Verizon, Future of Unlimited Data

[macher]

Was thinking how long VZW will offer grandfathered unlimited data. The last chance for unlimited data on a 2 year contract was 6/2012. So at least those that have a 2 year contract are somewhat protected until 6/2014.

I'm out of contract with unlimited data and realize if I want a new device and want to retain unlimited data I either have to pay full retail or bring in a used device. Since I'm out of contract I suppose VZW can inform me that I need to pick a tiered plan. However that would p**ss me off since I bought an iPhone 5 at full retail to retain unlimited data. When I bought the full price iPhone 5 I had a month left on my contract.

Verizon doesn't throttle 4G but they have the right to network optimize. I see areas and regions getting congested and I'm confident that VZW will start to implement network optimization. VZW says their network optimization isn't the same as what the competition does in regards to throttling.

What are your thoughts on the future of Verizon grandfathered unlimited data?

[Bob Coxner]

Originally Posted by macher

What are your thoughts on the future of Verizon grandfathered unlimited data?

If a wireless carrier CAN screw you, they WILL screw you. The only question is how soon it will happen and whether they're kind enough to use lube.

[iHailCarlo]

Originally Posted by Bob Coxner

If a wireless carrier CAN screw you, they WILL screw you. The only question is how soon it will happen and whether they're kind enough to use lube.

agreed, I got my iphone 5 and they couldnt wait to dump my unlimited plan.

[Michael CM1]

Originally Posted by Bob Coxner

If a wireless carrier CAN screw you, they WILL screw you. The only question is how soon it will happen and whether they're kind enough to use lube.

What's amazing is how long people did not understand this when the iPhone was only on AT&T in the U.S. I'm on Verizon now because the network is so much better, but Verizon will do the same stuff and and have the same type of troubles any carrier would. Had Verizon been the initial iPhone carrier, it would've been slammed by traffic and sucking wind trying to upgrade. When it got the iPhone, wow did it ditch unlimited data in a hurry.

[Chris092881]

Originally Posted by Bob Coxner

If a wireless carrier CAN screw you, they WILL screw you. The only question is how soon it will happen and whether they're kind enough to use lube.

We have a winner. In my case Apple didn't only screw me, they pulled out and blew it all over my face. Thanks, Tim.

[macher]

Originally Posted by iHailCarlo

agreed, I got my iphone 5 and they couldnt wait to dump my unlimited plan.

Do you buy at full retail or subsidized price?

[iHailCarlo]

Originally Posted by macher

Do you buy at full retail or subsidized price?

I bought at subsidized, actually only ended up paying about $42 for my iPhone 5. I dont use that much data but it no doubt takes Pandora and other streaming apps of the table.

[lunaoso]

Originally Posted by iHailCarlo

I bought at subsidized, actually only ended up paying about $42 for my iPhone 5. I dont use that much data but it no doubt takes Pandora and other streaming apps of the table.

Pandora doesn't use that much data... Only about 30MB an hour on average. That's what I read somewhere.

[macher]

Originally Posted by iHailCarlo

I bought at subsidized, actually only ended up paying about $42 for my iPhone 5. I dont use that much data but it no doubt takes Pandora and other streaming apps of the table.

You said VZW couldn't wait to dump your unltd plan but you bought at subsidized pricing. Didn't you know when you buy at subsidized pricing(upgrade) you lose unltd data?

[CharlieBrandt09]

Originally Posted by macher

You said VZW couldn't wait to dump your unltd plan but you bought at subsidized pricing. Didn't you know when you buy at subsidized pricing(upgrade) you lose unltd data?

I stream Pandora quite often. I'd say I average about 5 hours/wk. I have never gone over 1GB data in a month.

[jessica.]

Originally Posted by iHailCarlo

agreed, I got my iphone 5 and they couldnt wait to dump my unlimited plan.

There is a difference between them screwing you out of your data plan and you opting out by buying a phone at the subsidized price.

Even still, every wireless carrier that I know of will take your money and make you feel as though it is a privilege to be a customer.

[Tilpots]

I think they'll try throttling before they actually kick you off unlimited. When it was announced that you could keep the plan with customer provided equipment, they seemed to acknowledge that maintaining unlimited data would be acceptable for the foreseeable future.

The number of people out there with unlimited plans are shrinking by the day, so no doubt VZ is pleased with their decision.

[macher]

Originally Posted by Tilpots

I think they'll try throttling before they actually kick you off unlimited. When it was announced that you could keep the plan with customer provided equipment, they seemed to acknowledge that maintaining unlimited data would be acceptable for the foreseeable future.

The number of people out there with unlimited plans are shrinking by the day, so no doubt VZ is pleased with their decision.

I think VZW will implement a throttling/network management policy similar to AT&T.

It's known that VZW is having issues in the likes of NYC and they'll need to do something.

Throttling costs less per GB for a carrier.

[EstaVidaLoca]

Originally Posted by macher

I think VZW will implement a throttling/network management policy similar to AT&T.

It's known that VZW is having issues in the likes of NYC and they'll need to do something.

Throttling costs less per GB for a carrier.

Verizon can't throttle LTE on the 700mhz band until the FCC changes its mind and. I don't see that happening anytime soon. The real question is what will they do when they implement VOLTE (voice over LTE) when everything is data?

[Applejuiced]

Originally Posted by EstaVidaLoca

Verizon can't throttle LTE on the 700mhz band until the FCC changes its mind and. I don't see that happening anytime soon. The real question is what will they do when they implement VOLTE (voice over LTE) when everything is data?

Exactly.
They can throttle 3G data but their 3G is very slow to begin with.
And like said above they are not allowed to throttle LTE data.

[nuckinfutz]

I think unlimited plans invite laziness. Cellular networks are finite resource and the last thing I want is more towers having to be put up, at considerable expense and potential harmful effects, to satiate people that want to stream Pandora all day long.

It's easy to remember there are nigh 7 billion other people on the planet and find ways to conserve your network impact by storing data locally or leveraging Wifi networks.

[Applejuiced]

Originally Posted by nuckinfutz

I think unlimited plans invite laziness. Cellular networks are finite resource and the last thing I want is more towers having to be put up, at considerable expense and potential harmful effects, to satiate people that want to stream Pandora all day long.

It's easy to remember there are nigh 7 billion other people on the planet and find ways to conserve your network impact by storing data locally or leveraging Wifi networks.

Great logic.
People on unlimited data plans or that stream pandora or other services are all lazy

[evilrt]

macher, we are not somewhat protected while under contract. Verizon can change their policy terms at any time. If they change their policy while you are under contract you can leave without paying any early termination fees.

[old-wiz]

Unlimited data will be eliminated within a few years. Verizon needs the profits from metered data.

[T4R06]

i have verizon LTE unlimited and actually buying the phone for full price is worth it just to keep the grandfathered thing.

i dont know, i have a good internet access at home but i kept on tethering my VZW (droid DNA) and it rocks! 5gb is so easy when watching netflix on my ipad mini and some 1080p youtube videos

the phone paid itself in less than a week lol

[darster]

I actually think unlimited data will come back. As the LTE networks expand across the US, more and more smaller carriers (net10, etc) will begin using LTE with much cheaper unlimited everything plans. Right now, these smaller carriers do not have access to those networks from AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, etc; but will in the future. Once that happens, the big boys will have to figure out how to compete and the unlimited everything at a reasonable price will come back. The income from texting is dropping as people find other ways to text, and make calls. Eventually it will just be data, and you use it the way you wish.

[Spectrum Abuser]

Originally Posted by darster

I actually think unlimited data will come back. As the LTE networks expand across the US, more and more smaller carriers (net10, etc) will begin using LTE with much cheaper unlimited everything plans. Right now, these smaller carriers do not have access to those networks from AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, etc; but will in the future. Once that happens, the big boys will have to figure out how to compete and the unlimited everything at a reasonable price will come back. The income from texting is dropping as people find other ways to text, and make calls. Eventually it will just be data, and you use it the way you wish.

The major carriers do not need the bottom feeders. The MVNO carriers don't actually own their own networks and thus sign agreements with the major carriers to have access to nationwide networks. If and when the 'big boys' allow these bottom feeders onto their LTE networks you'd bet that there will be strings attached.

Do you honestly believe any of the major carriers would allow a MVNO to bring direct competition from them using the major carriers own network? You're very, very naive.

[darster]

Originally Posted by Spectrum Abuser

The major carriers do not need the bottom feeders. The MVNO carriers don't actually own their own networks and thus sign agreements with the major carriers to have access to nationwide networks. If and when the 'big boys' allow these bottom feeders onto their LTE networks you'd bet that there will be strings attached.

Do you honestly believe any of the major carriers would allow a MVNO to bring direct competition from them using the major carriers own network? You're very, very naive.

When Verizon and Google bought up all that spectrum several years ago, one of the requirements was that they would be required to share that spectrum with smaller carriers. So yes, MVNO's will be using their LTE network.

[jrasero]

I think people make a huge deal about keeping their unlimited data. A course having unlimited data is much preferred and is a better value compared to the share everything plans, but most people don't exceed 2GB or x amount.

Honestly if Verizon wanted to eliminate the grandfathered unlimited data they have every legal right to do so. They gradually have been phasing people to share everything plans.

So you my friend are a dyeing breed. Unless you move to Sprints pathetic network

[HankHowdy]

Originally Posted by CharlieBrandt09

I stream Pandora quite often. I'd say I average about 5 hours/wk. I have never gone over 1GB data in a month.

I stream I heart radio 3 hours a day 5 days a weak. I range 6- 10 gigs a month. When I finally get a lte device, I will use more data because I know my usage habits will change. I really need my unlimited data.

How did AT&T end it's unlimited data with current grandfathered customers? How were they notified?