I did the unthinkable... dropped Verizon UDP

[racquetballer]

Yep. Here are my buddies speeds after being throttled recently on his AT&T "unlimited" plan.

That's serious throttling... I guess I will find out in a week how severely the "Evil Empire" will throttle me..

 

[datagrrl]

I actually didn't check. They made it sound like they wouldn't accept it.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[AndroidHabit]

The AT&T unlimited data plan also has a hard cap. After 5 GB you get throttled to really bad speeds.. It's one reason I left them many years ago.

This is true but I rather have a throttled data plan than paying overages.

 

[Almeuit]

This is true but I rather have a throttled data plan than paying overages.

Maybe.. Depends on usage. At those speeds... It is pointless.

 

[ultravisitor]

I gave up UL almost a year ago and have never gone over my new 6GB/mo plan.

As I said upthread, I gave up unlimited over a year ago. I've never gone over my 2GB cap.

I think it's ridiculous how anyone assumes that we will go over our caps and regret giving up unlimited data. I am not incapable of nor am I unwilling to use WiFi.

 

[Almeuit]

As I said upthread, I gave up unlimited over a year ago. I've never gone over my 2GB cap.

I think it's ridiculous how anyone assumes that we will go over our caps and regret giving up unlimited data. I am not incapable of nor am I unwilling to use WiFi.

I agree in a way. It isn't right for everyone to instantly assume everyone uses a ton of data... Some simply don't and that's fine. For others... A 2 GB cap just isn't worth it.

If you're someone who uses a low amount of data you can enjoy a lower bill by giving it up and going with a cap.

 

[jhong1226]

I got rid of unlimited data and now I'm regretting that move.

 

[ultravisitor]

It isn't right for everyone to instantly assume everyone uses a ton of data... Some simply don't and that's fine.

Right. I use a ton of data...ON WIFI. I'm not an *****. I understand my usage patterns. I'm not going to transfer myself to a plan that I can't properly manage.

In the case of the OP, it also seems that he understands his usage and has taken that into account in considering letting go of his unlimited data plan. Given that, I'm not sure why people are telling him that he will definitely go over his data cap. It seems that they have their own personal reasons for hanging onto unlimited data that they are projecting onto him.

 

[Nakrohtap]

The only way to not be so hesitant to give up unlimited data is to not abuse it in the first place. Most people don't need unlimited data. You should be able to tell from about 3-4 months usage how much data you need. Sure, it's nice to not have to worry about it. But, then again, you are paying full price for a phone when you don't need to. One way or another, you are paying more. For some odd reason, I went to the Edge plan with my Note 3 and kept my unlimited data. Not sure how that happened. I have the most issues keeping my kids under their limits, not overusing my unlimited.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[Almeuit]

Right. I use a ton of data...ON WIFI. I'm not an *****. I understand my usage patterns. I'm not going to transfer myself to a plan that I can't properly manage.

In the case of the OP, it also seems that he understands his usage and has taken that into account in considering letting go of his unlimited data plan. Given that, I'm not sure why people are telling him that he will definitely go over his data cap. It seems that they have their own personal reasons for hanging onto unlimited data that they are projecting onto him.

No worries.. I don't think anyone was calling you names.. Don't take it so hostile .

Some people are just die hard on unlimited.. Everyone's needs vary but some like to think everyone should have it. I tend to be on both sides.... I love my unlimited since the main place I use my phone (work) has the worst wifi imaginable... So I keep it... Whereas my gf I put her on a 3GB plan... She has passed 2.5 GB once ever... So why pay for unlimited? For her it doesn't make sense.. For me it does.

Same as you.. You don't go over 2 GB so... 2 is perfect .

 

[datagrrl]

I totally get the posters that think it a a bad idea to lose unlimited just because it's what Verizon wants you to do.

Maybe I am lazy, but I didn't want to fight the good fight anymore. By the time data usage gets to the point where we are all consuming 10GB a day, Verizon will probably have figured out a way to get rid of the unlimited data plans that are left. Or else throttle is so low after 10 the subscribers feel physical pain.

 

[anon(92475)]

The only downfall to having unlimited data on AT&T is you can't have wifi hot spot/ tethering.
There are other ways to get around this though...

That, and the throttling.

I have to constantly watch my usage to not exceed my 5 gigs of full speed data before I am throttled. Technically, it's still "unlimited", but it doesn't feel like it.

The only reason I have kept my "unlimited" data plan on AT&T is because it is cheaper than any other combination of plans that I can come up with.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[dpham00]

As I said upthread, I gave up unlimited over a year ago. I've never gone over my 2GB cap.

I think it's ridiculous how anyone assumes that we will go over our caps and regret giving up unlimited data. I am not incapable of nor am I unwilling to use WiFi.

I think it is fair to tell people to consider all aspects. Data usage has been trending upward. I was using 10-20gb in 2011,and now closer to 50-100gb on a regular month. Also, certain factors can change things, for example your current job lets you use wifi. New job doesn't. Your data usage could go up substantially. Watching a movie a week over Netflix would run you about 5gb a month on standard definition. You upgrade to a 4k tv, and that usage goes up to 70gb for 4k streaming.

Some People look at the current situation without fully analyzing the future ramifications. And later, they regret their decisions. And this is not with unlimited data, but with anything. Earlier this year some people moved from att subsidized to to unsubsidized to take advantage of the discount. Now they get a new phone and complain that they are being charged a new fee (which it is not), but point being, they didn't fully analyze before making the switch. And that is my main point. Once you are off unlimited, you are off. You can't get it back on the line. So make absolutely sure before making the switch.

Sent from my LG G Pad 8.3

 

[Jeremy8000]

It kills me to freely give up my unlimited data but since we don't use more than 10 gigs combined and this Edge plan gives us 11 gigs it's tempting.

If you're using 10GB/month now, you will use more with the new phones (even if your usage patterns don't change) simply by virtue of webpages, videos, etc being optimized for higher resolution. That may not be a lot, but you will also likely find yourself using more data in general as the newer handsets can simply do more.

Unless you're willing to modify the way or amount you use your phones (using WiFi more often when available), give careful consideration to dropping unlimited... The new allowance would only take a 10% increase in utilization to cap.

Consider the increase in average mobile data consumption as shown in the chart below (it's a little dated, but I suspect if someone can find a more recent chart it would show rapid continued escalation):

(source)

Even if you are only using 10GB/month shared now, it's unlikely that that will be even remotely sufficient for you a year from now. Perhaps look back, if records are available, to see what you were using 1 year ago... 2 years ago... That may be a better indicator. Of course, cost/GB will continue to drop, so periodically you'll be able to take advantage of better values there as well, but I'd recommend thinking carefully before giving up UDP.

 

[cbreze]

As I said upthread, I gave up unlimited over a year ago. I've never gone over my 2GB cap.

I think it's ridiculous how anyone assumes that we will go over our caps and regret giving up unlimited data. I am not incapable of nor am I unwilling to use WiFi.

Back in the day WiFi was kind of a pain to use, those days are gone. I was a tad concerned about having a data limit, but after the first couple of months I realized it was no big deal. And no throttling! I was throttled on 3G back when they started that and it really sucked to the point of me seeking out WiFi. If they throttle like that again UL folks will be standing in line to trade it in. Hope it doesn't happen for their sake, but its nice to not have that concern at all. Verizon's drawn the line, its always been their ballgame anyway.

 

[cbreze]

I think it is fair to tell people to consider all aspects. Data usage has been trending upward. I was using 10-20gb in 2011,and now closer to 50-100gb on a regular month. Watching a movie a week over Netflix would run you about 5gb a month on standard definition. You upgrade to a 4k tv, and that usage goes up to 70gb for 4k streaming.

I was using Netflix at home while tethering before I got home internet and agree it uses data fast. Anyone who relies on Verizon tethering for their home internet would need UL data, no question about it. These are probably the folks Verizon would most like to be rid of. Now being able to have regular internet at home is a godsend for this household. It makes any UL data plan seem pretty insignificant and just a year ago I'd of never thought that.
I wish all the UL users the best possible outcome from any future potential throttling. I was so dependent on having UL data, what a relief to not have that concern anymore.

 

[Wildo6882]

I gave up my unlimited to switch to AT&T in February and have absolutely no regrets whatsoever with that decision. I was using close to 12gb a month on Verizon and paying close to $200 for two phones, one with tethering. I also had wi-fi at home, but it wasn't nearly as fast as LTE on Verizon - so I didn't use it as much as I could have simply because I wanted the faster LTE speeds. My service provider gave me an increase in download speed on our home internet, for $10 more per month, and then unlimited data seemed like a waste. Our home wi-fi was faster, and nearly every where that I would need a lot of data, I can find wi-fi. We have switched to a family 10gb plan and my usage hasn't changed one bit and we have hit 6gb once in almost 8 months. I also now pay roughly $60 less per month for three phones, where we had two on Verizon. Plus every phone has tethering if we really need it.

If your usage would allow you to give up unlimited data, do it. It's honestly not the crutch that many people make it out to be. If you absolutely need the unlimited, then keep it. But know that Verizon is most likely going to start throttling in October.

 

[dpham00]

I was using Netflix at home while tethering before I got home internet and agree it uses data fast. Anyone who relies on Verizon tethering for their home internet would need UL data, no question about it. These are probably the folks Verizon would most like to be rid of. Now being able to have regular internet at home is a godsend for this household. It makes any UL data plan seem pretty insignificant and just a year ago I'd of never thought that.
I wish all the UL users the best possible outcome from any future potential throttling. I was so dependent on having UL data, what a relief to not have that concern anymore.

Unfortunately not all of us have that luxury. I have twc, but in peak hours, i have trouble even streaming one youtube stream. I did a speed test... Somewhere around 0.5mbps. During non peak, I can get the rated 15mbps. So for me, unlimited data is great so far

Sent from my LG G Pad 8.3

 

[anon(394005)]

Unfortunately not all of us have that luxury. I have twc, but in peak hours, i have trouble even streaming one youtube stream. I did a speed test... Somewhere around 0.5mbps. During non peak, I can get the rated 15mbps. So for me, unlimited data is great so far

Similar here, stuck on crappy DSL at home that sometimes slows to a crawl in the evenings when too many in our neighborhood use the limited bandwidth. Thus, anytime I need a faster more reliable connection I fire up the hot spot on my Note 2 (with grandfathered unlimited data yet). Combine that with using a lot of data during the NFL season (Sunday Ticket), ubiquitous LTE coverage everywhere I go, and the fact I'm still on an old legacy plan that is far cheaper than any of the newer plans and there is absolutely no incentive whatsoever for me to consider giving up UDP.

 

[JnEricsonx]

If I had Wifi at my job that I was allowed to use, and Wifi at the mall I spend time at between buses going to and from work was worth a crap, then yeah, killing my UDP for the 8 gig or so plan I've been offered by Verizon would be good. But, its a big no in both cases, and unless Verizon opens up more Wifi spots, or the like, my average usage is around 10 odd gigs because I pop a LOT of Youtube on my Note 2, and some Netflix, though usually, if I'm in a space to really use Netflix I am on wifi. That said, I really would like to get the Note 4 normally, but damn, if I lose my UDP I'm sure I'm going to regret it HARD.