Verizon have today revealed their new shared family data plan which has left many on unlimited data plans wondering if it is about to die or if they can do anything to keep it alive. Everyone is now asking what is happening to unlimited data, well it all depends on which carrier you are with.
Unlimited data plan comparison: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint & T-Mobile plans explained
Customers with AT&T can no longer take out a new unlimited data plan. However if you happen to have one at the moment, you are what AT&T have termed as being “grandfathered in” and so you will still have it. However it is not really “unlimited”. The plan is actually capped after 3GB of use or if you have one of the 4G phones, 5GB. While you will not have to pay any extra to use data, you will generally find that your phone comes to a crawl and will be next to impossible to enjoy web browsing and steaming media.
Verizon are not offering their unlimited plans either and like AT&T if you already have one you will continue to have it, but in a toned down version. The connection will also be throttled if you meet certain criteria. Typically this includes having a 3G smartphone, come in the top 5% of those using data and you are connected via a congested cell site. However you will not get throttled for the entire month, only while you are connected to a site that is considered to be congested. If you want to get out of being throttled altogether then you will need to purchase a 4G phone. Verizon have now brought out their family share plan and when you buy a new handset from them you will be moved onto this using subsidized pricing (you can still keep your grandfathered unlimited data plan if you buy the phone unsubsidized).
T-Mobile still offers unlimited plans but they do work along the same lines as AT&Ts in that you do get throttled. Users have 2GB with the Plus plan and 5GB on the Premium. Unlike AT&T though, if you do go over the limit you will be throttled for the entire month.
Sprint happens to be the only carrier that offers true data plans that are in fact unlimited if you have a smartphone. Anyone can get an unlimited plan with a smartphone and it will not be throttled.
To summarize with AT&T and Verizon you cannot purchase a new unlimited data plan but you can keep your own, although it is capped. T-Mobile offer new user’s plans and those with plans keep them but these too are throttled after certain extent. Sprint is the only carrier to offer actual unlimited data with no capping and anyone with a smartphone can get the plan.
