T-mobile is claiming they are now 3rd

[Almeuit]

How does that work lol where atnt works they do too

Hm? Closing means if you're in an area that doesn't have T-Mobile service it can roam to AT&T if they have agreements in that area.

 

[Old Stoneface]

It's a widely held, and somewhat incorrect belief that no-subsidy plans are cheaper. Not really:

Except I did the math, back when I first went to an unsubsidized TMO plan, and it would've saved us... going from imperfect memory, here... about $100 over two years, as compared to the exact same devices on a subsidized TMO plan. (At the time they were offering both.) Either would have saved us over what we would've paid at any of the other three carriers.

And if you don't need the "latest and greatest" phone? You can save even more by buying a surplus, reconditioned or used phone.

Jim

 

[raptir]

Except I did the math, back when I first went to an unsubsidized TMO plan, and it would've saved us... going from imperfect memory, here... about $100 over two years, as compared to the exact same devices on a subsidized TMO plan. (At the time they were offering both.) Either would have saved us over what we would've paid at any of the other three carriers.

And if you don't need the "latest and greatest" phone? You can save even more by buying a surplus, reconditioned or used phone.

Jim

I think the math they do that arrives at subsidized plans being cheaper is based on AT&T Next or Verizon Edge, which do end up being more expensive because they give you an insignificant discount on your rate plan to take them. When T-Mobile did away with subsidized pricing they adjusted the plans appropriately to match.

Plus you can't really compare carrier to carrier. And since T-Mobile doesn't offer subsidized plans anymore, that's really the only place you can attempt to compare. Ultimately... everyone needs to do the math for themselves. If you're a very light data user and don't mind going with one of AT&T's mobile share plans, then maybe their subsidized offerings work out better for you. I did the math for myself though and based on my data usage for two lines AT&T would end up costing $205 more per month than my T-Mobile plan. I could buy a brand new top of the line phone for each line every 6 months and still end up better off with T-Mobile at that rate.

 

[mdk32014]

I am testing this service for a little while. I am quite happy so far. Reception in most places is equal to Verizon. There are a few spots like in the basement of my college that it is not very good but that is about it. I have trouble on both of them down there and different locations.

 

[raino]

Except I did the math, back when I first went to an unsubsidized TMO plan, and it would've saved us... going from imperfect memory, here... about $100 over two years, as compared to the exact same devices on a subsidized TMO plan. (At the time they were offering both.) Either would have saved us over what we would've paid at any of the other three carriers.

Prior to Uncarrier, either 2GB or 5GB data (I don't remember which, so let's say 2) was $20/month. For a two-line family plan:

Base plan: $50 for 1000 minutes for two lines, free NW
Data (2GB) on each line: $20x2=$40
Unlimited text on each line: $10x2=$20

Total cost over two years: $2640+200 (phone 1)+200 (phone 2)=$3040

Now there's no 2GB plan offered right now, so let's use the 1GB base plan for calculation:

Talk+text+1GB data=$80/month for 2 lines

Total cost: 1920+600+600=$3120.

So the same person would be paying more over two years and be getting less data. They get unlimited talk, sure, but there's a reason why unlimited talk and text are bundled now.

 

[Almeuit]

Prior to Uncarrier, either 2GB or 5GB data (I don't remember which, so let's say 2) was $20/month. For a two-line family plan:

Base plan: $50 for 1000 minutes for two lines, free NW
Data (2GB) on each line: $20x2=$40
Unlimited text on each line: $10x2=$20

Total cost over two years: $2640+200 (phone 1)+200 (phone 2)=$3040

Now there's no 2GB plan offered right now, so let's use the 1GB base plan for calculation:

Talk+text+1GB data=$80/month for 2 lines

Total cost: 1920+600+600=$3120.

So the same person would be paying more over two years and be getting less data. They get unlimited talk, sure, but there's a reason why unlimited talk and text are bundled now.

That is true but to some that unlimited talk could come in handy. Back then they may of had a landline or whichever and are making up the cost now with only using cell phone.

I personally still use my phone so having unlimited minutes is great -- no landline required. I use about 1.5k min a month (on average). Costs are going to go up versus the old plans -- everything goes up -- that's just life.

 

[raino]

That is true but to some that unlimited talk could come in handy. Back then they may of had a landline or whichever and are making up the cost now with only using cell phone.

I can assure you if people all of a sudden start exceeding whatever TMO's actual ceiling/definition for "unlimited" is, unlimited talk will go away. Don't believe me? Look at data. Carriers used to practically give away data. Now look at how fat the cow has become.

 

[mdk32014]

This is true but I do not think anybody will pay for minutes. It should be unlimited as with texts. I do think some people abuse their unlimited data plans. You still need to get home wifi and that is why they have a five gigabyte cap for their tethering. It makes sense actually.

 

[raptir]

I can assure you if people all of a sudden start exceeding whatever TMO's actual ceiling/definition for "unlimited" is, unlimited talk will go away. Don't believe me? Look at data. Carriers used to practically give away data. Now look at how fat the cow has become.

T-Mobile and Sprint both still offer unlimited data, AT&T and Verzion just use their size to get more money out of people. It doesn't have to do with people using too much data.

 

[mdk32014]

No I completely understand what you are saying. If I used more data than I do I would certainly switch to T Mobile. They do offer unlimited data but I am afraid that if everybody uses a whole lot of data it will slow down the network. Anywhere between 5 and 20 gigabytes per month depending on the user is accept the Ville. However if you find somebody who is using between five hundred and a thousand gigabytes per month I think that is a little bit too much. I am just not sure if the networks can handle it. Maybe I am wrong about this and if I am I am sorry. Just my thoughts.

 

[mdk32014]

I absolutely love what T Mobile is doing and one of my family members just switched today. They do say that they are a date a strong network so maybe that is a non problem. I would very much consider switching if I used more data. I may consider the pros of it anyway. I am thinking of joining their plan but I'm not exactly sure at the moment. They are doing great things and the CEO is really cool. I saw some of his stuff online. Good job T Mobile for still having unlimited data.

 

[Almeuit]

I can assure you if people all of a sudden start exceeding whatever TMO's actual ceiling/definition for "unlimited" is, unlimited talk will go away. Don't believe me? Look at data. Carriers used to practically give away data. Now look at how fat the cow has become.

Oh I agree but .. if T-Mobile didn't have unlimited there would be no reason to be with them. Others would go elsewhere. So they have to use that as their hook.

Just saying -- to say prices are going up like it is new just isn't the case .. since all plans for everything (ISPs, carriers, life) always go up. Also I haven't found their ceiling yet .. And I used more than most probably use in a few years ... in 1 month haha .

Edit - Also yes data has become the thing to charge for now because .. look at the services. When they were giving away data could you --- stream live TV, stream your favorites shows / movies, download actual apps (like 1GB+)? , etc.? --- The answer is no. So since data is becoming way more useful now they say .. let us flip the switch to unlimited talk, txt, and milk them for data. Especially since the text cash cow ($20 a month for unlimited text) went away as more data came around since others would use data apps for texting instead of paying.

 

[mdk32014]

They are a good company and in a lot of ways even with not unlimited data they still have better plans it seems to me.

 

[Almeuit]

They are a good company and in a lot of ways even with not unlimited data they still have better plans it seems to me.

Eh it is hard to guess since we don't know the pricing structure they would use... but if I had to pay anywhere close to Verizon or the others for a big bucket of data on T-Mobile .. I would switch and just take the coverage. I am with them for the unlimited .. simply because I do not have good wifi at work so I want to be able to stream on demand.

 

[boogas8]

They are a good company and in a lot of ways even with not unlimited data they still have better plans it seems to me.

Would you do all us readers a favor and hit the quote button when you are responding to comments? It makes things easier for others to read for sure as threads get bigger. Thanks.

Sent from my Galaxy Note 4 via the Uncarrier

 

[raino]

T-Mobile and Sprint both still offer unlimited data, AT&T and Verzion just use their size to get more money out of people. It doesn't have to do with people using too much data.

TMO and Sprint have unlimited data because their networks are able to handle it, at least for now. And TMO (Legere) has already said that unlimited means unlimited under "fair use." Plus they have optimization rules in place.

Do you think that if TMO were to get to AT&T/Verizon's size, they wouldn't get rid of the unlimited tiers? Sprint started throttling their unlimited plans while Hesse was still around.

 

[GreenghostUvln]

TMO and Sprint have unlimited data because their networks are able to handle it, at least for now. And TMO (Legere) has already said that unlimited means unlimited under "fair use." Plus they have optimization rules in place.

Do you think that if TMO were to get to AT&T/Verizon's size, they wouldn't get rid of the unlimited tiers? Sprint started throttling their unlimited plans while Hesse was still around.

I was with sprint and never was slowed down. Sprint's unlimited always been unlimited.

Sent from my T-Mobile Galaxy S4 rockin 5.0.1

 

[Almeuit]

TMO and Sprint have unlimited data because their networks are able to handle it, at least for now. And TMO (Legere) has already said that unlimited means unlimited under "fair use." Plus they have optimization rules in place.

Do you think that if TMO were to get to AT&T/Verizon's size, they wouldn't get rid of the unlimited tiers? Sprint started throttling their unlimited plans while Hesse was still around.

I agree once big enough they'll do the same. They have to almost offer it otherwise there wouldn't be a point to being with them since their coverage isn't as up to par yet.

I use 1 TB one month (all phone data) to see if I'd hit an invisible wall or get a nasty gram in the mail. Nothing. So now I'm back to my average of 80-150 GB a month. Haven't heard a peep.

 

[raino]

I was with sprint and never was slowed down. Sprint's unlimited always been unlimited.

Sprint begins throttling users in congested areas | CrackBerry.com

 

[raptir]

No I completely understand what you are saying. If I used more data than I do I would certainly switch to T Mobile. They do offer unlimited data but I am afraid that if everybody uses a whole lot of data it will slow down the network. Anywhere between 5 and 20 gigabytes per month depending on the user is accept the Ville. However if you find somebody who is using between five hundred and a thousand gigabytes per month I think that is a little bit too much. I am just not sure if the networks can handle it. Maybe I am wrong about this and if I am I am sorry. Just my thoughts.

The issue is that using 1TB in a month could be done many different ways. I get an average of 70Mbps down. That means I could, in theory, burn through 1TB in 31 hours of constant usage. If everyone did that, yes, it would be a serious strain and would probably bring down the network. On the flip side, you could go through that same 1TB by using 3Mbps for the entire month, which would not be nearly as much of a strain.

Really the way that Verizon handled their grandfathered unlimited customers is probably the best way. If an unlimited customer has used a certain amount of data, they get assigned a lower priority than other unlimited customers or than capped customers. If they are in a congested area they will see poor performance, but if they are not in a congested area then they get the full throughput.