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T-Mobile temporarily drops its prepaid unlimited data plan to $50
T-Mobile is the latest carrier to discount its prepaid unlimited data plan. For a limited time, the company is offering unlimited talk, text and data for $50 per month, which is $10 less than its T-Mobile Essentials Prepaid plan. The move comes after rivals Verizon and AT&T both recently knocked a few bucks off of their prepaid unlimited plans.
Google's Datally offers two more ways to manage your data use
Google has added two more useful features to its Datally data-managing app. The first is emergency bank, a way to portion off some of your data and save it for when you might need it most. Just enter your balance and how much you'd like to reserve, then Datally will prevent your apps from using data once the emergency amount is all that's left. That data will then be available for whenever you decide you need it.
MetroPCS' prepaid deal gives you two unlimited lines for $75
With the upcoming school year about to kick off, MetroPCS is rolling out a new plan for the entire family. Starting today, you can get your first line of unlimited LTE data (courtesy of T-Mobile), talk, and text for just $50. On top of that, every subsequent line you add to the package will cost you $25 each (for up to four extra lines). That means you can get two lines for $75 -- which MetroPCS claims is its best-ever deal on unlimited.
Cox expands its 1TB data caps to more territories
Cox is bringing its terabyte internet data caps to a bunch of new territories, having already introduced the plan to Cleveland, Ohio; Omaha, Nebraska; Sun Valley, Idaho; Florida, and Georgia. As a result, customers in Arizona, Las Vegas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma will now also have to pay $10 for every 50GB of data they consume over the cap -- Cox hasn't announced when it will introduce it to other markets.
The Engadget Podcast Ep 28: Disconnection Notice
On this episode, managing editor Dana Wollman and senior editor Devindra Hardawar join host Terrence O'Brien on to debate the value of reviving dead products and really dig deep on the value of unplugging. First they'll look at three things primed to come back from the dead: Verizon's unlimited data plans, nudity in Playboy and the Nokia 3310. Then, fresh from a weekend reading by a fireplace and drinking whiskey in the woods, Terrence talks about the importance of unplugging -- even if only for a few hours -- every week. We're more connected than ever and that's a good thing. But even too much of a good thing can be bad for you.
Verizon's new prepaid plans give customers even more options
More prepaid offerings are coming to Verizon soon. Today, the carrier revealed that two new plans will be available starting next week, on November 13th. The cheapest option includes 5GB of rollover data, unlimited talk and text in the US, mobile hotspot and international texting for $50 per month. If that's not enough for you, $70 gets you everything mentioned above plus unlimited calling to Mexico and Canada, as well as double the data (10GB).
Sprint coaxes you away from Verizon with double data
Sprint has launched a new set of wireless plans that offer more than twice the data as Verizon for the same price. The Better Choice offering is designed to sit side-by-side with Verizon's S-XXL tiers, but while $100 would get you 18GB of data on Big Red, Sprint will hand you 40GB. Sprint is also, as usual, pledging to throw up to $650 worth of credit your way to help you leave your current contract.
Verizon nixes phone subsidies and simplifies its data plans
Following the lead of alternative carriers like T-Mobile and Google Fi, Verizon announced today that it will be doing away with phone subsidies (the precise opposite of what it said last October) and rejiggering its data plans beginning August 13th. Don't get excited just yet, though, since there's no guarantee that your revamped service charges will be any less than what they are now.
Two more AT&T prepaid plans will offer data rollover
Looks like AT&T is the latest carrier to hop onto the "data rollover" bandwagon. The company recently announced that customers subscribing to its prepaid GoPhone $45 and $60 plans will be able to apply their unused data allowance -- 1.5 GB and 4 GB, respectively -- to the next month but only until the next month. That is, any spare data you have in January will roll over to February but disappears come the Ides of March. And be warned, if you manage to burn through your total data allotment, that internet connection's going to get squeezed down to just 128kbps for the remainder of the billing cycle. AT&T's plan isn't as good as the full year of rollovers that T-Mobile is offering but certainly better than what it was giving you before. Previously, only subscribers to the Mobile Share Value program were allowed such a rollover. The newly expanded program takes effect on Friday, May 15th. [Image Credit: Getty Images]
Sprint is ready to throttle its unlimited data plans, but only in 'congested' areas
It was a big promise: unlimited data, without quotes, throttling or restrictions. Sprint CEO Dan Hesse has repeatedly defended the company's pledge to offer a true unlimited plan, but now the company is quietly eating its words. Customers on Sprint, Virgin Mobile USA and Boost Mobile have all started receiving text messages warning them that heavy users will be subject to data "prioritization" next month in order to "provide more customers with a high quality data experience during heavy usage times." This prioritization (read: throttling) will only apply to the top 5 percent of data users and only in "congested areas," however, and Sprint tells FierceWireless that users will only experience limited speeds if they're connected to a congested cell site. A small concession to your unlimited data plan -- and one without a defined data cap -- but a small asterisk is still an asterisk.
T-Mobile clarifies just when its monthly tablet data is truly free
T-Mobile's offer of 200MB in free monthly data for tablet owners seemed too good to be true, and to some extent it was -- a few customers have ended up with bills. However, the company has set the record straight with a Q&A post. To get completely free internet access, you'll need to own a fully paid-off device; opt for the carrier's financing and you'll have to tack on a $20 data plan if you aren't already a customer. Mentions of an additional $10 network access fee were a mistake, T-Mobile says. The gratis internet service does have some strings attached, then, but it really is possible to avoid charges if you're careful.
US Cellular officially jumps on the shared data bandwagon
Everyone else is doing it, so why can't US Cellular. The smaller carrier is getting into the shared data plan field with a bevy of options for both consumers and small businesses. As we've previously heard, customers can connect up to 10 devices to the same pool of data, with plans starting at $40 a month for 300MB, going all the way up to $560 a month for 75GB. Businesses get a slightly different deal, with up to 25 devices being able to share up to 100GB for $750 a month. All plans include unlimited voice, messaging and include tethering. Of course, there's also a per device charge, with smartphones costing $40 per month, basic phones running $30, hotspots $20 and tablets $10. There are also plans specifically for tablets and hotspots that start at $10 for 1GB of data. There's a few more details after the break, but you can also head straight to US Celluar's site to purchase one of the new plans for yourself.
Verizon Wireless lowers the bar with 500MB Share Everything plan
Ah, the wonderful world of wireless carriers. You can almost guarantee that if one makes a move, the others will soon follow. We're still hoping that AT&T and Verizon will succumb to peer pressure and resume offering unlimited data plans, but until that day comes, you can look forward to lots of fine tuning of their tiered share plans. The latest move comes from Verizon, which has introduced its lowest cost offering yet: a 500MB shared plan that runs $40 per month. This rings in at $10 less than its 1GB shared data plan, but when combined with a single smartphone, you're looking at paying $80 per month for unlimited talk, text and 500MB of data that's subject to overage fees. Compare this to AT&T, which just announced a 300MB share plan that costs $70 once bundled with a smartphone. Either way, this presents a cheaper option for some, but it won't be fun keeping such a close eye on the meager data allotment. Update: This article previously drew a comparison that was based on the price of a feature phone at Verizon, which costs $30 per month. We've updated the article to reflect Verizon's $40 monthly charge for smartphones.
Sprint launches unlimited plans with lifetime guarantee
Earlier this week T-Mobile announced the Jump subscription plan that allows subscribers to trade in their old equipment -- including iPhones -- twice a year. Following that, Sprint announced that it is now offering new unlimited plans with lifetime guarantees. Called The Sprint Unlimited Guarantee, the plan lets customers lock in unlimited talk, text and data not for just two years, but for life. The new Unlimited, My Way and My All-in rate plans feature unlimited talk, text and data while on the Sprint network for as little as $80 per month. With the Unlimited, My Way plan, Sprint customers can also customize their wireless plan to meet their family's needs, including mixing smartphones and basic phones, selecting their data options, and adding up to 10 lines all on the same account. As customers add additional lines to their account, the more they can save on each line every month. For example, on lines four to 10, customers can get unlimited talk, text and data for as little as $50 per month. The guarantee applies to new and existing customers who join the "Unlimited, My Way" plan or the "My All-in" plan. The new guarantee is available as of today, July 12. For details on the prices and terms of the eligible plans, head on over to Sprint's website.
Audi Connect gets new T-Mobile data plans
If a vehicle outfitted with Audi Connect has found its way into your garage, T-Mobile has a pair of new data plans for you to consider. Dropping $450 nets car owners 30 months of "full data services" to power the infotainment system, which packs features including Google Earth, real-time Sirius XM Traffic info and even WiFi for up to eight devices. Drivers who aren't in the market for such a long term commitment can pony up $30 every month instead. Hit the jump for the full press release from Audi and the UnCarrier.
AT&T offering $100 credit to Nexus 7 owners, two-year contract required (update: applies to all tablets!)
Have you considered picking up an HSPA+ Nexus 7? If so, AT&T's latest promotion might have what it takes to influence your decision. Customers who sign up for an eligible two-year data plan will receive a $100 bill credit on their freshly inked covenant. Sure, locking your unlocked device to a carrier isn't the most ideal strategy, but if you're into mobile monogamy and AT&T's services meet your needs -- then by all means you have our blessings. However, you may have to hurry up and pop the question, as this offer comes to an end on February 14th. Update: We just confirmed with AT&T that, in fact, this credit applies to "all tablets that are activated with a new two-year wireless agreement with data (minimum $14.99 / month) plan or Mobile Share plan." Huzzah! [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
MetroPCS unveils 'simpler' 4G plans with unlimited data for $60
MetroPCS has just announced new 4G LTE data plans for those who don't want to keep one eye on data usage or try to decipher the complexity of other offerings. You'll get unlimited talk and text with all three, and unlimited, 2.5GB and 500MB of 4G LTE hustle for $60, $50 and $40 respectively, all taxes in. You'll be able add a matching 4G device with the plan starting at less than a hundred bills up to the $499 Galaxy S III -- even the thickest of us can grasp all that. Check the source for more info.
Opera Web Pass goes live in Malaysia, provides short-term mobile data access on demand
Opera introduced a new approach to pay-as-you-go mobile data today, but unless you currently live in Malaysia, you'll only be able to read of the latest advancement. Known as the Opera Web Pass, the service is geared to those without data plans and allows users to purchase short term access from their local carrier. In its current form, mobile providers are given the flexibility to determine which subscriptions to offer, such as an hour or day of internet use, or even quick access to individual apps like Facebook or Google+. Naturally, the service could also be a great value for travelers. For its part, Opera insists that Web Pass should be extremely easy for carriers to implement with their servers. For the time being, however, Opera Web Pass is currently only available to subscribers of DiGi Telecommunications, which partnered with the Norwegian company to develop and test its service. If you're curious to learn a bit more, feel free to hit up the source links below.
Sprint rolls out new 4G tablet data plans November 11th, likely just in time for new(er) iPad, iPad mini
As a carrier trailing Verizon and AT&T in terms of subscribers and now 4G coverage, Sprint has made it a habit to undercut the other two on value. While its upcoming tablet-specific data plans won't necessarily be cheaper, they do promise up to 20 percent more data for the same price and still do not require a contract. Sure to come in handy now that it's offering the fourth generation iPad and iPad mini on its network, they are 300MB/$14.99, 3GB/$34.99, 6GB/$49.99, or 12GB for $79.99. There are also $10 and $15 offers for customers that also have Sprint smartphones that offer 100MB and 1GB of data, respectively, and activation fees for all 3G/4G tablets are being waived for a limited time. As you'll recall, Verizon and AT&T's offerings include 2GB/$30 (3GB/$30 on AT&T), 5GB/$50 and on Verizon, 10GB/$80 packages. Even if you're not an Apple user these plans apply for all 4G capable slates, with Samsung's Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 specifically mentioned. For those planning to pick up one of the latest iPads with wifi + cellular capability however, their mid-November launch date may have narrowed slightly , since these plans go into effect November 11th. Check the press release after the break or a post on its Sprint Community blog for more info.
Tep Wireless review: another great option for international mobile hotspot rentals
Traveling is great -- nay, amazing. And travel that requires a passport can be even more fulfilling for those willing to open their minds to new cultures (and, perhaps, deal with entirely too much security screening). But here's the thing -- travel is a lot better, generally speaking, with an internet connection within arm's reach. Things are never more likely to go awry than when you leave your comfort zone (or, you know, home nation), and we here at Engadget have been investigating the best methods for maintaining a connection whilst abroad for the better part of our lives. To date, you've got a smattering of options: rent a mobile hotspot from XCom Global, pick up a rental SIM from iPhoneTrip, pray that you can find a shop that rents data SIMs upon your arrival or pony up for whatever absurd roaming fees that your home operator deems fit. All of the above options have their pros and cons, but the good news here is that your choices are expanding. As the market for ubiquitous connections continues to grow, another player has recently entered the market. Tep Wireless began as a hotspot rental service that mainly looked after those traversing the United Kingdom, but recently, it expanded its coverage umbrella to include some 38 countries across Europe and 50 nations total. This here editor recently had the opportunity to cross through four of those on a single journey, with a Tep hotspot in hand the entire way. Care to see how things turned out? Let's reconvene after the break.
