LTE, HSPA+, Data Plans

[Google10]

Hi all, really glad to be here. I have a few questions that have been bothering me and I can't seem to answer. Hopefully someone here knows better than I do!

1. I have an unlimited BlackBerry data plan right now, and am thinking about upgrading to an HSPA+ phone (namely a Galaxy S2 when it comes out) to take advantage of my grandfather clause. If I don't do that, will my grandfather clause carry over to the LTE rollout? I would be shocked but when Verizon rolled out its LTE, those grandfathered in got unlimited LTE for $30/month!

2. Do LTE phones have the ability to pick up HSPA+ signals? If this is the case I could wait for AT&T's first LTE phone (hopefully "Nexus Prime" near Thanksgiving), and utilize my unlimited HSPA+ until I can afford an LTE plan. *Assuming AT&T doesn't require an LTE plan with purchase of LTE phone.

Maybe easy questions, maybe complicated. Either way, thanks if anyone can help.

 

[Nophix]

LTE phones will work just like a normal 3G phone in non-LTE areas.

As for grandfathering of the plan, I would hope they do, but only they know for sure. They have allowed people to keep it so far.

 

[Google10]

LTE phones will work just like a normal 3G phone in non-LTE areas.

As for grandfathering of the plan, I would hope they do, but only they know for sure. They have allowed people to keep it so far.

Thanks, I guess it doesn't address my questions really though. I know an LTE phone will act like a 3G phone. My question is can an LTE phone act as an HPSA+ phone (aka AT&T's current "4G"), if I don't purchase an LTE plan for example. I have not been able to find examples of phones with both LTE & HSPA+ radios since Verizon doesn't have HSPA+.

When you say they have allowed people to grandfather in, I assume you mean for HSPA+ because AT&T doesn't have LTE plans out yet. I'll need to know if AT&T will let me grandfather into an unlimited LTE plan for the same price. Doubtful I suppose and no one besides AT&T insiders may know.

 

[Nophix]

Hspa+ is 3G. I would venture to guess the LTE phone will roll back to it just fine and act like a current 4g device.

My wife went from an unlimited plan on her Backflip to unlimited on her Inspire. She was grandfathered in and no problems. I've bounced through all the plans, and have always retained my unlimited.

Unless it changes specifically for LTE, which wouldn't surprise me.

 

[Jalarm]

With ATT they will make data plans for LTE obnoxious.

Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk

 

[Verdes8891]

You should be able to keep your unlimited data plan when you switch over to LTE plans. At least, as of right now you should. But remember, AT&T is going to start throttiling your data speeds for those on the unlimited plan once you reach a certian limit. What that limit is, i dont know.

 

[Google10]

Thanks all! Verdes, when you think I'll get to keep unlimited, do you think they'll let me stay at $30 for LTE? I'd be shocked but would gain complete respect back for AT&T haha. As far as throttling, if they stick to top 5% that won't touch me. I use very little data as it is, I just like knowing I have unlimited and the only reason I kept it now was for 4G grandfathering.

 

[ChillFactorz]

*opinion* LTE phones will have a LTE radio and 3G radio for backup, and most areas will only have 3G signals for a long while. So with this thinking AT&T will continue with current pricing. If AT&T decides to change it's pricing they would change it as a whole. You are paying for access to their network, regardless if it is 3g or LTE. Carriers can say they are upgrading networks for us because it is what WE want, but they are doing it for them, to stay current and not lose customers. It is a part of business, to upgrade software , hardware, infrastructure.
The top 5% customers who will get throttled leads me to believe AT&T expects to still have the "unlimited" plans around for a while, and are trying to find ways to save bandwidth. So I would think we are safe with our Unlimited plans. At least that is what I am hoping for.

Then again this is my opinion, and I am not an AT&T exec, who would have this info.