Is there any reason to get the 2GB plan by default?

[chriskzoo]

As I understand it, if you are on the 200MB plan and you go over your limit, you will be given the option to bump to the 2GB limit for $10 at that point and then after the billing cycle ends you can just downgrade again. So is there any advantage to going to the 2GB limit as your default plan other than the minor annoyance of re-downgrading your data plan if you go over?

Really, if I know I'm a day or two away from the end of my billing cycle, I would just go WiFi only for a day or two on my data until it rolls over if needed, rather than spend the $10.

 

[D3lta]

If you're on the 200MB plan, you get an option to get another 200MB for $15. I'm pretty sure you don't get bumped up to the 2GB plan.

 

[chriskzoo]

If you're on the 200MB plan, you get an option to get another 200MB for $15. I'm pretty sure you don't get bumped up to the 2GB plan.

https://www.macrumors.com/2010/06/02/more-details-on-atandts-data-plan-changes-for-iphone-and-ipad/

- iPhone users can bump up from the $15 200 MB data plan to the $25 2 GB plan without penalty as long as they initiate the change before the end of the desired billing cycle. This will allow users on the lower tier to simply bump up to the $25 plan as needed rather than having to pay $15 per additional 200 MB over the initial 200 MB limit. Users can then bump themselves back down for their next billing cycle. It is unclear at this time whether users on the higher tier will be able to drop down to the lower tier mid-cycle if they see that their data usage will be low for that period.

 

[Hellishness]

AFAIK, if you choose the 200MB plan, once you go over, you will get another 200MB for $15. If you choose the 2GB plan, once you go over you will be able to buy 1 more GB for $10, and you can do this indefinitely.

EDIT: Oh, never mind, it seems that you have a point.

 

[Cougarcat]

If you're on the 200MB plan, you get an option to get another 200MB for $15. I'm pretty sure you don't get bumped up to the 2GB plan.

If you accidentally go over, you get charged $15/ 200MB. But you can switch to the 2GB plan at any time and have it retroactively apply to your current billing month.

 

[chriskzoo]

If you accidentally go over, you get charged $15/ 200MB. But you can switch to the 2GB plan at any time and have it retroactively apply to your current billing month.

Can you set it up to be a true cap so that if you hit 200MB it stops - rather than quitely going over the "limit"? I am pretty sure this is how the iPad works.

 

[NikeTalk]

What if you have the 2GB plan but realize you only use less than 200MB can you change it? If so, does it extend you contract?

 

[chriskzoo]

What if you have the 2GB plan but realize you only use less than 200MB can you change it? If so, does it extend you contract?

FTA I linked above, AT&T was going to get back to MacRumors on that.

 

[IlliniDude]

Yeah, my plan is to get the 200MB plan for all 4 phones we're getting, then monitor the usage. I've been averaging just over 200MB on my 2G, but I have WIFI turned off all the time because it's never worked very well for some reason. Hopefully I'll stay under 200 with the help of WIFI and save a bundle.

 

[Cougarcat]

Can you set it up to be a true cap so that if you hit 200MB it stops - rather than quitely going over the "limit"? I am pretty sure this is how the iPad works.

It would be nice, but I don't think so. You get messages at 65/90/100%, though.

From ATT's Faq, about switching:

Can I switch back and forth between the new smartphone data plans?

Answer:
Yes, as a smartphone customer, you may decide over time that you need more or less data than what your plan provides. There is no penalty to move between the new smartphone data plans as needed.

So to answer NikeTalk's question, yes.

 

[eezing]

Yeah, my plan is to get the 200MB plan for all 4 phones we're getting, then monitor the usage. I've been averaging just over 200MB on my 2G, but I have WIFI turned off all the time because it's never worked very well for some reason. Hopefully I'll stay under 200 with the help of WIFI and save a bundle.

Seriously, anyone born in Generation X and after will use more than 200MB per month on the iPhone 4. Stop kidding yourselves.

 

[IlliniDude]

Seriously, anyone born in Generation X and after will use more than 200MB per month on the iPhone 4. Stop kidding yourselves.

You're right- you know better than me what my usage, my parents' usage, and my brother's usage are/will be.

 

[eezing]

You're right- you know better than me what my usage, my parents' usage, and my brother's usage are/will be.

Going from 2G to 3G doubled my mobile internet usage. Tag on the new features of iPhone 4 and for sure you and your brother will be over 200MB, maybe not your parents. Not trying to be rude here, just realistic.

 

[IlliniDude]

Do you have at least an iPhone 3G right now?

I have a 2G unlocked on T-Mobile. Like I said above, I've averaged around 200MB on Edge with wifi shut off 100% of the time. I'll probably end up going to the 3G plan, but no reason not to start with the cheaper one if there's no downside. My parents and brother have never had any smartphone so I'm guessing that initially they won't be going too crazy- plus they will all have wifi at home (and my Ps are retired so they are home a lot).

 

[eezing]

I have a 2G unlocked on T-Mobile. Like I said above, I've averaged around 200MB on Edge with wifi shut off 100% of the time. I'll probably end up going to the 3G plan, but no reason not to start with the cheaper one if there's no downside. My parents and brother have never had any smartphone so I'm guessing that initially they won't be going too crazy- plus they will all have wifi at home (and my Ps are retired so they are home a lot).

Yea, give it shot the first month and see how it goes. Do they prorate for that month if you upgrade to 2GB?

 

[IlliniDude]

Yea, give it shot the first month and see how it goes. Do they prorate for that month if you upgrade to 2GB?

I assume they charge you for 2G for the whole month, otherwise you could start every month at 200MB and upgrade the last possible day.

 

[jisaac]

Seriously, anyone born in Generation X and after will use more than 200MB per month on the iPhone 4. Stop kidding yourselves.

My wife uses most of her data with Facebook and Pandora. She rarely uses more than 250MB and I suspect 200 would be fine most days. I'll encourage her to use wifi more often and that means more shopping money for her - easy win.