Confusion about carriers and cloud services - Networking

So with all the U.S. Carriers either severely limiting or capping Data on their phone/tablet plans(only a matter time for sprint too) why all the focus on cloud based services like google music/ iCloud etc. I would think that these 2 are in direct opposition to each other. I am currently on Sprint and enjoying the unlimited data but not holding breath on it staying around forever. I use Google Music and Netflix/Hulu+ as well as Pandora. I have a premium account where possible and have used others in the past like rhapsody and spotify. What incentive do I have to keep using these services if my data is limited. I see very little point to using them if I have to "triage" my data usage based upon priority. For reference I typically use 4-6gb a month on my sprint account and no I don't tether, I have a Time Warner Cable connection at home rated at 30+MBPS.

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The thing is, that technologies like HSPA+ and EV-DO can't handle the amount of data that is pushed through them, that's why Verizon and AT&T are going to LTE, because it CAN handle the amount of data they push now, and more, which is why they give you such high speeds, because it can handle it.
As time progresses, and carriers realize that Unlimited data can easily be offered, they'll switch back to that.

I don't know. I would like to think that way but corporations have repeatedly shown that they will do anything they can to get us to pay more. I don't see them offering unlimited data regardless of the network's capability. It frustrates me to no end to try to get someone on an android phone to use any of the cloud services from drop box to Google docs and music and then realizing they are not on a data plan that allows for what is in my opinion one of the major benefits of the platform.
I own a Nexus S and I think I am one of the very few I have seen or talked to that has no problem with only 16gb storage, the cloud negates the need for a massive memory card but the data limitations on carriers trump that.
I have no illusions of my Sprint plan staying unlimited much longer either and once it is gone I am gonna to adjust my android experience to accomodate and use it in a way that I am forced to, not the way I prefer.

ktt4510 said:
I don't know. I would like to think that way but corporations have repeatedly shown that they will do anything they can to get us to pay more. I don't see them offering unlimited data regardless of the network's capability. It frustrates me to no end to try to get someone on an android phone to use any of the cloud services from drop box to Google docs and music and then realizing they are not on a data plan that allows for what is in my opinion one of the major benefits of the platform.
I own a Nexus S and I think I am one of the very few I have seen or talked to that has no problem with only 16gb storage, the cloud negates the need for a massive memory card but the data limitations on carriers trump that.
I have no illusions of my Sprint plan staying unlimited much longer either and once it is gone I am gonna to adjust my android experience to accomodate and use it in a way that I am forced to, not the way I prefer.
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Click to collapse
Just give it time. Eventually the FCC will sue the carriers. That will be a fun day.
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Longcat14 said:
The thing is, that technologies like HSPA+ and EV-DO can't handle the amount of data that is pushed through them, that's why Verizon and AT&T are going to LTE, because it CAN handle the amount of data they push now, and more, which is why they give you such high speeds, because it can handle it.
As time progresses, and carriers realize that Unlimited data can easily be offered, they'll switch back to that.
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Click to collapse
I disagree. You'll see that Verizon and ATT's data tiers for 3G and 4G phones are the exact same, same price for the same amount of data. However, Verizon is running a limited time promo where 4G customers get twice the data for the same price, eg. $30 for 2gb turns to 4gb. They launched this promo right after ATT launched their first LTE smartphone last month, certainly not a coincidence. Thank goodness for competition!
The main reason is the carriers realize how hooked we are to our smartphones, many of us couldn't go back to a feature-phone and want to take advantage of our addiction by having us pay more and more to keep using them.
Sadly, I think unlimited plans will never come back. One reason tiers have been implemented is because of exploding data demand and capacity and strain issues. But really, the main reason is just pure greed. Why do you think after you pass your monthly allowance, ATT and Verizon charge you for each extra gig instead of throttling your speed like T-Mobile? They want to get you hooked on bandwidth intensive applications like NetFlix and after you go over your allowance, they hope you'll keep ponying up more cash for data overages to continue using your phone.
There was even a public interview recently with a Verizon executive stating he wishes for as many customers as possible to move up from the $30/2gb plan to their higher $50/5gb and $80/10gb plans just to gain increasingly more revenue each quarter.

Related

Data whore

Free T-Mobile msg: Your usage has reached the data threshold for your rate plan this month. Your speed has been reduced for the rest of this billing cycle.
Anyone else hit this "threshold" ?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
How can there be a threshold when it's advertised as unlimited service? You might consider a complaint to your states AG. Especially with elections coming up.
wow! you must tethering and d/l lots of porn or something. They will limit you after 10gbs. I think. With heavy usage I rarely go over 1gb.
thunderstruck! said:
How can there be a threshold when it's advertised as unlimited service? You might consider a complaint to your states AG. Especially with elections coming up.
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From a T-Mobile store manager, please... read the fine print.
This is directly from T-Mobile.com
Android Unlimited Web*
Includes:
* Unlimited Web access
* Unlimited personal e-mail
*To provide the best network experience for all of our customers we may temporarily reduce data throughput for a small fraction of customers who use a disproportionate amount of bandwidth. Your data session, plan, or service may be suspended, terminated, or restricted for significant roaming or if you use your service in a way that interferes with our network or ability to provide quality service to other users. Some devices require specific data plans; if you do not have the right plan for your device, you may not be able to use data services. 3G coverage is available only in certain markets and on certain devices. Taxes, fees, and additional charges may apply. Domestic use only. See your data plan terms and T-Mobile's Terms and Conditions on T-Mobile.com.
You gotta love marketing and the fine print. Still 10 gb is a lot, and if you go over you get crippled service instead of fees.
thunderstruck! said:
How can there be a threshold when it's advertised as unlimited service? You might consider a complaint to your states AG. Especially with elections coming up.
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Click to collapse
It is unlimited service, they're not shutting his data down they are just slowing it down. No where does it say about unlimited 3G service. The only people who are reaching this are the ones tethering and even then they are most likely downloading music or movies.
Yea, I know. The thing is, it's either unlimited or it's not. They are saying both. You should not have to read any fine print, instead of saying unlimited in big letters it needs to say Android 10GB monthly Web. F*** the fine print.
There's actually a lawsuit going on about this: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2010/08/tmobile_suit.html
Unlimited isn't really unlimited. They just throttle your internet and make it run slower. How the hell do you pass 10GB of bandwidth? You must be tethering or downloading A LOT on it
It's marketing. How can you advertise a 10gb cap? You can't, some of us will understand the concept and will appreciate the forwardness of the carrier, but an average Joe will just get confused and will start asking questions which are not.needed as most average data users on Tmobile will not hit that cap. I am streaming Pandora at the gym 3 hours a day, sometimes tether, browse the web on 3g, I have etc to even get close to the cap.
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thunderstruck! said:
Yea, I know. The thing is, it's either unlimited or it's not. They are saying both. You should not have to read any fine print, instead of saying unlimited in big letters it needs to say Android 10GB monthly Web. F*** the fine print.
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Do you charged overages for using too much data? No. Can you not use your data if you go over 10GB? No. Its unlimited data, T-mobile puts that clause in there to cover themselves so if someone is abusing the service they can restrict them if need be.
rjwisniewski said:
From a T-Mobile store manager, please... read the fine print.
This is directly from T-Mobile.com
Android Unlimited Web*
Includes:
* Unlimited Web access
* Unlimited personal e-mail
*To provide the best network experience for all of our customers we may temporarily reduce data throughput for a small fraction of customers who use a disproportionate amount of bandwidth. Your data session, plan, or service may be suspended, terminated, or restricted for significant roaming or if you use your service in a way that interferes with our network or ability to provide quality service to other users. Some devices require specific data plans; if you do not have the right plan for your device, you may not be able to use data services. 3G coverage is available only in certain markets and on certain devices. Taxes, fees, and additional charges may apply. Domestic use only. See your data plan terms and T-Mobile's Terms and Conditions on T-Mobile.com.
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Click to collapse
Hey, store manager, don't get so cocky, and try to throw contract statements in peoples face. I come from a family of attorneys, and just because something is stated in contract doesn't mean the consumer is wrong.
If a cell phone company runs advertisements on tv talking about their unlimited fast 3g, runs print ads talking about their unlimted fast 3g, has store reps advertise unlimited 3g to walk in customers, etc ... you get my point, the average person expects unlimited 3G, not edge. The law in all states specifically says there should be no ambiguity and ambiguity is based upon understanding from a resonable person. I'm resonable, and so are thousands of others who assume when they see advetisements for unlimited 3G, that means unlimited 3g!
I'm happy you have an understanding, but you also work for the company.
All it takes is 1 person, 1 person to fight t-mobile, start a class action law suit, and your pretty little statements are useless.
Now, going back to the person who got the t-mobile message. ARE YOU TETHERING? IF SO, YOU DESERVE TO BE KICKED OFF THE NETWORK FOR LIFE.
Well, he still has data access so I guess that makes it unlimited. I don't see anything unfair about it to be honest. I don't want my data access borked just because a bunch of kids are using their phones to download music and movies from the pirate bay all night.
When you see * it means there's some sort of caveat, and it pays to read to read the fine print.
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r6kid said:
Free T-Mobile msg: Your usage has reached the data threshold for your rate plan this month. Your speed has been reduced for the rest of this billing cycle.
Anyone else hit this "threshold" ?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Curious .. are you using it for your daily internet use with tether?
Wow, I go over 10Gigs a month all the time... Internet at home got shut off here from roomate downloading movies off of bittorrent. I tether with it all the time, pandora, heck I even play battlefield on my ps3 with it...
Never got a message like that from t-mobile and hope I never do. I totally understand why they would do that though. Did this message come in the mail or via text message?
SamsungGalaxySVibrant said:
Hey, store manager, don't get so cocky, and try to throw contract statements in peoples face. I come from a family of attorneys, and just because something is stated in contract doesn't mean the consumer is wrong.
If a cell phone company runs advertisements on tv talking about their unlimited fast 3g, runs print ads talking about their unlimted fast 3g, has store reps advertise unlimited 3g to walk in customers, etc ... you get my point, the average person expects unlimited 3G, not edge. The law in all states specifically says there should be no ambiguity and ambiguity is based upon understanding from a resonable person. I'm resonable, and so are thousands of others who assume when they see advetisements for unlimited 3G, that means unlimited 3g!
I'm happy you have an understanding, but you also work for the company.
All it takes is 1 person, 1 person to fight t-mobile, start a class action law suit, and your pretty little statements are useless.
Now, going back to the person who got the t-mobile message. ARE YOU TETHERING? IF SO, YOU DESERVE TO BE KICKED OFF THE NETWORK FOR LIFE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only one cocky is you Mr. my dad is an attorney. It all depends on how you interpret "unlimited." Although his speed is crippled, he no doubt has unlimited data--as advertised. It is still via the 3g network. I personally see no legitimate grounds for any suit.
SamsungGalaxySVibrant said:
Hey, store manager, don't get so cocky, and try to throw contract statements in peoples face. I come from a family of attorneys, and just because something is stated in contract doesn't mean the consumer is wrong.
If a cell phone company runs advertisements on tv talking about their unlimited fast 3g, runs print ads talking about their unlimted fast 3g, has store reps advertise unlimited 3g to walk in customers, etc ... you get my point, the average person expects unlimited 3G, not edge. The law in all states specifically says there should be no ambiguity and ambiguity is based upon understanding from a resonable person. I'm resonable, and so are thousands of others who assume when they see advetisements for unlimited 3G, that means unlimited 3g!
I'm happy you have an understanding, but you also work for the company.
All it takes is 1 person, 1 person to fight t-mobile, start a class action law suit, and your pretty little statements are useless.
Now, going back to the person who got the t-mobile message. ARE YOU TETHERING? IF SO, YOU DESERVE TO BE KICKED OFF THE NETWORK FOR LIFE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uhm...What?
It is not advertised as unlimited 3g you should get that strait first. Your whole argument is flawed.
It is advertised as unlimited internet and indeed unlimited internet it is.
Is the op still receiving internet access through his phone? Yes.
Thus it is unlimited.
ARE YOU TETHERING? IF SO, YOU DESERVE TO BE KICKED OFF THE NETWORK FOR LIFE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a very narrow view on things. For life? really?
All contracts have fine print. OP signed the contract so OP is abided by the contract. If he does not like it he can take this to court but ofcourse was OP breaking the contract? If the contracts states no tethering and the OP is tethering than the OP has no chance of winning.
Tmobile is not doing anything wrong here at all.
If they did however cut off his service or charged extra fees then Tmobile is wrong.
Why is everyone here rushing to tmobiles aid? Kicked off for life? Really? The OP never even said anything negative he just asked if anyone else got the same message.
You all realize tmobile makes plenty of cash right?
Everyone here has a point. Not everything has to be a flame war.
While it might be easier and even more profitable for them to only put this in the fine print they need to be ready to deal with the consequences of misleading consumers. Which I'm sure they are.
Texted While Driving
My concern is that if people star challenging this that we will end up with tiered pricing and hard caps similar to AT&T.
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SamsungGalaxySVibrant said:
Hey, store manager, don't get so cocky, and try to throw contract statements in peoples face. I come from a family of attorneys, and just because something is stated in contract doesn't mean the consumer is wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am an attorney myself, and people really need to stop assuming it's a spectator sport. Any lawsuit over this issue is probably bull****, but who knows how it would actually come out - there's a heck of a lot of relevant background you would need to know. It's very difficult to predict. And if assholes with porn addictions or who use 3G data as a substitute for home internet start suing Tmo, we are very quickly going to end up with tiered data plans. Is that what you want?
But please people, stop speculating about lawsuits and holding forth on what the law is if you're not a lawyer. And no, having friends and family who are lawyers doesn't qualify you.
sl0play said:
Kicked off for life? Really? The OP never even said anything negative he just asked if anyone else got the same message.
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Click to collapse
Well, im no attorney but personally I think that's too lenient. I feel that anyone caught tethering should be buried up to their necks in mud and stoned to death, and left there for the crows to pick away the remains, and it should be broadcast via real-time web cam as an example to others who might try the same.
If the offending party were to admit guilt only then would there be some leniency, and they would be sentenced to life in prison.
And by life I mean they put you in the cell and weld the door shut.... and that's that. No clothes, no blankets, just a blackberry curve with edge connection.
I'm from the old school.
Tmo for life, bro!
;-)
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Sick and Tired of Sprint

In about a month I am leaving Sprint due to their terrible terrible horrendous data speeds in south Louisiana. I also have lot's of doubt and trust in their huge Network upgrade and I don't feel like waiting a year more. I'm getting Verizon and the Galaxy Nexus. If you experience similar frustration with Sprint feel free to vent and post speed test results etc. Does anybody know any way to get out of contract without an ETF?
haha, i live in baton rouge and i dont like sprint either. i was thinking of switching to Verizon when my contract ends since they have 4g lte in baton rouge.
Yes their 3G speeds suck but having true unlimited is important to me since I stream a lot of music/video so that makes up for it.
See ya! Jk. Sorry to hear about your speeds but their network upgrade is definitely worth the wait
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
No. Will be waiting for their network upgrade. Sprint is the only network which allows a true nexus with wallet. I don't need to be forced with some apps which apparently can not be removed unless you root it.
MrDrumngun said:
In about a month I am leaving Sprint due to their terrible terrible horrendous data speeds in south Louisiana. I also have lot's of doubt and trust in their huge Network upgrade and I don't feel like waiting a year more. I'm getting Verizon and the Galaxy Nexus. If you experience similar frustration with Sprint feel free to vent and post speed test results etc. Does anybody know any way to get out of contract without an ETF?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're on a family plan and receiving employee discount pricing they're raising the price next month giving you a chance to get out without ETF as its a breach of the ToS.
Yup!!
I have been contemplating leaving sprint also. They may have truly unlimited data but in reality you dont use much data via sprint network as it takes forever to load anything in Baton Rouge. O and guess what, the data unlimited plan is not truly unlimited. The will cut off your service if you use over 5 gb (may be less) of data on 3g. It is only the use of 4g which is truly unlimited.
They have been saying Baton Rouge would have 4g since the evo came out and yet still nothing. The sad part is Hammond has 4g and the population is not even 1/8th of Baton Rouge's pop. I doubt BR will ever get 4g.
As far as getting out ETF free, good luck with that. I have tried every way possible with no luck. But what I have not done, which would definitely work, is stream as much youtube and download huge files as much as possible or force your phone into roaming on data and calls for consecutive months
ryandoubleu said:
I have been contemplating leaving sprint also. They may have truly unlimited data but in reality you dont use much data via sprint network as it takes forever to load anything in Baton Rouge. O and guess what, the data unlimited plan is not truly unlimited. The will cut off your service if you use over 5 gb (may be less) of data on 3g. It is only the use of 4g which is truly unlimited.
They have been saying Baton Rouge would have 4g since the evo came out and yet still nothing. The sad part is Hammond has 4g and the population is not even 1/8th of Baton Rouge's pop. I doubt BR will ever get 4g.
As far as getting out ETF free, good luck with that. I have tried every way possible with no luck. But what I have not done, which would definitely work, is stream as much youtube and download huge files as much as possible or force your phone into roaming on data and calls for consecutive months
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Click to collapse
where in hammond is there 4g? it does not specify 4g on the sprint 4g map
jesusice said:
If you're on a family plan and receiving employee discount pricing they're raising the price next month giving you a chance to get out without ETF as its a breach of the ToS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are definitely not raising prices
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
ryandoubleu said:
I have been contemplating leaving sprint also. They may have truly unlimited data but in reality you dont use much data via sprint network as it takes forever to load anything in Baton Rouge. O and guess what, the data unlimited plan is not truly unlimited. The will cut off your service if you use over 5 gb (may be less) of data on 3g. It is only the use of 4g which is truly unlimited.
They have been saying Baton Rouge would have 4g since the evo came out and yet still nothing. The sad part is Hammond has 4g and the population is not even 1/8th of Baton Rouge's pop. I doubt BR will ever get 4g.
As far as getting out ETF free, good luck with that. I have tried every way possible with no luck. But what I have not done, which would definitely work, is stream as much youtube and download huge files as much as possible or force your phone into roaming on data and calls for consecutive months
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No... They are unlimited on anything, how many times do people have to say this. 5gig cap is for hotspot and connection cards
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
It's not the price they're raising but the amount you save from your employer discount is going to be a lot less. So it's definitely going to cost you more. They've been doing a lot of things that have been making people want to switch. They charge for "premium" data, completely stopped expanding 4g, scrapped the annual upgrade, killed the premier status, and now this? They're making it really hard for anyone to want to stick around...
The will cut off your service if you use over 5 gb (may be less) of data on 3g. It is only the use of 4g which is truly unlimited.
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Click to collapse
not once in my 8 years with sprint have i ever had an issue with going over 5gb which i always do, nor have i ever heard anyone say it happened to them unless they were roaming more then using sprint
3G here in new Orleans has been terrible since 08 but there family plans just beats anyone. And I'm constantly around wifi so its not as bad.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G
robbierockz said:
It's not the price they're raising but the amount you save from your employer discount is going to be a lot less. So it's definitely going to cost you more. They've been doing a lot of things that have been making people want to switch. They charge for "premium" data, completely stopped expanding 4g, scrapped the annual upgrade, killed the premier status, and now this? They're making it really hard for anyone to want to stick around...
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Click to collapse
Anything is "a lot less" when people are just looking for an excuse to cancel. The highest discount will be losing $5.40 a month, but those are rare, most people will go down just a few cents to a dollar a month.
I actually like what they've been doing and the direction they're headed, it is putting a stop to all these people talking advantage of what they have to offer. Where I live, my 3G gets over 2Mbps and 4G gets 10 so my unlimited data works great
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
.....
DirtyShroomz said:
No... They are unlimited on anything, how many times do people have to say this. 5gig cap is for hotspot and connection cards
Then why would they send me a letter about my 3g usage and direct me to this passage
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Specific Terms & Restrictions On Using Data Services
In addition to the rules for using all of our other Services, unless we identify the Service or Device that you have selected as specifically intended for that purpose (for example, wireless routers, Data Link, etc.), you can't use our data Services: (1) with server devices or host computer applications or other systems that drive continuous, heavy traffic or data sessions; (2) as a substitute or backup for private lines or frame relay connections; or (3) for any other unintended use as we determine in our sole discretion. We reserve the right to limit, suspend, or constrain any heavy, continuous data usage that adversely impacts our networks performances or hinders access to our networks. If your Services include web or data access, you also can't use your Device as a modem for computers or other equipment, unless we identify the Service or Device you have selected as specifically intended for that purpose (for example, with "phone as modem" plans, Sprint Mobile Broadband card plans, wireless router plans, etc.).
andrewt328 said:
where in hammond is there 4g? it does not specify 4g on the sprint 4g map
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Click to collapse
4g is in the Best Buy area of Hammond. It doesnt show up on sprints map for some odd reason. if you dont believe me go to the area and try it out
If you want out, roam like a mofo. You have to roam a certain percentage in order for them to boot you.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
ryandoubleu said:
Specific Terms & Restrictions On Using Data Services
In addition to the rules for using all of our other Services, unless we identify the Service or Device that you have selected as specifically intended for that purpose (for example, wireless routers, Data Link, etc.), you can't use our data Services: (1) with server devices or host computer applications or other systems that drive continuous, heavy traffic or data sessions; (2) as a substitute or backup for private lines or frame relay connections; or (3) for any other unintended use as we determine in our sole discretion. We reserve the right to limit, suspend, or constrain any heavy, continuous data usage that adversely impacts our networks performances or hinders access to our networks. If your Services include web or data access, you also can't use your Device as a modem for computers or other equipment, unless we identify the Service or Device you have selected as specifically intended for that purpose (for example, with "phone as modem" plans, Sprint Mobile Broadband card plans, wireless router plans, etc.).
4g is in the Best Buy area of Hammond. It doesnt show up on sprints map for some odd reason. if you dont believe me go to the area and try it out
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Let me guess, you're tethering and using 50+ gigs a month? That's why you got that.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
im pretty sure sprint is unlimited no limitations
Have you considered moving away from Louisiana?
DirtyShroomz said:
Let me guess, you're tethering and using 50+ gigs a month? That's why you got that.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
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I dont use tethering on my phone because I have wifi around most the places I go not to mention the data speeds in baton rouge are slower than dial-up, so tethering woudn't be much use. It was one of those months I was downloading a bunch of different roms though.
Sorry to burst your bubble but not all sprint customers are bad customers. I had them send me a letter a time before that to tell me I was using too many roaming minutes the previous months and when I checked my bill for the prior months I only had about 30 or 40 minutes roaming for all the months. I called them and they were at a loss for words

4G technology is really stupid for an obvious reason

Companies are being really stupid when it comes to 4G, and the Ipad having 4g is really dumb because of the dumb choices by the cell phone companies. Whats the problem? Should be obvious, data caps. What the hell is the point of faster internet when you can't use it without paying hefty premiums? I am watching verizon advertisements about 4G and how you can download 1100 songs and stream multiple HD movies and it makes me sick. Sure you can download 1100 songs on 4g, if you don't use ur internet for single byte of data for anything else. Sure I can quickly stream movies over 4g, whats the point when the movie will eat up half my data plan? Sure webpages will load faster, but the only websites where it will make a real difference are ones that will eat up my data. What do they think, people want their email messages to download faster? OOO I have 4g, my one email downloads half a second faster. Give me a break.
Putting 4G on the new Ipad I think is more for marketing than it is for anything else, because people will quickly realize that their data usage bills are through the roof when they start using that data for a lot of the things people will use an Ipad for, and by that time it will be too late, they already bought the product. In the long run this will create a ton of consumer backlash. I am so glad I am grandfathered in with unlimited data, because if I had a data cap life would be extremely difficult in regards to my cell phone and tablet usage (HTC Thunderbolt with wireless tether)
AMEN BROTHER!
Just like no sd cards in phone, they give you cloud storage for free, but you get to pay for data. My sd card never charges me when I use it! This is a blatant ploy by the wireless providers to get us to use more and more data, paying them more and more, when they claim they are struggling to keep up with demand and don't have enough spectrum!
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
Your right that's one other thing. I love the claims that they need data caps to keep up with demand on a 4g spectrum that is no where near capacity, its so insane how selfish and greedy they can be.
PS I also have grandfathered unlimited data and ATT decided that unlimited is really 3gb and then you get switched to edge. I never agreed to this. I guess big companies can do whatever they want.
And by the way, The HTC Vivid is still sending some data over 4g even when you are on WiFi! I have seen it on 3 phones now! 1.6gb 3 weeks usage, only gmail and weather when not on WiFi, very minimal user, no streaming, no downloading! Beware!
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
Well Bros
You Guys are Talking "4G",
Whereas we ,in Pakistan are still Waiting for 3G To be launched...
Or, you could go with someone that offers unlimited data still or buy unbranded like I did.
z33dev33l said:
Or, you could go with someone that offers unlimited data still or buy unbranded like I did.
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In America the only major carrier that still offers unlimited data to new customers is Sprint, who is known for being one of the worst carriers when it comes to getting a signal. I do not know if Europe or other areas have 4G coverage yet and if those countries have options when it comes to unlimited bandwidth.
Also what do you mean when you say buying unbranded?
T mobile does, att does on prepaid.
z33dev33l said:
T mobile does, att does on prepaid.
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Click to collapse
You are sort of right about Tmobile, they won't charge you for overages, but you get dropped to the lower speed network when you go over your plans allotment for 4g, you can pay for 2 gb of 4g speed or you can pay more for 5 gb of 4g speed, so they are still doing tiered data plans and charging more for higher allotment, but doing what ATT does when you go over your plans allotment and dropping you to slow speed.
I believe this should still be considered a problem when they advertise all the high bandwidth things you can do with 4G but require you to either pay a hefty premium to have a decent amount high speed data or force you to crawl internet speeds when you don't want to pay extra but want to do internet intensive things. I just feel its shady marketing practices, especially the current verizon 4gb data 4g ad.
And clearly I do not know how to spell allotment.
I'd hardly consider 3g a crawl...
Would you consider dial-up a crawl? I'm using it now and I would like to shout some distasteful comments about it
Sent from my Lemon™ 5GS using Tapatalk
I get 3g speeds after running my 4g into the ground.
sfetaz said:
In America the only major carrier that still offers unlimited data to new customers is Sprint, who is known for being one of the worst carriers when it comes to getting a signal. I do not know if Europe or other areas have 4G coverage yet and if those countries have options when it comes to unlimited bandwidth.
Also what do you mean when you say buying unbranded?
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Speaking for europe I can say there is no 4G in uk but plans for 4G within two years.
We are stuck with 3G which cost me five pound for five hundred mb.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk
We have a 30Gb data limit here in Finland for 4G LTE.
The carriers want you to go over your data limit so they can charge you more. Then they want to recharge you for the same data if you want to tether with it. And for some of us we don't have a choice of many carriers if we want coverage.
They also impose the data cap because VZ is marketing part of their 4g bandwidth to customers now. FIOS is in pretty limited markets and it's a pretty low-cost method for VZ as they don't have to put down new cables or anything. What sucks though is that now you will have people attempting to run all their normal computer data over the same data network as people on their phones which doesn't seem like it will have a good outcome.
Unlimited data
This is the only reason I will not switch from Sprint to Verizon or AT&T. UNLIMITED data! Sooner or later Sprint will take the lead for this simple reason...
All these companies need to break away from wanting consumers to sign a new contract for data on a tablet.
I also believe that having 4G on an iPad is pointless because if you get a texting+voice app you now have a huge iPhone.
Well the telecommunication corporations in north America charge the most in the world so what do you expect. Furthermore, they can get away with it and there is nothing you the consumer can really do about it because it is something such a wide spread amount of people use that they can charge whatever they want.
Not to go off topic but I think socializing the telecommunications industry would be the best course of action as it is a universal service that pretty much everyone uses. It would lower the rates greatly if there wasn't a huge mark up on all the services.
Then again anything a little related to communism is scary because you know Nixon said so and corporations tend to push technology further to stay ahead of their competition so meh.

How would you change the wireless market?

Ok, so here's the deal. US subscribers are in a pickle as far as unlimited data plans are concerned with tethering. Our plans suck (comparatively).
Some of it has to do with wording of contracts by carriers. Some of it has to do with the entitlement we feel when we purchased our respective unlimited data plans. Either way, we all feel hurt by this. As consumers, we want it our way. We want our unlimited data plans to cover our 2GB months to our 200GB months. We don't want to be told about limits on plans labeled and sold as unlimited.
Here's where you come in. How would you change the terms of the agreement as an AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or other carrier's customer if you were in charge? Keep in mind that you may have limited network resources, funds, or staff to carry out the extreme plans. You still need to generate income for your investors. What would you do to make your customers happy as well as the investors? Is it possible? Is there any sort of reform that is possible in our wireless industry?
Ban contracts all-together. The bundling of phones with network vastly distorts both markets; phones are no longer truly competing on price (e.g. apple's strong position with the iPhone allows them to dictate high carrier subsidies, whose costs must be paid off by effectively taxing everyone else on the network) while carriers are instead competing on phones (rather than the quality of their service).
On the other hand, without subsidies (which essentially hide the costs for the average person who doesn't think it through), manufacturers would have to actually worry about choosing a price low enough to be attractive. This is something that is sorely missing under the current regime.
Not to mention, contracts themselves are effectively anti-competitive, locking in users who don't really know how to properly evaluate their choices. The way to ensure the best service for the user is to allow them to quit at a moment's notice.
Now, I notice you might be thinking more specifically about how the service agreements can be modified, rather than the "contracts" per se. Do the above, and this woud automatically happen. The carriers will have to actually compete for better service (rather than just drawing in people with new shiny phones in order to lock them in). If their service is not up to par with their advertisements, people would just quit the next month. Hence, no more random throttling of plans, etc.
thebobp said:
Ban contracts all-together. The bundling of phones with network vastly distorts both markets; phones are no longer truly competing on price (e.g. apple's strong position with the iPhone allows them to dictate high carrier subsidies, whose costs must be paid off by effectively taxing everyone else on the network) while carriers are instead competing on phones (rather than the quality of their service).
On the other hand, without subsidies (which essentially hide the costs for the average person who doesn't think it through), manufacturers would have to actually worry about choosing a price low enough to be attractive. This is something that is sorely missing under the current regime.
Not to mention, contracts themselves are effectively anti-competitive, locking in users who don't really know how to properly evaluate their choices. The way to ensure the best service for the user is to allow them to quit at a moment's notice.
Now, I notice you might be thinking more specifically about how the service agreements can be modified, rather than the "contracts" per se. Do the above, and this woud automatically happen. The carriers will actually have to compete for better service, rather than just ensure that people are locked in longer than they can think about. If their service is not up to par with their advertisements, people would quit the next month. No more throttling plans with nothing the users can say about it.
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I understand your position, but I have doubts that this would be possible to implement in our market. T-Mobile's CMO made a statement about device subsidies contorting what the devices actually cost. T-Mobile actually has a line of Value plans that are kind of on par with what you're thinking about. The rate plans are considerably cheaper than the ones with a device subsidy. The real problem is convincing the other carriers to follow suit.
See, by doing this, it put investors at risk. It's all a money making game. If an idea isn't profitable, then it generally never sees the light of day. What about a sales model similar to what T-Mobile is offering? Could you see a way to make this model profitable to both carriers and consumers alike?
I think it should be handled like the european networks handle their service agreements. You sign up for service when you buy a phone, and you pay full retail price for the phone. Then you pay a relatively lower price for service. Instead of paying say, 59.99 for a phone that retails for 399.99 and then paying 100$ give or take a little each month, you pay full price for the phone, and then get your bill for 50ish a month. Which one sounds better?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
leo321 said:
I think it should be handled like the european networks handle their service agreements. You sign up for service when you buy a phone, and you pay full retail price for the phone. Then you pay a relatively lower price for service. Instead of paying say, 59.99 for a phone that retails for 399.99 and then paying 100$ give or take a little each month, you pay full price for the phone, and then get your bill for 50ish a month. Which one sounds better?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
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I agree that this would benefit us more as consumers, but we would need to come up with a marketable solution to the current situation that would be agreeable to the carriers as well.
cajunflavoredbob said:
If an idea isn't profitable, then it generally never sees the light of day.
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This.
Blaming carrier greed is easy but really doesn't solve anything. Carriers want to make more money and contracts make them more money - I can't fault them for that.
I don't see the US market becoming like Europe's. Although T-Mobile USA is trying to change things, I can think of two things in the way:
-Americans are too stupid to save money~~ Everyone thinks short term savings, hence the persistence of contracts.
-Carrier incompatibility~~ Verizon and Sprint are CDMA. T-Mobile and AT&T run on (mostly) different 3G bands. Buy a phone for full retail and you're probably going to be stuck with one carrier anyway.
luftrofl said:
This.
Blaming carrier greed is easy but really doesn't solve anything. Carriers want to make more money and contracts make them more money - I can't fault them for that.
I don't see the US market becoming like Europe's. Although T-Mobile USA is trying to change things, I can think of two things in the way:
-Americans are too stupid to save money~~ Everyone thinks short term savings, hence the persistence of contracts.
-Carrier incompatibility~~ Verizon and Sprint are CDMA. T-Mobile and AT&T run on (mostly) different 3G bands. Buy a phone for full retail and you're probably going to be stuck with one carrier anyway.
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Click to collapse
The incompatibility is changing this year, at least with AT&T and T-Mobile. T-Mobile is currently refarming their spectrum to rollout a network on the 1900MHz PCS spectrum. This will be used for their HSPA/+ network, while the existing 1700MHz network will be used for LTE. This move makes their network inter-operable with AT&T devices.
Other than that, I agree with your points. I don't feel that T-Mobile is going to make contracts as we know them go away. I admire the bold move, but I doubt it will ripple the waters much. That being said, I'm hoping we can come together and brainstorm a bit to think of a way to benefit carriers and customers alike. Our market NEEDS to change.
Pentaband unlocked handsets for everybody! Then you can choose whatever retarded WCDMA bands you like!
A list of things I would do:
1) Bring back the unlimited data plans, but only for LTE. (bandwith limits 3g unlimited plans)
2) Have them start rolling out LTE v10 or LTE advaned right now.
3) Voice over LTE.
4) Unlimited voice and text added to a data plan like this:
Plan1) Unlimited voice and text+2gb of data for $
plan2) Unlimited voice and text+5gb of data for $$
plan3) Unlimited voice and text+10GB of data for $$$
plan4) Unlimited voice and text+Unlimited data for $$$$ (LTE only)
They are just ex and I hope the pricing is better than that, but I am trying to be real here.
And verizon needs to fix this:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDxJoGv3FLA&feature=player_embedded
4ktvs said:
A list of things I would do:
1) Bring back the unlimited data plans, but only for LTE. (bandwith limits 3g unlimited plans)
2) Have them start rolling out LTE v10 or LTE advaned right now.
3) Voice over LTE.
4) Unlimited voice and text added to a data plan like this:
Plan1) Unlimited voice and text+2gb of data for $
plan2) Unlimited voice and text+5gb of data for $$
plan3) Unlimited voice and text+10GB of data for $$$
plan4) Unlimited voice and text+Unlimited data for $$$$ (LTE only)
They are just ex and I hope the pricing is better than that, but I am trying to be real here.
And verizon needs to fix this:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDxJoGv3FLA&feature=player_embedded
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This isn't really a plan. It's more of a wish list. I was hoping that some of the people around here might actually have better ideas of how to do things than the carriers. This isn't a wish list thread. I intended it more as a brainstorming thread.
Well, before anything I want to happen will even be possible, we'd have to see real net neutrality laws in this country...
I would like to see wireless carriers charge for internet access the same way that most ISPs charge. You pay for speed and have unlimited data. Say I have an LTE device. I can pay $50 for unlimited data at 10 Mbps or $100 for 20 Mbps. This makes much more sense to me.
Also, carriers need to be dump pipes. That's just how it has to be. I know they all fear that and will do everything in their power to stop it but I think it's inevitable.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
cajunflavoredbob said:
This isn't really a plan. It's more of a wish list. I was hoping that some of the people around here might actually have better ideas of how to do things than the carriers. This isn't a wish list thread. I intended it more as a brainstorming thread.
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#2 was more of a wish, but the rest of it is not. Let me try to put it in a better way:
1) give 4G LTE users a higher cap/unlimited data, becuase there is more bandwith. They could charge a bit more for the new Data plans, but over all save $ for the buyers. In turn, this would likely help the push for LTE and kill 2g and 3g sooner, so that the bandwith can be used for 4G.
2) Voice over LTE( 3 will be why)
3) When Voice over LTE is done, then make voice/text/data all one plan, Like:
1) 2GB for $60. ( Voice and text would use data)
2) 5GB for $80.
3) 10GB for $100.
4) 20GB/unlimited for $120.
Any way I am not a CEO and I don't have the # for everything, so this "plan" of mine may not work/be good, but I tryed.
I have both AT&T and verizon unlimited data plans and don't like the low bar they have set of 2-5gb plans, but really most don't use more than about 5GB. Now I bet they would if they used a crap load of voice at 50mb per 60 min. ( If you used 900min per bill then you would use about 750mb or about bit less 1/2 of the 2GB plan and then a few e-mails, some text and bam over the limit.)
Mobile voice is surely not 50Mb for 60 minutes. That'd be close to 128kbps MP3 quality, which our phones certainly are not!
I read that on verizon, that voice would be about 45mb per hour. I don't know all the #, but think it may work. They may up the voice quality to make this work and I think it's one of there goals with voice over LTE.
4ktvs said:
#2 was more of a wish, but the rest of it is not. Let me try to put it in a better way:
1) give 4G LTE users a higher cap/unlimited data, becuase there is more bandwith. They could charge a bit more for the new Data plans, but over all save $ for the buyers. In turn, this would likely help the push for LTE and kill 2g and 3g sooner, so that the bandwith can be used for 4G.
2) Voice over LTE( 3 will be why)
3) When Voice over LTE is done, then make voice/text/data all one plan, Like:
1) 2GB for $60. ( Voice and text would use data)
2) 5GB for $80.
3) 10GB for $100.
4) 20GB/unlimited for $120.
Any way I am not a CEO and I don't have the # for everything, so this "plan" of mine may not work/be good, but I tryed.
I have both AT&T and verizon unlimited data plans and don't like the low bar they have set of 2-5gb plans, but really most don't use more than about 5GB. Now I bet they would if they used a crap load of voice at 50mb per 60 min. ( If you used 900min per bill then you would use about 750mb or about bit less 1/2 of the 2GB plan and then a few e-mails, some text and bam over the limit.)
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Click to collapse
That's actually a much better way of saying it. It's not a bad idea. Going all data would seem to be the way to go for the future. That problem is going to be getting carriers to realize this and make adjustments accordingly. They keep saying that they don't have enough bandwidth to service everyone, but this plan makes exclusive use of data. It requires a nationwide "4G" footprint. Verizon is the closest to this right now. T-Mobile is close behind with its HSPA+ rollout. AT&T has a large HSPA+ footprint as well, but it's not any/much faster than their 3G in my testing. We won't even go into Sprint's "4G" services....
I think that Verizon and T-Mobile would be the biggest players in this. T-Mobile currently has the bandwidth and lower customer base to make this a reality. Verizon may still have quite a way to go, though. CDMA technology really needs to hurry up and die already.
In any case, this is any interesting plan, that would indeed be beneficial to both parties. The biggest hurdle is that their are still large parts of the country that do not have high speed wireless access. Within the next three years, I can see this being put into play.
EDIT: Also, GSM networks use the G.729 codec (as far as I recall) for voice calls which compress the call to roughly 6-8Kbps. This makes it about 3.6MB per hour on a normal, non VoIP GSM call. I have no idea what CDMA uses.
4ktvs said:
They are just ex and I hope the pricing is better than that, but I am trying to be real here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... you're not trying hard enough
Seriously though, that list is unrealistic. "I want more advanced tech and I want it released and working now." is not a useful answer for "How would you change the wireless market?"
As for me, I want American cell networks to be more compatible with other networks - right now AT&T and T-Mobile are the only carriers with anything close to this. Maybe there's hope for this with LTE developments, but I don't know.
If this happens, maybe cheaper postpaid plans will be available - I really like this - it's why I'm on T-Mobile. I wish AT&T would have discounted plans if you're not on contract - it's not like they need to subsidize a phone.
luftrofl said:
... you're not trying hard enough
Seriously though, that list is unrealistic. "I want more advanced tech and I want it released and working now." is not a useful answer for "How would you change the wireless market?"
As for me, I want American cell networks to be more compatible with other networks - right now AT&T and T-Mobile are the only carriers with anything close to this. Maybe there's hope for this with LTE developments, but I don't know.
If this happens, maybe cheaper postpaid plans will be available - I really like this - it's why I'm on T-Mobile. I wish AT&T would have discounted plans if you're not on contract - it's not like they need to subsidize a phone.
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Click to collapse
You're answer is similar to the one you jest about. How would such a move benefit the carriers? If it is not beneficial to them, it will not happen. What would be their motivation to make their networks or devices interoperable? Customer loyalty, or doing it to make customers happy isn't a reason, unfortunately. Generally, there needs to be financial motivation to make changes to the market.
cajunflavoredbob said:
EDIT: Also, GSM networks use the G.729 codec (as far as I recall) for voice calls which compress the call to roughly 6-8Kbps. This makes it about 3.6MB per hour on a normal, non VoIP GSM call. I have no idea what CDMA uses.
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Click to collapse
Thank you, I couldn't remember the exact bitrate but I knew it was really very low.
Adaptive Multi-Rate Speech (AMR) is the codec used by WCDMA voice and it tops out at 12kbps.
Now I know were I got 45mb/hour. I read it in the mobile broadband part of a verizon mag.
It list Voice call(VoIP) as 45MB/hour over 4G LTE.

Unlimited data, keep it no matter what?

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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