I have an unlimited data plan on Verizon that I was able to renew right before they took away the ability to be grandfathered into the plan. I've got it for another 2 years, and am wondering how the 4G data works with this.
I currently have an iPhone 4S, but am debating selling it for funds towards a 4G capable phone. Does anyone know if the 4G data uses the same plan as 3G, or would I have to sign up for some seperate 4G data plan? I sort of just see myself activating the LTE phone, and having it just use the LTE network without having to set anything up and still retaining my unlimited data. I'm kind of thinking this isn't going to be the case though. Thanks in advance!
I woud like to know this as well. I am in the same bout basically and I too want a 4G device but I am not sure what will happen to me since I am on an unlimited data plan.
From what I can see, the unlimited plan is gone once you have to sign any new agreement. I don't think they are separate plans, but I'm absolutely positive that if you try and change your phone, your current data plan will be toast. Especially if you get a 4G phone, they way they are treating customers as far as 3G data plans go, I'd be prepared to be royally screwed over.
I thought about ditching AT&T for Verizon like Gary did, boy was that an eye opener. When I saw that new customers have to pay $50 for 1 measly gigabyte of data, I decided I'll never do business with them. That's the biggest load of bullshit I've ever seen. Unless I'm looking at it wrong somehow, Verizon will never get my business no matter how good their coverage is. I can't believe they offer that with a straight face, and even worse is people actually pay that. I get 4gb a month with tethering on AT&T for $45. Verizon has guaranteed I'll never be their customer.
@nickb64: You are correct that is one way to keep it. Just get a new phone out right and don't change contract in any way at all.
@HKZ: I switched to Sprint and have unlimited data. Haven't looked back yet from other carriers.
What I don't understand is how a cell phone carrier can speed the network up. But they have to cap users on data due to heavy usage and bogging network down? I know an average user would rather have a faster network to run off of, but I think that having a network that can handle the traffic and keeping unlimited data is more up front on things. That's just me...
I've been hearing mixed things. Verizon themselves even went out and said there's no more grandfathering in when moving to 4g, but others have said they were still choose the $29.99 unlimited option when they made the switch.
@HKZ: I switched to Sprint and have unlimited data. Haven't looked back yet from other carriers.
I've had mixed experience with Sprint personally. I've had AT&T for about 6 years now, and everywhere I didn't get good coverage Sprint was just as bad if not worse. Everywhere I've ever lived Verizon has had rock solid coverage, but their prices are outrageous. I got a cold smack in the face when I went to look on their website a few weeks ago to see what it would cost me to switch, and they can keep their shit. There's no way in hell I'm getting ripped off like that, as bad as AT&T can be the majority of the time I am where I live it's like 5 times faster on average than Verizon. Two to three weeks I'm not home it's pretty bad, but I'm not getting gouged by Verizon just to have it work 2% of the time I need it to. I'd love to go to Sprint, but their network is simply too slow compared to AT&T in my area and they are pretty much as bad as AT&T in the areas I don't get coverage now anyway.
@HKZ: I had Sprint a bout 4 years ago when I was under a family plan with my parents and sister. Coverage was bad back then and I can't argue with that all. Sprint has come along way I think from having them back then to now-a-days. AT&T has never let me down just been under family plan to make it cheaper for myself. They do have a fast network can't disagree about that either.
But I went back to Sprint a few months ago and I say they have come along with coverage it's WAY better here then it used to be. Network is still slow yes still no argument, but coverage is MUCH better for me at least. What's nice for Sprint now also they have free roaming and they use AT&T towers so I never go with out service anymore as long as either carrier has service in the area. Once they start to deploy the 4G I am sure it will be faster, but not sure how long it will take them to get out of major cities on initial launch.
I woud like to know this as well. I am in the same bout basically and I too want a 4G device but I am not sure what will happen to me since I am on an unlimited data plan.
From what I can see, the unlimited plan is gone once you have to sign any new agreement. I don't think they are separate plans, but I'm absolutely positive that if you try and change your phone, your current data plan will be toast. Especially if you get a 4G phone, they way they are treating customers as far as 3G data plans go, I'd be prepared to be royally screwed over.
I thought about ditching AT&T for Verizon like Gary did, boy was that an eye opener. When I saw that new customers have to pay $50 for 1 measly gigabyte of data, I decided I'll never do business with them. That's the biggest load of bullshit I've ever seen. Unless I'm looking at it wrong somehow, Verizon will never get my business no matter how good their coverage is. I can't believe they offer that with a straight face, and even worse is people actually pay that. I get 4gb a month with tethering on AT&T for $45. Verizon has guaranteed I'll never be their customer.
@JohnnySailor: I think you can keep your unlimited if you buy a phone outright. It's not cheap, though.
@nickb64: You are correct that is one way to keep it. Just get a new phone out right and don't change contract in any way at all.
@HKZ: I switched to Sprint and have unlimited data. Haven't looked back yet from other carriers.
What I don't understand is how a cell phone carrier can speed the network up. But they have to cap users on data due to heavy usage and bogging network down? I know an average user would rather have a faster network to run off of, but I think that having a network that can handle the traffic and keeping unlimited data is more up front on things. That's just me...
I've been hearing mixed things. Verizon themselves even went out and said there's no more grandfathering in when moving to 4g, but others have said they were still choose the $29.99 unlimited option when they made the switch.
@GTFShadow said:
I've had mixed experience with Sprint personally. I've had AT&T for about 6 years now, and everywhere I didn't get good coverage Sprint was just as bad if not worse. Everywhere I've ever lived Verizon has had rock solid coverage, but their prices are outrageous. I got a cold smack in the face when I went to look on their website a few weeks ago to see what it would cost me to switch, and they can keep their shit. There's no way in hell I'm getting ripped off like that, as bad as AT&T can be the majority of the time I am where I live it's like 5 times faster on average than Verizon. Two to three weeks I'm not home it's pretty bad, but I'm not getting gouged by Verizon just to have it work 2% of the time I need it to. I'd love to go to Sprint, but their network is simply too slow compared to AT&T in my area and they are pretty much as bad as AT&T in the areas I don't get coverage now anyway.
@HKZ: I had Sprint a bout 4 years ago when I was under a family plan with my parents and sister. Coverage was bad back then and I can't argue with that all. Sprint has come along way I think from having them back then to now-a-days. AT&T has never let me down just been under family plan to make it cheaper for myself. They do have a fast network can't disagree about that either.
But I went back to Sprint a few months ago and I say they have come along with coverage it's WAY better here then it used to be. Network is still slow yes still no argument, but coverage is MUCH better for me at least. What's nice for Sprint now also they have free roaming and they use AT&T towers so I never go with out service anymore as long as either carrier has service in the area. Once they start to deploy the 4G I am sure it will be faster, but not sure how long it will take them to get out of major cities on initial launch.