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Why is Verizon offering unlimited data again?
As soon as Verizon dropped the unexpected news that it was bringing back unlimited data plans, I immediately started searching for the catch. The company has a rightfully earned reputation for nickel-and-diming its customers to death, even though some would argue its excellent network is worth the premium. But aside from being more expensive than T-Mobile's offering, Verizon's unlimited plan seems to be a good option. In fact, the new Verizon plan forced T-Mobile to do away with the incredibly annoying way it dealt with streaming HD video on its network. It's been awhile since T-Mobile was forced to follow another carrier's lead, but Verizon appears to have learned from T-Mobile's misstep.
iPhone owners have the highest cellular bills among smartphone users
Carriers may not like iPhone users who consume a lot of data, but they cannot complain about the whopping bills these customers pay each month. According to a survey by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) and reported by AllThingsD, almost 60 percent of iPhone users pay more than US$100 per month for their wireless plan. A surprising 10 percent pay more than $200 per month to keep their iPhones always connected, while only 6 percent are on a budget plan that costs $25 to $50 per month. Android users, on the other hand, tend to pay less for their wireless service plans, with 14 percent rocking bills that cost less that $50 per month. Only 7 percent break the bank with bills that balloon to over $200 per month. CIRP co-founder Michael Levin says iPhone owners pay more because the iPhone traditionally has been offered on the major wireless carriers in the US. "We think it has to do with their data plans and carriers, rather than their usage habits," explained Levin. "They are all on expensive data plans, unlike Android users, some of which are on prepaid or unsubsidized plans with regional carriers."
Voyager Mobile shakes off network issues, launches a few days behind schedule
It's tough being the new kid in town -- ask Voyager Mobile, an up and coming MVNO that had its launch delayed by a "malicious network attack" last week. The tenacious firm may have missed its planned May 15th launch, but managed to pull things together in time for the weekend, piggybacking unlimited talk, text and data off of Sprint's CDMA and WiMAX network for $40 a month. A basic unlimited voice plan is also available to the tune of $20, without data allowances, of course. Phones are available too, albeit without subsidies -- Samsung's Epic 4G Touch or Galaxy S II will each set you back $550, though an assortment of more affordable devices can be had from $120 and up. Tempted to jump ship? Check out the source link below and let all your MVNO dreams come true.
Voyager Mobile endures 'malicious network attack,' delays launch to the 'very near future'
Launch aborted. Wireless newbie Voyager Mobile has opted to delay its unveiling today to a "time and date in the very near future." A mysterious "malicious network attack" is to blame for the interruption, though that appears to be the extent of the explanation. The company also reinforced its commitment to bettering our planet, one $19 monthly unlimited plan at a time. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Verizon dominates 'Fastest Mobile Networks' testing, considers calling AT&T to brag
Not all wireless carriers are created equal, nor for that matter is all 4G -- anyone who's ever swapped networks or done any sort of traveling across the country can tell you that. And while it seems like we have fewer and fewer choices as the days go by, our increasing reliance on mobile devices makes the efficiency of our data delivery all the more important. PCMag invested some serious man / woman-hours for its annual "Fastest Mobile Networks" story, gathering mobile data in 21 cities -- running more than 140,000 tests in all. According to the results, Verizon's LTE rules supreme in pretty much every area tested, save for those "in-between" rural locations, where AT&T nabbed the top spot. Perhaps it's time to take old "Test Man" out of retirement for celebratory victory lap?
