Interesting Math in Shared Data Plans

[jman240]

I wanted to compare the shared data plans for Verizon and AT&T and see which was a better deal. Due to how they charge it really only matters how many smart phones you choose on AT&T as that is the main price differentiation. Everything else is just a flat fee so this is how I compared them.

Amazingly, they are very similar but depending on how much data / how many smart phones you have on the plan the prices can vary on who is cheaper. I had assumed that AT&T would always be cheaper but I was wrong.

The attached file with the key at the bottom is read this way, blue = same price, green = lower price, red = higher price, and yellow = attention. If something isn't highlighted then there is no direct comparison.

Basically, pick how many smart phones you have, how much data you want and compare. Then add tablets / hotspots / dumb phones / etc as they wont cause any fluctuations between the carriers.

Anyway, if anyone is interested, here you go.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A8ZnfcCz96BRcsyLjYS1sOIc5aPWFWcbMAqdAUqi2N4/edit

Quick Summary: 2 smartphones or 4GB is equal between the 2 carries. 1 Smart phone or 1GB data is cheaper on Verizon. 3 or more smartphones and 6GB or more data is cheaper on AT&T.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Very helpful.

At least at&t allows us to keep the cheaper unlimited or tiered plans.

 

[stickybuns]

Thank you for making this chart. Very helpful!

 

[cableguy619]

Haha great post.. I had to do thi myself a few weeks back to figure who would be best for me and my family.. Lol this would have made it so much easier haha

 

[gdjsnyder]

Very good, easy to understand chart. Maybe of you ever have the chance add Verizon's 20GB plan in comparison with AT&T's so people who need higher data can compare. Maybe also add a comparable Verizon plan with the 15GB AT&T one, like the 14GB or 16GB plan on Verizon.

At least at&t allows us to keep the cheaper unlimited or tiered plans.

While Verizon does not allow you to keep unlimited, they do allow anyone to keep their current tiered plan when upgrading.

 

[jman240]

Very good, easy to understand chart. Maybe of you ever have the chance add Verizon's 20GB plan in comparison with AT&T's so people who need higher data can compare. Maybe also add a comparable Verizon plan with the 15GB AT&T one, like the 14GB or 16GB plan on Verizon.

Done and done. Added on the second page. All the Verizon plans at that price point seem to be cheaper. Interesting.

I can't imagine having a $350+ phone bill...

 

[Big.Mac.Daddy]

While Verizon does not allow you to keep unlimited, they do allow anyone to keep their current tiered plan when upgrading.

So a new customer can get a subsidized iPhone for $199 and select the $40/mo voice minutes + $30/mo 2gb data?

 

[jman240]

So a new customer can get a subsidized iPhone for $199 and select the $40/mo voice minutes + $30/mo 2gb data?

It will be on AT&T at least $40 plan and $45 to add the iPhone to it. They don't separate out voice/data/text for these shared plans but rather charge a fee to add devices to the data/minutes/text pool.

$40 for 1GB data then $45 to add 1 smart phone to that plan = $85. 1GB overages are $15 so if you use 2GB it would be $100.

http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/data-plans.html#fbid=KB-wMTfQ9ls?tab2

 

[Big.Mac.Daddy]

It will be on AT&T at least $40 plan and $45 to add the iPhone to it. They don't separate out voice/data/text for these shared plans but rather charge a fee to add devices to the data/minutes/text pool.

$40 for 1GB data then $45 to add 1 smart phone to that plan = $85. 1GB overages are $15 so if you use 2GB it would be $100.

http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/data-plans.html#fbid=KB-wMTfQ9ls?tab2

I was talking about Verizon, not AT&T

So can a brand new Verizon customer get a subsidized iPhone for 199 + 70/mo for voice & 2gb?

 

[SR45]

I was talking about Verizon, not AT&T

So can a brand new Verizon customer get a subsidized iPhone for 199 + 70/mo for voice & 2gb?

This is what Verizon showed me. New customer (450 minutes voice) First screen shot

Just had to check for me.....My Verizon plan, second screen shot is for 2 GB plan with 200 minutes voice. No sharing. For those who are 65 or older AT&T is the same amount but one gets 3 GB of data, and Verizon only gives one 2 GB. Might be a reason to switch.

 

[jman240]

I was talking about Verizon, not AT&T

So can a brand new Verizon customer get a subsidized iPhone for 199 + 70/mo for voice & 2gb?

I don't think so anymore. A new customer is shown the Share Everything plans on Verizon's website, of which the cheapest you can get a smartphone is $80. With 2GB of data it will be $100. See attached.

It looks like AT&T is keeping their old plans around but Verizon has eliminated those in favor of the share everything plans.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=planFirst&action=viewPlanOverview

 

[nicknicknickh]

So if I have this straight:

2 phones (verizon) = 80 bucks

then the 6gb plan is another 70 bucks which totals out to 150 bucks per month?

 

[jman240]

So if I have this straight:

2 phones (verizon) = 80 bucks

then the 6gb plan is another 70 bucks which totals out to 150 bucks per month?

It would be $160. The 6GB plan is $80.

 

[Want300]

http://usdataplans.com

someone made this website a month or so ago. It included FAN Discounts, "dumb" phones, and tablets as well.

 

[SAIRUS]

And suddenly AT&T whining about unlimited data makes all the more sense. Just imagining the money I'm saving...esp with LTE around the corner.

 

[Want300]

And suddenly AT&T whining about unlimited data makes all the more sense. Just imagining the money I'm saving...esp with LTE around the corner.

I feel like Verizon is making a bigger deal about it by making you buy your phone without subsidy. Meaning an extra $450 for an iPhone... that breaks down to $18.75 a month (assuming a 2 year contract).

 

[linkgx1]

Interesting.... But I'm paying $150/mo for the 10gb w/3 lines. ATT

 

[cableguy619]

Done and done. Added on the second page. All the Verizon plans at that price point seem to be cheaper. Interesting.

I can't imagine having a $350+ phone bill...

If I ad my 3rd child it will push me to 270.. making sure she continues to show that she is responsible before adding. lol note do not have 4 kids close in age..haha

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Interesting.... But I'm paying $150/mo for the 10gb w/3 lines. ATT

How'd you pull that off ? other 2 not smart phones?