Should I Switch to VZW?

[macher]

Hi I've been with AT&T for a long time. We have a family plan each with unlimited data. What I don't like is now that I have an iPhone 5 I've been getting throttled every month.

I'm able to get hold of a VZW family plan each line having unlimited data. What I like about VZW is that they don't throttle and you have the ability to use unlimited Mobile Hotspot.

Pricing is about the same between both carriers.

The only issue I see with VZW is to keep unlimited data you have to buy a device at full price. I keep my iPhones for 2 years so when that time is up I can sell my iPhone 5 as an example and use the sale to get the next iPhone at full retail.

Another factor is I have 3 other lines to worry about when it's their time to get new devices. With 4 lines total that can get expensive

Anyone else care to share their experience or thoughts on having a 4 + lines with VZW and how you have or plan to get new devices when the time comes.

[drkryn]

Either you can afford to upgrade your phones at full retail cost or you can't.

If keeping the unlimited data is important to you then that's what you will need to do. Only you can determine what you can or cannot afford.

[Applejuiced]

You found a verizon family plan with 4 lines all with unlimited data plans to take over?
And you're willing to lose all your current phone numbers and either use the numbers those people were using or getting brand new phone numbers for all 4 lines?

[apb89]

In my opinion, switching from GSM to CDMA is not a good idea. I suggest you just stick with ATT or go to Tmobile

[einmusiker]

Originally Posted by apb89

In my opinion, switching from GSM to CDMA is not a good idea. I suggest you just stick with ATT or go to Tmobile

you do realize the iphone 5 is LTE?

[macher]

Originally Posted by Applejuiced

You found a verizon family plan with 4 lines all with unlimited data plans to take over?
And you're willing to lose all your current phone numbers and either use the numbers those people were using or getting brand new phone numbers for all 4 lines?

Yes I found a 4 line family plan with each line having unlimited data. The person works where I work and is moving overseas.

I'd be willing to lose our current phone #'s if Verizon is a better option for me after I evaluate it.

It's not that I don't like AT&T or that AT&T is bad in my area. In fact AT&T is fantastic and I would say that Verizon is equally fantastic compared to AT&T in Philly in regards of coverage, quality and reliability.

If I could get AT&T to offer the same consumer friendly features that Verizon does such as the option of unlimited mobile hotspot for $30, the ability to use a VZW iphone 5 sim in our iPads ETC then it I wouldn't even consider switching even 'a little bit'. Our usage patterns are changing and there is becoming a need to tether especially for our 2 sons in college that have iPhone 5's and iPads that live off campus. And since my job has changed it takes me out into areas more where there is no WiFi.

However I'm a little hesitant with VZW because I'm not sure if these consumer friendly features will last.

I already got a line to test from the person who's giving away the VZW family plan to test. I bought a VZW iPhone 5 recently for $300 from someone who needed to sell quick. Since it's unlocked it can be used on AT&T on HSPA+ only so if I decide not to switch to VZW I can use the VZW iPhone 5 on AT&T HSPA+. I got a bare bones voice plan, no text and already existing unlimited data and $30 mobile hotspot feature on VZW iPhone 5 to test.

So far so good. As I said VZW and AT&T coverage, reliability and quality is equal in Philly metro so that's not an issue. But the consumer friendly features that VZW has that I mentioned are VERY nice to have especially when you have a need for it. Also my brother told me that VZW allows you to use your sim in a MiFi or JetPack which I didn't know but he said you probably would need a sim that would fit.

Yes I could get on a family data plan that would allow tethering but that would knock us all off unlimited data and would end up costing more based on data usage as a whole.

But my main concern with VZW is will they continue to offer what I call consumer friendly features because they are based on unlimited data accounts.

[macher]

Originally Posted by Applejuiced

You found a verizon family plan with 4 lines all with unlimited data plans to take over?
And you're willing to lose all your current phone numbers and either use the numbers those people were using or getting brand new phone numbers for all 4 lines?

All our contacts have our Google Voice #'s so that will carry over.

I found someone who's moving over seas who has a 4 line VZW family plan each line has unlimited data. He's willing to give it to me to avoid ETF.

On my current AT&T plan I have 1 iPhone 5, 2 4S's and 1 Inspire. I can easily sell the 4S's. I also have someone who wants to swap my AT&T iPhone 5 for his VZW iPhone 5.

[Browns2212]

I think an important question is "how much data do you use each month?".

When I upgraded to my I5, I had to give up my unlimited data plan (which sucked). I listen to TuneIn Radio while at work for about 4-5 hours each day (no Wi-Fi available) and make sure I turn on Wi-Fi anywhere else. I used right around 2GB in November. I still pay the $30 each month for that data. I was actually surprised that I "only" used around 2 GB because I also use the normal stuff as well quite regularly (twitter, fb, email, internet).

I guess it depends on if you can afford to pay for more GB's if you need them. I think in October I went over and it was an extra $10.

Outside of that, I love Verizon's coverage and reliability. I'm in NW Ohio and we have a lot of LTE coverage and I hardly ever drop a call.

[macher]

Originally Posted by Browns2212

I think an important question is "how much data do you use each month?".

When I upgraded to my I5, I had to give up my unlimited data plan (which sucked). I listen to TuneIn Radio while at work for about 4-5 hours each day (no Wi-Fi available) and make sure I turn on Wi-Fi anywhere else. I used right around 2GB in November. I still pay the $30 each month for that data. I was actually surprised that I "only" used around 2 GB because I also use the normal stuff as well quite regularly (twitter, fb, email, internet).

I guess it depends on if you can afford to pay for more GB's if you need them. I think in October I went over and it was an extra $10.

Outside of that, I love Verizon's coverage and reliability. I'm in NW Ohio and we have a lot of LTE coverage and I hardly ever drop a call.

If I get the VZW family plan line it would be an AOL and each of the 4 lines has unlimited data @$29.99.

[Baggio]

Move to a mobile share plan with AT&T. Look and see how much data all your lines are using per month and choose the proper amount of data needed. You probably pay about the same or possibly a little cheaper depending on how much data your lines need. You would then be able to have the hotspot feature and you won't get throttled. You also wouldn't have to pay full retail for your phones. Everyone is so fixated about not having unlimited data. With a little research, you can find a mobile share plan that suffices your needs.

[SeniorGato1]

You don't need all new phones. Suggest you buy some used iphone 4 or 4s's or even some 4g androids. Although verizon's 3G speeds are much slower than att's 3g.

[einmusiker]

Originally Posted by Baggio

Move to a mobile share plan with AT&T. Look and see how much data all your lines are using per month and choose the proper amount of data needed. You probably pay about the same or possibly a little cheaper depending on how much data your lines need. You would then be able to have the hotspot feature and you won't get throttled. You also wouldn't have to pay full retail for your phones. Everyone is so fixated about not having unlimited data. With a little research, you can find a mobile share plan that suffices your needs.

terrible advice sorry

[Baggio]

Originally Posted by einmusiker

terrible advice sorry

Worked well for me with multiple lines. Saved me about $30 a month and I never worry about going over my data, because I know how much I use. It's like balancing your checkbook, but most can't do that either.

[einmusiker]

Originally Posted by Baggio

Worked well for me with multiple lines. Saved me about $30 a month and I never worry about going over my data, because I know how much I use. It's like balancing your checkbook, but most can't do that either.

Good for you. I save $70 a month by not paying for wifi so im all good

[macher]

Originally Posted by Baggio

Worked well for me with multiple lines. Saved me about $30 a month and I never worry about going over my data, because I know how much I use. It's like balancing your checkbook, but most can't do that either.

I like not worrying about it. 3 devices use 6+ GB a month and 1 uses 3GB for a total of 21GB/month.

Look at the prices for a 20GB share plan. I pay $185/month for 4 unlimited data lines.

[macher]

Originally Posted by Baggio

Move to a mobile share plan with AT&T. Look and see how much data all your lines are using per month and choose the proper amount of data needed. You probably pay about the same or possibly a little cheaper depending on how much data your lines need. You would then be able to have the hotspot feature and you won't get throttled. You also wouldn't have to pay full retail for your phones. Everyone is so fixated about not having unlimited data. With a little research, you can find a mobile share plan that suffices your needs.

I'm on AT&T right now and know how much data each line uses. 3 lines use average 6GB each and 1 line averages 3GB for a total of 21 GB.

We each have unlimited LTE with AT&T. But not that Verizon LTE is any better or their coverage is better in my area but because the ability to have unlimited mobile hotspot and use our sims in our iPads to get unlimited data on our iPads.

I currently pay $212/month with taxes and with my discount for 4 lines that each have unlimited data. 700 minute share minutes and unlimited family text and mobile to ANY mobile.

The mobile share with unlimited calling and text for 20GB would cost me ALOT more.

[Jades]

I hope you are aware that personal hotspot on Verizon iPhone is blocked if you have an unlimited data plan (unless you pay a $30/month premium). iPad is another story - it'll work without issue

[Baggio]

Originally Posted by macher

I'm on AT&T right now and know how much data each line uses. 3 lines use average 6GB each and 1 line averages 3GB for a total of 21 GB.

We each have unlimited LTE with AT&T. But not that Verizon LTE is any better or their coverage is better in my area but because the ability to have unlimited mobile hotspot and use our sims in our iPads to get unlimited data on our iPads.

I currently pay $212/month with taxes and with my discount for 4 lines that each have unlimited data. 700 minute share minutes and unlimited family text and mobile to ANY mobile.

The mobile share with unlimited calling and text for 20GB would cost me ALOT more.

Good luck with that. You obviously, must not use wifi at all at home/work to be using 20 GB of data per month.

So, you are going to have to get 4 new iPhones at the no contract price and you will also have to get new iPads as well to switch to Verizon.

Get a Verizon iPad and alleviate your data usage on AT&T by using the Verizon iPad as hotspot. As stated above, unlimited data on the iPhone on Verizon doesn't include hotspots, unless pay and additional $30 per phone.

[macher]

Originally Posted by Baggio

Good luck with that. You obviously, must not use wifi at all at home/work to be using 20 GB of data per month.

Whether with AT&T or Verizon it wouldn't matter because I have unlimited data with AT&T and can get unlimited data with Verizon.

Originally Posted by Baggio

So, you are going to have to get 4 new iPhones at the no contract price and you will also have to get new iPads as well to switch to Verizon.

I can use one of the devices to tether to our iPads.

I can easily sell the 2 iPhone 4S's. And I have someone who would swap my AT&T iPhone 5 for his Verizon iPhone 5. My wife wouldn't mind a Galaxy Nexus.

Originally Posted by Baggio

Get a Verizon iPad and alleviate your data usage on AT&T by using the Verizon iPad as hotspot. As stated above, unlimited data on the iPhone on Verizon doesn't include hotspots, unless pay and additional $30 per phone.

I would pay $30 for mobile hotspot on on the iPhone 5 or can get it for free on a potential Galaxy Nexus that would be for my wife.

[jrasero]

Originally Posted by macher

Hi I've been with AT&T for a long time. We have a family plan each with unlimited data. What I don't like is now that I have an iPhone 5 I've been getting throttled every month.

I'm able to get hold of a VZW family plan each line having unlimited data. What I like about VZW is that they don't throttle and you have the ability to use unlimited Mobile Hotspot.

Pricing is about the same between both carriers.

The only issue I see with VZW is to keep unlimited data you have to buy a device at full price. I keep my iPhones for 2 years so when that time is up I can sell my iPhone 5 as an example and use the sale to get the next iPhone at full retail.

Another factor is I have 3 other lines to worry about when it's their time to get new devices. With 4 lines total that can get expensive

Anyone else care to share their experience or thoughts on having a 4 + lines with VZW and how you have or plan to get new devices when the time comes.

Defiantly. I had my own line on AT&T for the iPhone 4 and I had so many dropped calls, poor reception or lack of reception thereof. Speeds in NYC were okay

Last year I went on a Verizon family plan and while it's more money than I paid on AT&T the speeds are great, better 4G LTE coverage, and I never have a dropped call

Things to think about: do you call and surf the web at the same time? Verizon can't do this? Verizon hardly gives out early or promotional upgrades like AT&T.

[macher]

Originally Posted by jrasero

Defiantly. I had my own line on AT&T for the iPhone 4 and I had so many dropped calls, poor reception or lack of reception thereof. Speeds in NYC were okay

Last year I went on a Verizon family plan and while it's more money than I paid on AT&T the speeds are great, better 4G LTE coverage, and I never have a dropped call

Things to think about: do you call and surf the web at the same time? Verizon can't do this? Verizon hardly gives out early or promotional upgrades like AT&T.

I never had issues with voice with AT&T. Can't remember when I dropped a call. I'm in the Philly market, top 5-6 metro's in the USA.

I don't talk and surf much unless I'm on hold with the other party.

[HankHowdy]

Unlimited data plans are no longer available from VZW for new customers anymore. I don't get why the OP thinks he will get that when switching.

[HadItWithWindow]

I switched from AT&T to Verizon after years because Verizon has a stronger signal in our area. I wished I hadn't.

It is either my iPhone5 or Verizon that makes receiving calls very difficult. Some times my phone does not ring but I get a message of missed called. Other times the other party cannot hear me.

I don't know whether or not this is an iPhone issue or a Verizon issue but it is a handicap.

Also, I purchased a new iPad when the iPhone5 came out and much to my disgust Apple brought out a newer iPad that surprised everyone. I tried to return it for exchange but no luck since it had been 40 days from date of purchase.

The AT&T service was MUCH better for iPad. If I had it to do over again I'd stick with AT&T in spite of the fact their towers aren't that great locally.

[From A Buick 8]

Originally Posted by HankHowdy

Unlimited data plans are no longer available from VZW for new customers anymore. I don't get why the OP thinks he will get that when switching.

He is taking over an existing plan with unlimited

[wordoflife]

I think the main thing to look at is if you have LTE in your area. Verizon 3G is slow compared to HSPA+ and of course, LTE. With those speeds, you might not even need unlimited.