception. Given the financial standing of Sprint atm, I can't see why any one would risk jumping to them. Plus if enough people follow suit like you, it is bound to bog down Sprint's network until they start to cap data plans to.
Xplorer4x4 said:
And what happens when Sprint cuts off unlimited? I agree with the idea of voting with your wallet but in this case, I feel there needs to be an exception. Given the financial standing of Sprint atm, I can't see why any one would risk jumping to them. Plus if enough people follow suit like you, it is bound to bog down Sprint's network until they start to cap data plans to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They claim "unlimited forever".
What financial standing, they just got bought by SoftBank Mobile (Japanese).
They are building out their network and adding more LTE from their old iDEN spectrum, that and they bought Clearwire.
When Verizon makes me move from unlimited, I'll be jumping to Sprint.
tech_head said:
They claim "unlimited forever".
What financial standing, they just got bought by SoftBank Mobile (Japanese).
They are building out their network and adding more LTE from their old iDEN spectrum, that and they bought Clearwire.
When Verizon makes me move from unlimited, I'll be jumping to Sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an old saying. Talk is cheap. I seriously doubt they will retain unlimited forever. I would ask for a contract and read that thing over and over and over again as I would not be surprised to see some sort of clause in there that they have the right to terminate the unlimited data at any time because they get greedy like ATT and VZW.
Finance wise, you're right. I forgot about the buy outs. They are in a much better position financially and network wise, but they are still in the early roll out stages making it to early to judge just how well the network upgrade will be in the end. I also haven't heard how involved SoftBank has been so far. Have they only put up the money while still letting the former Sprint execs run the company for the most part?
My wife and I both gave up our unlimited data. She gave up hers to upgrade and I just gave mine up to save money. We have 3 smart phones sharing 4GB. I was using more than 10GB every month myself on unlimited. But a little prudence and control and we have no problem. In fact our month is over next week and we haven't even used 2GB between three phones.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Xparent Purple Tapatalk 2
I'd say to just do the math of what saves you more of the course of 2 yrs. If its cheaper in the long run by a significant amount to switch to the new plan and get a subsidized phone, and you can't foresee needing unlimited data, it just makes sense to switch. I personally am planning on keeping my unlimited plan while buying phones at full price due to highly fluctuating data usage.
Xplorer4x4 said:
There is an old saying. Talk is cheap. I seriously doubt they will retain unlimited forever. I would ask for a contract and read that thing over and over and over again as I would not be surprised to see some sort of clause in there that they have the right to terminate the unlimited data at any time because they get greedy like ATT and VZW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, they've already added that to the contract, effective July 1st. If you no longer qualify for a plan or they no longer support a plan, they can switch you to a new one. (Paraphrased, but close to a direct quote)
So glad I jumped ship from Sprint in May.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
Hi folks,
First post on the Verizon side. I've been on Sprint forever but am looking at converting to Verizon for their better coverage and better customer satisfaction (at least according to Consumer Reports). We went to the local Verizon store and it seems like we could save money by switching to their 2 year contract. But I want to confirm a couple of things with the forum, as I know sometimes you get, um, incomplete info from the sales folks.
On Sprint, you have to pay an additional charge to make the phone a hotspot. It is THE reason I rooted my S4, to be able to do that for free. I was told it is a free include on the Verizon smartphone plans. So can y'all confirm that is true, and talk about any issues/details I should know about? It would sure make the deal pretty sweet if that is included and pain free!
It sounds like it's easy to change the plan we are on for anticipated data usage. Most of the time, we have very little data usage during the month as we're almost always on a wifi connection. But we own an RV and can use a lot of data (hotspot) when on the road, for up to 2 months at time. Is it as easy as they say to call and bump it up for a couple of months, and then back down when done? Any pitfalls or costs associated with it?
How about roaming data usage? I was told at the store that as long as 50% or less of the data usage is roaming, they don't care. True? Horror stories?
Yes Hotspot usage is included in the plans for everyone except people like myself who still have unlimited data plan. You can also bump up your data if you expect to go over your limit and also bump it back down whenever needed without any problem or extra charges. Your roaming question im not sure about.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
No data/domestic roaming on Verizon. 50 states included
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
Savagerun said:
Yes Hotspot usage is included in the plans for everyone except people like myself who still have unlimited data plan. You can also bump up your data if you expect to go over your limit and also bump it back down whenever needed without any problem or extra charges. Your roaming question im not sure about.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Click to collapse
That's technically incorrect. It's not free on the $60 2gb unlimited talk and text plan, it's $15 each device(not a more everything plan). In a more everything plan it'll be included.
OP say you get 4gb of data.
1. On more everything it would be $70 for data and $40 for each smart phone so $150 total. The data is one allotment.
2. You do it on the individual plans on a family account, it can be done, but it would be $60 for 2gb per line and unlimited talk and text, so $120 for two with 4gb total. Add $15 per phone for hotspot, if it's on both then the plan cost is equal.
3. Edge, a bit more complicated but if you 4gb just get 10gb as the cost is the same because of the access fee discount per line.
joshua.justice said:
That's technically incorrect. It's not free on the $60 2gb unlimited talk and text plan, it's $15 each device(not a more everything plan). In a more everything plan it'll be included.
OP say you get 4gb of data.
1. On more everything it would be $70 for data and $40 for each smart phone so $150 total. The data is one allotment.
2. You do it on the individual plans on a family account, it can be done, but it would be $60 for 2gb per line and unlimited talk and text, so $120 for two with 4gb total. Add $15 per phone for hotspot, if it's on both then the plan cost is equal.
3. Edge, a bit more complicated but if you 4gb just get 10gb as the cost is the same because of the access fee discount per line.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the break down. I think I get it.
Another question about the hotspot. When hooked to the Hotspot, can the phone still make/receive calls? Assuming S5 and Note 3.
jejb said:
Thanks for the break down. I think I get it.
Another question about the hotspot. When hooked to the Hotspot, can the phone still make/receive calls? Assuming S5 and Note 3.
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Click to collapse
You're welcome, unfortunately I understand it all too well as I work at Best Buy and I'm fairly certain it wouldn't as voice is still a separate network frequency and CDMA can't use voice and data simultaneously. When they do VoLTE (voice over lte) it will work. They're suppose to be rolling out anytime.
joshua.justice said:
You're welcome, unfortunately I understand it all too well as I work at Best Buy and I'm fairly certain it wouldn't as voice is still a separate network frequency and CDMA can't use voice and data simultaneously. When they do VoLTE (voice over lte) it will work. They're suppose to be rolling out anytime.
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Click to collapse
Mostly right.
If you're in a 4G area, you can make/receive a call and still use 4G data at the same time.
quantumalpha said:
Mostly right.
If you're in a 4G area, you can make/receive a call and still use 4G data at the same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ding ding a ding ding ...
Data drops on phone call if on 3g .... LTE and voice work simultaneously no problem I do it all the time.
Not sure if anyone noticed but Verizon announced yesterday it was bringing back unlimited data! I was on the 24 GB plan with 10 devices. The VZ web site is basically down when you try and upgrade so I spent 2 hours on hold. When I finally got someone they compared what I pay now with what it would cost to go to unlimited. My cost went DOWN 30 bucks a month to go to unlimited. They can throttle you after 22 GB but only if there is heavy network congestion. I think this is the same thing T-Mobile and AT&T too. This new plan also provides 10 GB of hotspot use. I signed up just now.
https://www.verizonwireless.com/pla...=p&gclid=CNG6oabNjdICFcPqDQodRpkFHw&gclsrc=ds
Yeah this was all over Internet. Bad news: you can't use corporate discount. I am better off on their short lived 12 GB plan+2 extra GB wth rollover as it is cheaper wth corporate discount. Many months I have 20+ GB which is more than enough for me.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Just read up on this. Not a huge fan of Verizon but some things seem a little off to me about this plan.
"Everything included in Verizon Unlimited:
Unlimited talk, text and data.
If a line uses 22GB of data in a billing cycle, Verizon can throttle that line within the rest of the cycle should it attach to a congested network location.
10GB per month per line of 4G LTE tethering; drops to 3G after first 10GB.
Unlimited calls and text to Mexico and Canada.
Unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada. Only first 500MB of data at 4G LTE speeds; 2G afterwards.
“Full-quality HD video,” which Verizon says comes at you the way the partner sends it. It’s not throttled to 480p like T-Mobile and Sprint do. Technically, that should mean you get 4K streams, 1080p streams, and whatever else is sent to you from a partner (the app you are streaming from). There isn’t a toggle on or off – you just get HD and above streams if the partner is sending that level of stream."
Source: http://www.droid-life.com/2017/02/12/verizon-unlimited-plan-faq-pricing-availability/
I've highlighted two bullets there for a very specific reason. In my experience, the unlimited plans are great for people that are constantly scrolling their way through Facebook and Instagram and can't stay off Snapchat. Additionally (and perhaps more importantly), these plans are useful for people that like to stream videos and shows when WiFi isn't available to them. The fact that these videos are streamed to your device in the highest quality the connection can achieve is actually a problem. This is because you only get 10GB of 4G LTE data a month, afterwards it's throttled to 3G. This means that watching videos will use up your 10GB in a flash and then you'll be stuck with mediocre speeds.
For comparison, the equivalent T-Mobile plan gives you 26 GBs of unthrottled data for $10 less, after which you have the chance of being throttled. The only drawback being that all of the video content you watch is in 460p or less. Either way, it's kind of cool to see Verizon bringing this plan back. Competition is usually good for consumers.
EDIT: jk, this is wrong lol
Alcolawl said:
Just read up on this. Not a huge fan of Verizon but some things seem a little off to me about this plan.
"Everything included in Verizon Unlimited:
Unlimited talk, text and data.
If a line uses 22GB of data in a billing cycle, Verizon can throttle that line within the rest of the cycle should it attach to a congested network location.
10GB per month per line of 4G LTE tethering; drops to 3G after first 10GB.
Unlimited calls and text to Mexico and Canada.
Unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada. Only first 500MB of data at 4G LTE speeds; 2G afterwards.
“Full-quality HD video,” which Verizon says comes at you the way the partner sends it. It’s not throttled to 480p like T-Mobile and Sprint do. Technically, that should mean you get 4K streams, 1080p streams, and whatever else is sent to you from a partner (the app you are streaming from). There isn’t a toggle on or off – you just get HD and above streams if the partner is sending that level of stream."
Source: http://www.droid-life.com/2017/02/12/verizon-unlimited-plan-faq-pricing-availability/
I've highlighted two bullets there for a very specific reason. In my experience, the unlimited plans are great for people that are constantly scrolling their way through Facebook and Instagram and can't stay off Snapchat. Additionally (and perhaps more importantly), these plans are useful for people that like to stream videos and shows when WiFi isn't available to them. The fact that these videos are streamed to your device in the highest quality the connection can achieve is actually a problem. This is because you only get 10GB of 4G LTE data a month, afterwards it's throttled to 3G. This means that watching videos will use up your 10GB in a flash and then you'll be stuck with mediocre speeds.
For comparison, the equivalent T-Mobile plan gives you 26 GBs of unthrottled data for $10 less, after which you have the chance of being throttled. The only drawback being that all of the video content you watch is in 460p or less. Either way, it's kind of cool to see Verizon bringing this plan back. Competition is usually good for consumers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing that is getting throttled is your tethering (hotspot) after 10gigs ..
As far as streaming movies and TV shows from your phone, you can do that as much as you want. And you won't notice and slowdown unless there is heavy network congestion AND you've used over 22gig already.
Nothing off or weird about this at all.
swapavi said:
The only thing that is getting throttled is your tethering (hotspot) after 10gigs ..
As far as streaming movies and TV shows from your phone, you can do that as much as you want. And you won't notice and slowdown unless there is heavy network congestion AND you've used over 22gig already.
Nothing off or weird about this at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I stand corrected. Thanks for clearing that up, I misread the DroidLife article on the matter. Carry on.
Alcolawl said:
Just read up on this. Not a huge fan of Verizon but some things seem a little off to me about this plan.
"Everything included in Verizon Unlimited:
Unlimited talk, text and data.
If a line uses 22GB of data in a billing cycle, Verizon can throttle that line within the rest of the cycle should it attach to a congested network location.
10GB per month per line of 4G LTE tethering; drops to 3G after first 10GB.
Unlimited calls and text to Mexico and Canada.
Unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada. Only first 500MB of data at 4G LTE speeds; 2G afterwards.
“Full-quality HD video,” which Verizon says comes at you the way the partner sends it. It’s not throttled to 480p like T-Mobile and Sprint do. Technically, that should mean you get 4K streams, 1080p streams, and whatever else is sent to you from a partner (the app you are streaming from). There isn’t a toggle on or off – you just get HD and above streams if the partner is sending that level of stream."
Source: http://www.droid-life.com/2017/02/12/verizon-unlimited-plan-faq-pricing-availability/
I've highlighted two bullets there for a very specific reason. In my experience, the unlimited plans are great for people that are constantly scrolling their way through Facebook and Instagram and can't stay off Snapchat. Additionally (and perhaps more importantly), these plans are useful for people that like to stream videos and shows when WiFi isn't available to them. The fact that these videos are streamed to your device in the highest quality the connection can achieve is actually a problem. This is because you only get 10GB of 4G LTE data a month, afterwards it's throttled to 3G. This means that watching videos will use up your 10GB in a flash and then you'll be stuck with mediocre speeds.
For comparison, the equivalent T-Mobile plan gives you 26 GBs of unthrottled data for $10 less, after which you have the chance of being throttled. The only drawback being that all of the video content you watch is in 460p or less. Either way, it's kind of cool to see Verizon bringing this plan back. Competition is usually good for consumers.
EDIT: jk, this is wrong lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alcolawl said:
I stand corrected. Thanks for clearing that up, I misread the DroidLife article on the matter. Carry on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol not a problem. Just didn't want any misinformation about the new plan being thrown around, because in some regards, this could be better than T-Mobile's plan.
TMobile is upping there game now! Gotta love competition...
http://www.droid-life.com/2017/02/1...ted-plan-caves-hd-video-high-speed-tethering/
Inapplicable corporate discount is what's keeping me from upgrading to this plan. I get 21% off. That's a significant amount.
I wonder what the core differences are between the old Unlimited data plan that costs $50 now vs this new one. I know they both will have the 22GB "soft cap" as that has been a thing for quite some time now. Since I'm sure quite a few of us tether without the extra monthly charge I wonder if we were to switch over and they provision our line, Verizon would be able to detect this? If that is the case 10GB being tethered will go fast especially when you're watching videos. I tether my devices a lot at work to listen music and watch YouTube and I can exceed that quite quickly. I'm wondering with the new plan with custom software on our devices if they would be able to detect the tethering activity or not. Looking forward to seeing people's thoughts on this . I'd save $8/month switching to the new plan even w/ my 21% discount not applying.
I get veterans discount so I'm really debating about doing this. I wonder since I have the bypass that the tethering would still get bypassed so instead of the 10gb it would be on the mobile side data.
*update*
Just switched to new unlimited. saving me like $24
coldconfession13 said:
I get veterans discount so I'm really debating about doing this. I wonder since I have the bypass that the tethering would still get bypassed so instead of the 10gb it would be on the mobile side data.
*update*
Just switched to new unlimited. saving me like $24
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Click to collapse
Can you tell me please when you tether does it show your 10GB allotment being used on your Verizon page?
Won't go into effect till next bill period which is in march
coldconfession13 said:
Won't go into effect till next bill period which is in march
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Click to collapse
I guess it would be a messy bill if you did make the change to go into effect immediately. Verizon and their prorations and month in advance billing.
Yup it would have been 213 or some crap
I switched immediately. Dropped my bill by about 20 or so.
won't save me any money with them taking away the corporate discount. It would cost me 45 more. I rarely use more than 2 GB a month, always on wifi (at work, home, wherever xfinity has a hotspot). I am on the 12GB plan and have 2 GB of bonus data from getting my pixel xl.
zetsumeikuro said:
I wonder what the core differences are between the old Unlimited data plan that costs $50 now vs this new one. I know they both will have the 22GB "soft cap" as that has been a thing for quite some time now. Since I'm sure quite a few of us tether without the extra monthly charge I wonder if we were to switch over and they provision our line, Verizon would be able to detect this? If that is the case 10GB being tethered will go fast especially when you're watching videos. I tether my devices a lot at work to listen music and watch YouTube and I can exceed that quite quickly. I'm wondering with the new plan with custom software on our devices if they would be able to detect the tethering activity or not. Looking forward to seeing people's thoughts on this . I'd save $8/month switching to the new plan even w/ my 21% discount not applying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The old plan doesn't have a throttle cap at all.
I lost my 20% Corporate discount but I kept running out of data with a week left in my cycle and I had the 30 GB plan. I have 6 phones and one tablet on my account. This new plan winds up costing about the same as the old plan with the 20% discount but I'll get more data as one phone rarely uses the bulk of our data. It's 4 of the 6. Even if they do throttle at 22 GB per line, that would be 88 GB in total on the 4 lines that use a lot of data.
It's not perfect, but it suits my needs better.
I have the old UDP with no cap use 200gb monthly never throttled and there's a loophole for the $29.99 pricing for UDP
Mike02z said:
Not sure if anyone noticed but Verizon announced yesterday it was bringing back unlimited data! I was on the 24 GB plan with 10 devices. The VZ web site is basically down when you try and upgrade so I spent 2 hours on hold. When I finally got someone they compared what I pay now with what it would cost to go to unlimited. My cost went DOWN 30 bucks a month to go to unlimited. They can throttle you after 22 GB but only if there is heavy network congestion. I think this is the same thing T-Mobile and AT&T too. This new plan also provides 10 GB of hotspot use. I signed up just now.
https://www.verizonwireless.com/pla...=p&gclid=CNG6oabNjdICFcPqDQodRpkFHw&gclsrc=ds
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Damn, 10 devices?!?! Very cool! What all do you have?
markwebb said:
Yeah this was all over Internet. Bad news: you can't use corporate discount. I am better off on their short lived 12 GB plan+2 extra GB wth rollover as it is cheaper wth corporate discount. Many months I have 20+ GB which is more than enough for me.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
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Right now I am on 12 Gigs +6 Gigs Bonus Data. When I switch my bill goes up quite a bit. And I never use more than 10 gigs in a month. Not sure this is for me.
BurtGummer said:
Inapplicable corporate discount is what's keeping me from upgrading to this plan. I get 21% off. That's a significant amount.
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Click to collapse
Yep, that was the other thing... No Corp Discount and must Auto pay on Checking Acount or a Debit Card... No credit cards allowed for auto pay on this program. :crying:
coldconfession13 said:
I get veterans discount so I'm really debating about doing this. I wonder since I have the bypass that the tethering would still get bypassed so instead of the 10gb it would be on the mobile side data.
*update*
Just switched to new unlimited. saving me like $24
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Click to collapse
I am also a veteran... But I get a better discount with my employer. Did they let you apply veteran discount?