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AT&T's unlimited mobile data plan is back
After discontinuing its unlimited mobile data plans back in 2010, AT&T has brought them back as a bundle with its U-Verse TV and new DirecTV services. If you're a subscriber on either of those, the plan costs $100 for a single smartphone, with additional lines at $40 each. That's a far cry from the $30 that grandfathered subscribers of the older Unlimited plans pay, though AT&T will also lop $10 off of your DirecTV or U-Verse bill. New subscribers will get throttled at the same 22GB limit as older users, but will also get unlimited texts and talking.
AT&T hiking price of unlimited data to $35 a month
AT&T customers who've managed to hold strong to their $30 unlimited data plans since the carrier ended that option back in 2010 are about to get a bit of a surprise. According to 9to5 Mac, AT&T is seeking to increase that $30 a month fee to $35 a month (an AT&T representative confirmed this in an email to Engadget). That isn't much of a jump, but it is the first price increase of the grandfathered plan in years. Still, AT&T is hardly the only culprit here. T-Mobile has increased its unlimited data plan from $80 to $95 a month for new customers (existing customers will still pay the grandfathered $80 a month), Sprint is now charging $70 a month for it and Verizon has upped its own grandfathered unlimited data plan by $20 a month. The unlimited data price increase for AT&T customers will go into effect in February of next year.
New T-Mobile customers will have to pay more for unlimited data
Lost amid the usual T-Mobile hoopla surrounding its latest "Uncarrier" move was a pretty significant price jump for new customers who only need one phone on their plan. Currently, if you go to T-Mobile's site and configure a one-line plan with unlimited data, you'll see it will set you back $80 per month. However, starting on November 15th, a single line with unlimited data will cost $95 per month. That's before any taxes as well as any additional monthly charges you may pay for your phone. This change will come the same day that T-Mobile rolls out its new "Binge On" feature that lets you stream certain video services without it affecting your data cap.
Comcast to offer unlimited data for an extra $35 a month
As the world's attention shifts from typical cable services towards streaming alternatives, Comcast is trying its very hardest to keep people interested in its products. The company recently announced that it was bringing a ton of new content to the X1 and now, in what seems to be a complement this, it has rolled out an unlimited Internet plan for an extra $35 a month. The add-on gets rid of the pesky 300-gigabyte monthly data cap that has been put in place in Atlanta, Miami and Nashville. If enough people in these cities opt to get rid of the bandwidth cap then the offer could potentially see a bandwidth cap placed on all data plans across the country, encouraging heavy users to opt for an unlimited plan. It's a clever way to recoup lost revenue because if, for example, 100,000 people pay for the service it can generate an additional half-million dollars for Comcast every month. The company conducted a survey and found that users would be more than willing to pay a flat fee to get rid of their data cap and make sure they weren't stung with overuse fees. I mean, I know I would.
Sprint is throttling data hogs who use more than 23GB in a month
Sprint's unlimited data plan is about to get more expensive, and now the carrier is also saying that it'll start throttling the heaviest users of that unlimited data. Sprint CTO John Saw says as much in a blog post entitled "Protecting the 97 percent" -- a reference to the 97 percent of the carrier's customers that will go unaffected by this change. The company's new "quality of service" practice means that it'll start throttling users who go over 23GB of data in a billing cycle. At that point, their data usage will be prioritized below the rest of the carrier's customers, but only in "times and locations where the network is constrained."
Verizon increases the price of unlimited data plans by $20 a month
If you're still on a grandfathered unlimited data plan with Verizon, your bill is about to go up. On November 15th, the carrier confirmed to Engadget that it'll increase rates for those customers by $20 a month. The company says that less than one percent of its customers fall into the category of still having the old unlimited plan and aren't currently under contract. Verizon also says that any user currently under contract with unlimited data will not see the price hike until their agreement is up for renewal. This follows Sprint's recent announcement about an upcoming rate increase. Of course, new customers aren't privy to an unlimited plan on Verizon, as Sprint and T-Mobile are your only two options for that at $70 and $80 per month, respectively. As you might expect, the red-hued carrier is quick to remind that if you don't need all of that data, you could save money by opting for a Verizon monthly plan with a data cap under the current pricing scheme (as this editor can attest). And you're certainly going to see some savings when the new rate kicks in. The company's full statement on the matter resides after the break. [Image credit: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh]
Sprint's unlimited data plan increases to $70 a month on October 16th
If you're been eyeing Sprint's Unlimited Plan for an endless supply of data, you'll want to act quickly. The carrier is increasing the cost of its unlimited data option by $10 a month on October 16th, upping it from $60 to $70. The announcement comes in the form of an "act now" promo of sorts from Sprint, offering those who are interested a chance to opt in before the price hike. The company says that in addition to those who switch over by October 15th, customers who are currently on the $60 unlimited tier will be able to keep the current rate after the changes go into effect. What's more, the monthly cost will stay put, even when getting a new phone, as long as plan requirements are met and selected financing options are available with the data option. Sprint is offering the iPhone 6s for $1/month when you trade-in too, pairing it with unlimited data for $61 for a limited time. [Image credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images]
AT&T won't slow down unlimited data users until they hit 22GB
AT&T isn't bringing back its beloved unlimited data plans, but it's doing a better job of taking care of its customers who've held onto those plans for dear life. The carrier announced today that it won't throttle down their data speeds until they consume 22 gigabytes worth of data in one billing cycle and also happen to be in a congested part of AT&T's network. That's a huge step up from before, when it would slow down unlimited data users when they hit 5GB of usage. AT&T was widely criticized for its "not quite unlimited" data plan. But even though it's extinct now, the carrier is still under fire from the FCC, which threatened to fine it $100 million over the unlimited throttling practice. Today's news is basically just shifting the throttling needle, but it's a big enough move that many people will likely never reach the new limit, which might appease the FCC. AT&T says it will also alert customers when they reach 16.5GB of data usage (75% of 22GB), to give them a heads up.
GiffGaff to introduce 4G cap on unlimited data tariff
GiffGaff will simplify its mobile "goodybags" this September with a new range of plans which come with 4G as standard. In total, there will be seven plans priced between £5 and £20 per month, with varying amounts of minutes, data and texts, as well as free calls to other GiffGaff numbers. Until now, the network's 3G-only plans have typically offered higher allowances than their 4G counterparts, so you'll have less flexibility when choosing between volume and speeds. Some of the 4G plans will see their data allowances increased, however, so it's not all bad news when your 30-day plan rolls over.
Sprint's latest family plan offers two unlimited lines for $100
Sprint is trying to do everything it can to compete with T-Mobile's audacious, budget-friendly plans. As such, the carrier's introducing a new plan called Best Buy One Family, featuring two lines with unlimited data, talk and text for $100 per month -- each additional number (up to eight total) will cost $40. Back in March, Sprint also announced a Best Buy-only plan that gives people a smartphone and all-you-can-have service for a flat monthly rate, so this isn't the first time the network and retailer have teamed up. Naturally, if you're interested in taking advantage of this offer, you'll have to visit a Best Buy or Best Buy Mobile store.
FTC says Straight Talk's promises of unlimited data were crooked
If you were seduced by offers of "unlimited" phone data on prepaid carriers like Straight Talk or Simple Mobile only to find your service unbearably slow after a certain point, the Federal Trade Commission has your back. The carriers' owner, TracFone, has agreed to pay the FTC $40 million to settle charges that it misled customers by advertising unlimited data that was really throttled into oblivion. In other words, Straight Talk was being... less than straight. Beyond the payout, TracFone has to avoid making sketchy claims in its ads and provide refunds to anyone who's been burned. The settlement won't affect a huge number of people, but it could serve as a warning sign to AT&T and other big carriers trying to avoid penalties for similarly shady throttling practices.
Verizon won't be throttling unlimited LTE data plans after all
If you were worried that Verizon would start throttling your unlimited data plan because you use it a lot, you can relax -- Big Red just had a last-minute change of heart. The carrier tells Droid-Life that it has decided against pursuing "network optimization" (read: throttling) for uncapped LTE users. There's no direct explanation for the about-face, but Verizon says that it "valued the ongoing dialogue" on slowdowns. In other words, it's likely trying to avoid a clash with the FCC, not to mention angry customers, over a potential violation of net neutrality guidelines. Whatever triggered the provider's second thoughts, it's good news if you've felt that the unlimited service you pay for shouldn't have any strings attached. Check out the full statement below. Update: FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler approves, saying in a statement that "I salute Verizon Wireless's decision. This is a responsible action and I commend Verizon's leadership on this issue." Clash averted. [Image credit: AP Photo/John Minchillo]
Sprint's new individual plan gets you unlimited everything for $60
Sprint didn't waste any time after reshuffling its leadership -- the SoftBank-owned carrier kicked into high gear by announcing a competitive limited-time $100 family plan promotion just a few days after new CEO Marcelo Claure filled the void left by Dan Hesse. Tomorrow, it's taking another step into the aggressive pricing war by introducing a $60 unlimited talk, text and data plan for individuals. Unlike the family plan, this new option will be available to both new and existing (upgrade-eligible) customers alike, but you'll need to sign up on the Easy Pay plan. This means that you'll need to either bring your own Sprint-compatible device with you onto the plan or purchase one at full retail price; if you choose to finance a phone, you'll pay that amount on top of the $60 plan.
Bring a friend to T-Mobile and you'll both get unlimited data for a year
T-Mobile's approach when it comes to luring new customers continues to nab loads of users. This time around, the so-called UnCarrier is offering a year of unlimited data on its LTE network for customers that convince friends to make the switch from Sprint, AT&T or Verizon. And yes, the acquaintance that actually has to sign the papers gets the same 12-month deal. The limited-time offer takes aim at Sprint's recent efforts to lure customers from rival carriers with increased data allotments for families, and follows the yellow-hued network ending its quest to purchase T-Mobile earlier this month. [Photo credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for HBO]
Verizon to start throttling data on unlimited LTE plans
Out of the many trappings US carriers have in common, throttling speeds for heavy data users is certainly one of them. So, accordingly, it's not surprising for Verizon to confirm reports that it will soon start slowing things down for more customers. According to Droid Life, Verizon has admitted that, beginning in October, people with an unlimited 4G LTE data plan will see reduced speeds should they fall in the network's top five percent of internet users, among other things. More specifically, this is part of a plan Verizon is calling "Network Optimization," which means throttled speeds for anyone who consumes more than 4.7GB of data per month, is enrolled on an unlimited data plan, has fulfilled a two-year contract but is still with the carrier, and attempts to "use data on a cell site that is experiencing high demand." Chances are most of you won't be affected by this, but it's definitely not good news for others who may be.
Verizon accepts device upgrades made during glitch, lucky customers can keep unlimited data
We have bad news: Verizon didn't mean to let website visitors buy devices at upgrade prices while preserving unlimited data. The option was a momentary "software issue," the carrier says. However, we also have good news -- the company said (in the statement after the break) that it'll honor orders approved under these terms. Subscribers should be safe as long as the provider hasn't already cancelled their purchases. While many would no doubt prefer that Verizon made its glitch a permanent feature, it's good to know that at least some customers will get to take advantage of the network's accidental deal.
Verizon Wireless website reportedly allowing users to keep unlimited data plans while upgrading
Apparently, now is the time to upgrade your Verizon phone if you want to keep your grandfathered unlimited data plan in tact. According to tips we've received, along with reports from Droid-Life and Android Central, the aforementioned type of users are not being forced into a tiered Max data plan during the upgrade process. There doesn't seem to be any bit of trickery required to make it happen either -- folks just go through usual upgrade motions to get a brand new phone on subsidy, and come out with an order confirmation that has all-you-can-eat data still onboard (see above). We've reached out to Verizon to find out whether this is an issue with its website or a shift in policy, and will post an update if we hear more. Let us know your results if you're brave enough to try it out. [Thanks to Minji and everyone who sent this in.]
iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c join Three UK's lineup this Friday with unlimited 4G data
'C,' it turns out, is for color -- not cookie, or cheap or China. Yes, the pretty in pastel iPhone 5c, Sir Jony Ive's repackaged ode to Apple's last-gen iPhone, as well as the iPhone 5s will be joining Three UK's lineup starting this Friday. The operator will be offering both iDevices on a two-year plan for an initial upfront payment of £49 and £99, respectively. That means you'll still have to pony up a monthly fee for either device, the amount of which depends on the particulars of your voice and data package. Regardless of which you opt for, however, the privilege to surf Three UK's (not yet live) 4G network is included at no additional cost. And it's unlimited.
BlackBerry Q10 coming to Sprint on August 30th for $199.99
Whatever happens at boardroom level, BlackBerry's still gotta shift some smartphones, and now it's pushing one of its flagships over to Sprint. The BlackBerry Q10 will arrive on Big Yellow on August 30th with an asking price of $199.99 before tax -- confirming what we learned mid-way through July. As with all new Sprint handsets, customers will be able to take advantage of the network's unlimited data packages, unlike some other companies we could mention.
Mobile Miscellany: week of August 12th, 2013
If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This week brought leaks of a smartphone that tips the scales with a 6-inch screen, an alternate ego to the oft-leaked Sony 'Honami' and the return of unlimited data to a certain AT&T MVNO. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore all that's happening in the mobile world for this week of August 12th, 2013.
