Cell phone data usage? Need unlimited?

[humandraydel]

So...in true SavingAdvice fashion, I've thought about considering maybe upgrading my cell phone to a smart phone (for about 4 months). I have Verizon, and they just announced that in July they are getting rid of the unlimited data package.

So, how much data do you use? Do I really NEED unlimited data? My thinking is, even if I sign a 2 year contract, I'll lose unlimited data in 2 years anyway, so there isn't really a reason to jump at it now.

[gambler2075]

So...in true SavingAdvice fashion, I've thought about considering maybe upgrading my cell phone to a smart phone (for about 4 months). I have Verizon, and they just announced that in July they are getting rid of the unlimited data package.

So, how much data do you use? Do I really NEED unlimited data? My thinking is, even if I sign a 2 year contract, I'll lose unlimited data in 2 years anyway, so there isn't really a reason to jump at it now.

I have VZ and I used about 700Mb my last billing cycle. As I understand it, if you get an unlimited plan now, you can 'lock in' unlimited data. I don't know if it is only for the 2 year contract, or forever... I listen to Pandora on my phone (plug it in to my car stereo on drives) and occ watch youtube on my phone, so it's worth it for me.

Get Grandfathered on Verizon's Unlimited Data Plan Before It's Gone

g

[DRILLINDK]

I have VZ and I used about 700Mb my last billing cycle. As I understand it, if you get an unlimited plan now, you can 'lock in' unlimited data. I don't know if it is only for the 2 year contract, or forever... I listen to Pandora on my phone (plug it in to my car stereo on drives) and occ watch youtube on my phone, so it's worth it for me.

Get Grandfathered on Verizon's Unlimited Data Plan Before It's Gone

g

You will be grandfathered in until you renew your contract by changing your plan or upgrading to a new phone.

If you're a basic check your email and play around on the internet individual it sounds like the 2Gb plan for $30 will work just fine. Of course you could always lock in unlimited data until you sign a new contract. Just be sure to do so before July 7th.

[clipper11]

yes, i need unlimited because i watch allot of videos. too bad verzion is doing away with unlimited.

[gambler2075]

Verizon update from Engadget a week ago:

Verizon's 'DataGate' plans leaked in excruciating detail -- Engadget

g

[Frugal]

I used to have an IPhone, and tried to go without unlimited data, but it didn't work. Now I have a Droid, and pay the same basically for unlimited data. If you stream radio at all on your phone, or use it moderately to heavily, it is best to get unlimited.

[disneysteve]

I have an iPhone with unlimited data (grandfathered in from before they discontinued it). I don't think I've ever exceeded what I would get with the current limited plans but I'm not giving up unlimited until I have to.

I do think michael b is probably right and we will see unlimited plans return once the networks can handle it. I remember when internet plans were priced by the hour. Now everybody has unlimited and at far faster speeds than when we paid by the hour. Smart phones will probably follow the same path.

[bjl584]

I just have a basic phone. I get 400 minutes a month, unlimited minutes in my network, and unlimited texting. The phone doesn't have internet capabilities.

I may be looking to upgrade as well once my contract is up. I'm just not sure if it would be worth it.

[disneysteve]

The phone doesn't have internet capabilities.

I may be looking to upgrade as well once my contract is up. I'm just not sure if it would be worth it.

Greatest thing since sliced bread!

Read my old threads. I debated long and hard before getting my iPhone. It is the best thing ever. Considering how much of our lives now involves the internet, having that in the palm of my hand 24/7 is well worth the price. Being able to access unlimited information anywhere and everywhere, send and receive e-mails, send and receive photos, access maps and GPS services, plus all of the other apps the phone runs make it such an incredibly useful tool. The fact that the thing makes phone calls is almost an afterthought. It really is a full featured computer that happens to also be a telephone.

[tulog]

You only need unlimited data if you are streaming porn or Youtube.

You can get an alert from your carrier at 65% and 90% of 2GB usage.

[BMEPhDinCO]

I love having the unlimited data on my iphone. Like Steve, I will keep it as long as I can - even though it costs me more every month, I find myself more comfortable with it.

And to tulog - not true, you can stream music through the car when driving (and I drive 45 minutes each way or take the bus for an hour and a half each way), I also use it when on the bus to surf the internet. When we go on a car trip, I use the maps feature. All these are heavy data users but worth it for me.

Interesting to note: my contract was "up" on my 3GS on June 23rd but I still have unlimited data - so I guess as long as you keep the same phone and plan, you stay on it, not just when the contract is up. Good news for me ;-)

[disneysteve]

You only need unlimited data if you are streaming porn or Youtube.

And to tulog - not true, you can stream music through the car when driving (and I drive 45 minutes each way or take the bus for an hour and a half each way), I also use it when on the bus to surf the internet. When we go on a car trip, I use the maps feature. All these are heavy data users but worth it for me.

I also disagree with tulog. We also stream music when driving. I stream TV shows and movies from Netflix and other sites. I upload photos and videos to my facebook page. Lots of stuff that sucks up bandwidth.

[adstalker]

just get boost mobile. Unlimited EVERYTHING for 50.00 a month