Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Well it depends where you live. Pretty much, AT&T seems to be the best carrier for the east coast, and Verizon is the best for the west coast. I have friends in the New England area who swear by AT&T, but everyone here in California stands firmly behind Verizon.
 
Out of all the unlimited plans out there, Verizon still has the best one (disregarding the subsidy situation). No throttling at all on LTE and official unlimited tethering. Perhaps tmobile will usher in unlimited tethering this year.
 
people being forced into a new plan are getting better plans and are paying less; if tmobile decides to force us into new plans in the future undoubtedly they will be an incentive to do so.

for example the old tmobile "unlimited" plan throttled you after 5gb; the new one doesn't.

Hopefully in the future they do not push you from unlimited data to tiered data via the forced move.
 
Out of all the unlimited plans out there, Verizon still has the best one (disregarding the subsidy situation). No throttling at all on LTE and official unlimited tethering. Perhaps tmobile will usher in unlimited tethering this year.

The Verizon unlimited plan most certainly does not have unlimited tethering...

You have to add the wifi mobile hotspot feature, last i checked its $20 for 2GB.

Tmobile beats VZW in this regard. In Fact Verizon has blocked 3rd party tethering apps before for non-capped data plans. And before 2012 and before the FCC got mad at them, they used to charge extra for tethering even if you had a capped data plan!

What if I have an old Verizon unlimited data plan? Can I download an app and avoid the $20 tethering fee too?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is no. Verizon says that customers under the unlimited plan are required by the company's terms of service to pay an additional fee to tether their device.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57...ns-fcc-tethering-settlement-means-to-you-faq/
 
The Verizon unlimited plan most certainly does not have unlimited tethering...

You have to add the wifi mobile hotspot feature, last i checked its $20 for 2GB.

For 4G LTE devices, Verizon offers unlimited tethering as the ONLY option for customers with the unlimited data plan.

Tfbhpg7l.png


4G Mobile Hotspot
Mobile Broadband Connect

Use your Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone as a modem to get instant online access on your computer.

Mobile Hotspot

Using your 4G LTE Smartphone, share your data allowance with multiple Wi-Fi-enable devices. No additional drivers or software necessary.

Requires an unlimited data package / plan subscription of $29.99 or higher.

Additional Terms & Conditions apply.

In regards to tiered data plans, there is no actual 2GB/$20 tethering addon feature. Verizon makes no distinction between data used on your phone and data used while tethering. The $20/2GB simply comes from the fact that the next tiered data plan up from the 2GB/$30 plan is the 4GB/$50 plan which includes mobile hotspot.

In fact there are a few different tiered data plans that include mobile hotspot:

  • $30 - 2GB
  • $50 - 4GB + Mobile Hotspot
  • $50 - 5GB
  • $70 - 7GB + Mobile Hotspot
  • $80 - 10GB
  • $100 - 12GB + Mobile Hotspot

It's important to note that these plans with "Mobile Hotspot" simply enable the built in hotspot features of iOS and other phone operating systems. Since the FCC ruling, you're free to install any tethering app yourself on any tiered data plans.

Since the FCC ruling, Verizon has not gone after anyone on tiered or unlimited data who have either jailbroken and used a tethering app from cydia, or used foxfi or any of the other tethering apps in many of the android stores. So If you want to tether on an iPhone without paying the extra $30 for unlimited tethering on your unlimited plan, you would need to jailbreak/root/install a third party tethering app.


So in my opinion, Verizon's unlimited data plan is still the best that has been offered (so far) because it allows for legitimate unlimited tethering without any throttling at all. However in terms of cost, it is not the cheapest. If T-Mobile introduces actual unlimited tethering this year, then they would be on par with Verizon in terms of the best unlimited data plan.
 
Last edited:
Out of all the unlimited plans out there, Verizon still has the best one (disregarding the subsidy situation). No throttling at all on LTE and official unlimited tethering. Perhaps tmobile will usher in unlimited tethering this year.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57...ns-fcc-tethering-settlement-means-to-you-faq/

You are right about no throttling, but there is a fee, if you are on an unlimited data plan.

The whole personal hotspot, tethering thing is confusing, but this article lays it out nicely.

----------

For 4G LTE devices, Verizon offers unlimited tethering as the ONLY option for customers with the unlimited data plan.

Image



In regards to tiered data plans, there is no actual 2GB/$20 tethering addon feature. Verizon makes no distinction between data used on your phone and data used while tethering. The $20/2GB simply comes from the fact that the next tiered data plan up from the 2GB/$30 plan is the 4GB/$50 plan which includes mobile hotspot.

In fact there are a few different tiered data plans that include mobile hotspot:

  • $30 - 2GB
  • $50 - 4GB + Mobile Hotspot
  • $50 - 5GB
  • $70 - 7GB + Mobile Hotspot
  • $80 - 10GB
  • $100 - 12GB + Mobile Hotspot

It's important to note that these plans with "Mobile Hotspot" simply enable the built in hotspot features of iOS and other phone operating systems. Since the FCC ruling, you're free to install any tethering app yourself on any tiered data plans.

Since the FCC ruling, Verizon has not gone after anyone on tiered or unlimited data who have either jailbroken and used a tethering app from cydia, or used foxfi or any of the other tethering apps in many of the android stores. So If you want to tether on an iPhone without paying the extra $30 for unlimited tethering on your unlimited plan, you would need to jailbreak/root/install a third party tethering app.


So in my opinion, Verizon's unlimited data plan is still the best that has been offered (so far) because it allows for legitimate unlimited tethering without any throttling at all. However in terms of cost, it is not the cheapest. If T-Mobile introduces actual unlimited tethering this year, then they would be on par with Verizon in terms of the best unlimited data plan.

Verizon hasn't gone after anyone on an unlimited plan with a jail broken phone that you know off. How long do you think Verizon will lose revenue on this before they take some action?

----------

For 4G LTE devices, Verizon offers unlimited tethering as the ONLY option for customers with the unlimited data plan.

Image



In regards to tiered data plans, there is no actual 2GB/$20 tethering addon feature. Verizon makes no distinction between data used on your phone and data used while tethering. The $20/2GB simply comes from the fact that the next tiered data plan up from the 2GB/$30 plan is the 4GB/$50 plan which includes mobile hotspot.

In fact there are a few different tiered data plans that include mobile hotspot:

  • $30 - 2GB
  • $50 - 4GB + Mobile Hotspot
  • $50 - 5GB
  • $70 - 7GB + Mobile Hotspot
  • $80 - 10GB
  • $100 - 12GB + Mobile Hotspot

It's important to note that these plans with "Mobile Hotspot" simply enable the built in hotspot features of iOS and other phone operating systems. Since the FCC ruling, you're free to install any tethering app yourself on any tiered data plans.

Since the FCC ruling, Verizon has not gone after anyone on tiered or unlimited data who have either jailbroken and used a tethering app from cydia, or used foxfi or any of the other tethering apps in many of the android stores. So If you want to tether on an iPhone without paying the extra $30 for unlimited tethering on your unlimited plan, you would need to jailbreak/root/install a third party tethering app.


So in my opinion, Verizon's unlimited data plan is still the best that has been offered (so far) because it allows for legitimate unlimited tethering without any throttling at all. However in terms of cost, it is not the cheapest. If T-Mobile introduces actual unlimited tethering this year, then they would be on par with Verizon in terms of the best unlimited data plan.

Verizon hasn't gone after anyone on an unlimited plan with a jail broken phone that you know off. However jailbreaking to use a tether app to avoid the fee violates the terms and conditions. How long do you think Verizon will lose revenue on this before they take some action?
 
Last edited:
You are right about no throttling, but there is a fee, if you are on an unlimited data plan.

I never said Verizon's unlimited plan was the best in terms of cost. However, it's the only option if you want truly unlimited and unthrottled tethering at this time.

Verizon hasn't gone after anyone on an unlimited plan with a jail broken phone that you know off. However jailbreaking to use a tether app to avoid the fee violates the terms and conditions. How long do you think Verizon will lose revenue on this before they take some action?

In terms of revenue lost, I wouldn't even peg the "lost" revenue of $30 for unlimited tethering on data which in reality is already being paid for with the data plan itself, is even a blip on their radar. The vast majority of their user base is not well informed or do not care enough to bother with paying full price to keep unlimited data or use the upgrade transfer trick to keep it. In the future unlimited data customers on Verizon will be a small niche, and who knows what will happen to those plans as there are people still on Verizon plans from the late 90's.
 
I never said Verizon's unlimited plan was the best in terms of cost. However, it's the only option if you want truly unlimited and unthrottled tethering at this time.



In terms of revenue lost, I wouldn't even peg the "lost" revenue of $30 for unlimited tethering on data which in reality is already being paid for with the data plan itself, is even a blip on their radar. The vast majority of their user base is not well informed or do not care enough to bother with paying full price to keep unlimited data or use the upgrade transfer trick to keep it. In the future unlimited data customers on Verizon will be a small niche, and who knows what will happen to those plans as there are people still on Verizon plans from the late 90's.

It's not the 30 bucks it's the t and c violation. The 30 bucks is another data plan.
 
For 4G LTE devices, Verizon offers unlimited tethering as the ONLY option for customers with the unlimited data plan.

Image



In regards to tiered data plans, there is no actual 2GB/$20 tethering addon feature. Verizon makes no distinction between data used on your phone and data used while tethering. The $20/2GB simply comes from the fact that the next tiered data plan up from the 2GB/$30 plan is the 4GB/$50 plan which includes mobile hotspot.

In fact there are a few different tiered data plans that include mobile hotspot:

  • $30 - 2GB
  • $50 - 4GB + Mobile Hotspot
  • $50 - 5GB
  • $70 - 7GB + Mobile Hotspot
  • $80 - 10GB
  • $100 - 12GB + Mobile Hotspot

It's important to note that these plans with "Mobile Hotspot" simply enable the built in hotspot features of iOS and other phone operating systems. Since the FCC ruling, you're free to install any tethering app yourself on any tiered data plans.

Since the FCC ruling, Verizon has not gone after anyone on tiered or unlimited data who have either jailbroken and used a tethering app from cydia, or used foxfi or any of the other tethering apps in many of the android stores. So If you want to tether on an iPhone without paying the extra $30 for unlimited tethering on your unlimited plan, you would need to jailbreak/root/install a third party tethering app.


So in my opinion, Verizon's unlimited data plan is still the best that has been offered (so far) because it allows for legitimate unlimited tethering without any throttling at all. However in terms of cost, it is not the cheapest. If T-Mobile introduces actual unlimited tethering this year, then they would be on par with Verizon in terms of the best unlimited data plan.

Thanks for the clarification!
 
Verizon doesn't offer an unlimited data plan with tethering. Or an unlimited data plan at all. In fact, as per the FCC ruling, they only have to offer "free" tethering with data share plans (the idea being if you have a 6gb allotment per month they can't tell you how to use it).

You CAN jailbreak, but if you burn through 50GB of data on it because you're using it to tether your PS4 and play Battlefield, they can absolutely pop you for it. It is FALSE to claim that Verizon allows unlimited data tethering. You can ONLY do that if you have a grandfathered unlimited plan and jailbreak your device. PERIOD.

Yes, 10GB with tethering is more than you'll get on T-Mo who have a 2.5gb cap, but at the same time that tethering takes away from your monthly allowance. So if you tether 10gb, congratulations, you don't have any data left to actually use on your phone.

----------

And it will continue to be something I wouldn't worry about.

This is the cell phone equivalent of "I don't wear a helmet because I don't need one."
 
Verizon doesn't offer an unlimited data plan with tethering.

You're 100% wrong. I'm paying $30 for grandfathered Unlimited Data + $30 for Unlimited 4G hotspot. Last month I used over 126GB of data due to being out of town on business. I can confirm that you're not receiving 2GB, 4GB, or 10GB of hotspot data.

Can we please put this debate to rest? :D
 

Attachments

  • VerizonAccountFeatures_1.jpg
    VerizonAccountFeatures_1.jpg
    58.7 KB · Views: 109
  • VerizonAccountFeatures_2.jpg
    VerizonAccountFeatures_2.jpg
    26.1 KB · Views: 93
Well it depends where you live. Pretty much, AT&T seems to be the best carrier for the east coast, and Verizon is the best for the west coast. I have friends in the New England area who swear by AT&T, but everyone here in California stands firmly behind Verizon.

I'm in Northern CA and have really good service with AT&T. In fact, it has improved greatly over time. Verizon is solid as well, but, IMO, AT&T is catching up quickly.
 
You're 100% wrong. I'm paying $30 for grandfathered Unlimited Data + $30 for Unlimited 4G hotspot. Last month I used over 126GB of data due to being out of town on business. I can confirm that you're not receiving 2GB, 4GB, or 10GB of hotspot data.

Can we please put this debate to rest? :D

Oh you're paying the extra $30. That's a different matter entirely. I'm talking about tethering PAIRED with a data plan. What you're discussing is an arrangement that costs roughly TWICE T-Mo's unlimited plan, AND removes the ability to get a phone upgrade.

Yes, you can say that you can't upgrade your phone on T-Mo either, but you're still paying Verizon the subsidized phone price. It's not like you get a discount through them if you bring your own phone along.

It exists, and if you REALLY REALLY need to tether 100+ GB per month then I suppose it's worth it. After all it can, theoretically, eliminate the need for a home internet connection. But it's a tenuous situation, and one that I don't think will last forever.
 
Oh you're paying the extra $30. That's a different matter entirely. I'm talking about tethering PAIRED with a data plan. What you're discussing is an arrangement that costs roughly TWICE T-Mo's unlimited plan, AND removes the ability to get a phone upgrade.

Yes, you can say that you can't upgrade your phone on T-Mo either, but you're still paying Verizon the subsidized phone price. It's not like you get a discount through them if you bring your own phone along.

It exists, and if you REALLY REALLY need to tether 100+ GB per month then I suppose it's worth it. After all it can, theoretically, eliminate the need for a home internet connection. But it's a tenuous situation, and one that I don't think will last forever.

I don't think it will last either, however for those of us who need to tether coupled with travel out of urban areas, VZW is the only way to go if they are already you're carrier.

Seems like unlimited is unlimited until it's not for all carriers.
 
I want to minimize my monthly bills. Tmobile delivers. $80 with tax unlimited everything with iPhone insurance. Gets the job. Done.
 
I don't think it will last either, however for those of us who need to tether coupled with travel out of urban areas, VZW is the only way to go if they are already you're carrier.

Seems like unlimited is unlimited until it's not for all carriers.

That's pretty much it. If you've lucked into having this arrangement and have the money available they're good, but it's gonna collapse.

UNLESS they take AT&T's cue and pay attention to T-Mo. TBH I would pay $100/mo for full unlimited (tethering included) on VZW's network.
 
the problem is nobody new can get a VZW unlimited data plan so the debate is kind of useless. Unless you have these grandfathered data plans, you're stuck with Tmobile if you want any true quality unlimited data.

Forget sprint lol. unlimited buffering is more like it with them.
 
If I was getting bad/no service or wasn't seeing LTE, I would after my contract ended. Right now, I get LTE and good voice where I live. Also, I get a discount so my service is $50-something a month.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.