Moved to Share Everything plan - pretty happy so far

[tchaika]

No need to pay 20/month for a mifi when the phone does the same thing.

No need to have a tablet with LTE/Ev.DO either when every tablet on the market comes with Wi-Fi access and many (most?) smartphones can act as a hotspot. The only downside is hotspot sucks battery; it's fine to do on battery for quick look-ups but serious work will require plugging in your phone.

[AlexKidd1977]

No need to have a tablet with LTE/Ev.DO either when every tablet on the market comes with Wi-Fi access and many (most?) smartphones can act as a hotspot. The only downside is hotspot sucks battery; it's fine to do on battery for quick look-ups but serious work will require plugging in your phone.

I personally would never swap dedicated 4G in my tablet for a WiFi + MHS option. Firstly the dedicated radio means it's never draining my phone's battery to log on. Secondly, you really can't depend on any applications that use push notifications on a tablet if it's disconnected a large amount of the time. Similarly, you can't just pick it up to check or do something quickly because you always have to fire up the phone too and struggle to get the WiFi reconnected again which is sometimes erratic.

On the flip side, 75% of the reason I actually got my 4G Xoom originally was the fact the MHS built into it was included with the data fee. With the tablet having an 8,000 mAH battery, I have one of the longest running MHS configurations available. It can definitely outlast both of my laptops batteries. It's also very handy for demonstrating to friends on slower cell providers what it's like to be on Verizon - I hook them up through it and let them try the Internet at LTE speeds.

--Kidd

[johnhere]

Now if I had 3 or more lines I would consider share everything especially if each person was paying their share. We may be adding another line so share everything may be in my future. Still not too fond of the 50 for one gb but we shall see,

[jeffro01]

I use my 4G MiFi quite a bit since the MHS feature on my iPhone is only running at 3G speeds...

Jeff

[Heavy Fluid]

I have never been on a plan with unlimited minutes, so that is taking getting some used to. I would normally make my calls after hours or on the weekends, but that will be a thing of the past. I know that this plan is not for everyone, but for my wife and me, it is absolutely perfect.

[johnhere]

Looks like we may save 20 on the new plans unless I miscalculated(polished off a twelve pack at the time) so I may switch to it. Still going through the numbers though. For two lines my numbers come up to 130 plus tax, although the 1gb kind of stinks but 130 is less than we pay now.

[TWC42]

Looks like we may save 20 on the new plans unless I miscalculated(polished off a twelve pack at the time) so I may switch to it. Still going through the numbers though. For two lines my numbers come up to 130 plus tax, although the 1gb kind of stinks but 130 is less than we pay now.

Sure, two smartphones at $40 each plus $50 for 1 GB data = $130. But don't forget taxes and fees which may add another $20. Getting down to the nitty gritty, I wonder if taxes apply to the total or just the phone part or just the data part. Here in Montgomery County MD we pay a whopping $3.50 per line tax, 6% sales tax and another $1 in phone taxes. And then VZW piles on a bunch of fees.
BTW, I have been monitoring my data usage daily, turned off WiFi, and using data in a 4G area and a 1X extended coverage area. I normally update an app wherever I am, without WiFi, use the WeatherBug app frequently, email, Google maps and Navigation, and lots of other stuff. I don't use streaming videos, or send out photos often. Don't use the social networks. But our (2) smartphones easily stay under 1 GB total.
When I'm in a 4G area, it's usually at home, and why stream to my phone when I could use the TV. When I'm in an extended area with 1X, and might like to stream news video, the speed makes it impossible. Can't forsee a real upswing in data usage unless the extended area got 4G (ain't gonna happen) and we wanted to watch some news. (If so, we could bump data up for the months on vacation, back down when home). I feel 1 GB will suffice.

[johnhere]

Yeah we could prob stay under 1gb. Now just need to decide if its the best option. I'm mixed on it. Basic phones are also an option if needed.

[TWC42]

I'd give up drinking beer before I'd give up my smartphone and go back to basic.

[Heavy Fluid]

Wirelessly posted (Fluid's: Mozilla/5.0 (compatible; MSIE 9.0; Windows Phone OS 7.5; Trident/5.0; IEMobile/9.0; HTC; mwp6985))

I'd give up drinking beer before I'd give up my smartphone and go back to basic.

There are a lot of things I would give up before my smartphone and going back to a basic phone!

[TWX]

I have never been on a plan with unlimited minutes, so that is taking getting some used to. I would normally make my calls after hours or on the weekends, but that will be a thing of the past. I know that this plan is not for everyone, but for my wife and me, it is absolutely perfect.

+1. My family (4 smartphones) was on the unlimited talk/text, all lines had the 2GB data packages. It ended up to be around $395/month. With the new ShareEverything plan, we have unlimited talk/text + 8GB of data for $250/month. Two of the lines don't really use data much. So basically the other two lines get almost 4GB of data to use. It's a much better deal than we had before.

[Heavy Fluid]

Bringing my Google Voice account up to active status. I buy and sell a lot on Craigslist, and hated giving my real number out. I use a Google Voice number, and now that I have unlimited minutes, I will use it all the time now. Plus I like to mess with my friends with it.

[whitetigergrowl]

The ignorant tend to believe those that would be losing Unlimited Data plans are part of the problem. That they are data hungry monsters that are the reason for these tiered data plans. That is the furthest from the truth. Especially since even Verizon has said only 5% of their Unlimited users use more than 2 GB a month.

The truth of the matter is, that it was more cost effect more many people to stay on the $30 Unlimited Data plan. And if they did accidentally go over 2GB, they weren't hit with a $15 overage fee. As well, for many, they also got an employer discount off both voice and data. Whereas right now its just data with the new plans.

When forced to a tiered data plan to upgrade or even going with a new Share Everything plan, those costs can go up significantly. Especially since you do lose the discount on voice.

They new plans are a rip off.

$30 for Unlimited Data (Originally)

$30 for 2 GB tiered data (The past year. And don't forget the double data promo!)

$40 for 300 MB of data (With the new Share Everything Plan. Try using that on LTE or sharing with up to 10 devices! lol)

See a pattern? Yeah. Total win.

Those that only know of tiered data have zero clue how badly Verizon is really screwing them. Not just in data allotments but also pricing of that data. They have been giving less and less data yet charging more. Especially since they know more people are using data and less and less voice and text. And there are plenty of people that aren't anywhere near WiFi all the time.

And I'll be on here laughing my butt off to those that bought into these crappy plans thinking they will save money and end up with a good deal, but end up spending more because they never took into account ever changing usage habits, especially as they migrate to LTE, or end up with large overages because of it. Or they didn't realize their discount doesn't apply to voice, but only data.

Sure some will benefit. But I believe in the long run, many more won't. And they don't yet realize it. Hope you enjoy spending $50 or more a month for the privilege of primarily using Wi-Fi.

[benzb]

The ignorant tend to believe those that would be losing Unlimited Data plans are part of the problem. That they are data hungry monsters that are the reason for these tiered data plans. That is the furthest from the truth. Especially since even Verizon has said only 5% of their Unlimited users use more than 2 GB a month.

The truth of the matter is, that it was more cost effect more many people to stay on the $30 Unlimited Data plan. And if they did accidentally go over 2GB, they weren't hit with a $15 overage fee. As well, for many, they also got an employer discount off both voice and data. Whereas right now its just data with the new plans.

When forced to a tiered data plan to upgrade or even going with a new Share Everything plan, those costs can go up significantly. Especially since you do lose the discount on voice.

They new plans are a rip off.

$30 for Unlimited Data (Originally)

$30 for 2 GB tiered data (The past year. And don't forget the double data promo!)

$40 for 300 MB of data (With the new Share Everything Plan. Try using that on LTE or sharing with up to 10 devices! lol)

See a pattern? Yeah. Total win.

Those that only know of tiered data have zero clue how badly Verizon is really screwing them. Not just in data allotments but also pricing of that data. They have been giving less and less data yet charging more. Especially since they know more people are using data and less and less voice and text. And there are plenty of people that aren't anywhere near WiFi all the time.

And I'll be on here laughing my butt off to those that bought into these crappy plans thinking they will save money and end up with a good deal, but end up spending more because they never took into account ever changing usage habits, especially as they migrate to LTE, or end up with large overages because of it. Or they didn't realize their discount doesn't apply to voice, but only data.

Sure some will benefit. But I believe in the long run, many more won't. And they don't yet realize it. Hope you enjoy spending $50 or more a month for the privilege of primarily using Wi-Fi.

I will say that Verizon is definitely increasing their prices on data while giving less over time. However, it seems like this is the way the industry is moving. (Unfortunate but true.) You show that you have AT&T.

Well, AT&T isn't any better
Unlimited $30 (Full Speed)
2GB $25 - Unlimited $30 (Throttled at a certain point)
3GB $30
and in a matter of no-time, they will have data share just like Verizon.

Also, those who are on UNLIMITED data plans on AT&T are now being throttled at 3GB (5GB on 4G-LTE). Verizon does not (yet) throttle their unlimited users unless the tower is overly congested which in many times does not happen on LTE. (3G is a different story...)

I am not trying to say VZW is better/worse than AT&T. After all, cellular phone companies in general are in business to make money and as more and more utilize data, it get's more expensive to keep up and control demand and thus causes a raise in prices. Since people don't utilize their voice minutes like they used to, the cost of voice service is going down and companies can provide "unlimited" voice minutes for less. (Simple Economics).

I project that Verizon (as well as AT&T and the others) will continue to make the unlimited data plan users reasoning for sticking to the plan a worse choice. Either VZW will throttle the plans, or something else. I don't think that in the next five years, any company (including Sprint) will be able to provide truly unlimited, and un-throttled data plans. I have unlimited on Verizon and I enjoy all-you-can-eat data, but I know that it wont last for too much longer. VZW knows (I spoke with a couple reps) that the only people sticking with unlimited are people who want to utilize an excessive amount of data. They wont tolerate that forever. That's my opinion.

Those who will jump ship when VZW or AT&T change their data plans will go where? This will be interesting as all the large carriers (excluding Sprint) have data caps, throttle, or charge overages for data today. Sprint has unlimited data but from what I have been reading, their data is so slow that it is extremely difficult to even reach 3GB per month.... Prepaid is a great alternative but even prepaid has limitations when it comes to data.

[whitetigergrowl]

I will say that Verizon is definitely increasing their prices on data while giving less over time. However, it seems like this is the way the industry is moving. (Unfortunate but true.) You show that you have AT&T.

Well, AT&T isn't any better
Unlimited $30 (Full Speed)
2GB $25 - Unlimited $30 (Throttled at a certain point)
3GB $30
and in a matter of no-time, they will have data share just like Verizon.

Also, those who are on UNLIMITED data plans on AT&T are now being throttled at 3GB (5GB on 4G-LTE). Verizon does not (yet) throttle their unlimited users unless the tower is overly congested which in many times does not happen on LTE. (3G is a different story...)

I am not trying to say VZW is better/worse than AT&T. After all, cellular phone companies in general are in business to make money and as more and more utilize data, it get's more expensive to keep up and control demand and thus causes a raise in prices. Since people don't utilize their voice minutes like they used to, the cost of voice service is going down and companies can provide "unlimited" voice minutes for less. (Simple Economics).

I project that Verizon (as well as AT&T and the others) will continue to make the unlimited data plan users reasoning for sticking to the plan a worse choice. Either VZW will throttle the plans, or something else. I don't think that in the next five years, any company (including Sprint) will be able to provide truly unlimited, and un-throttled data plans. I have unlimited on Verizon and I enjoy all-you-can-eat data, but I know that it wont last for too much longer. VZW knows (I spoke with a couple reps) that the only people sticking with unlimited are people who want to utilize an excessive amount of data. They wont tolerate that forever. That's my opinion.

Those who will jump ship when VZW or AT&T change their data plans will go where? This will be interesting as all the large carriers (excluding Sprint) have data caps, throttle, or charge overages for data today. Sprint has unlimited data but from what I have been reading, their data is so slow that it is extremely difficult to even reach 3GB per month.... Prepaid is a great alternative but even prepaid has limitations when it comes to data.

I don't have AT&T and haven't for a short while. But in general they at least give you a bit more. And depending where you live, may be comparable or even better in service than Verizon.

However, throttled or not, their data is still Unlimited. Verizons 4G has no throttle for Unlimited Data users. Yet, at least. Their 3G...well...like you said thats another story. But its still unlimited. Same with Straight Talk and other prepaids that have Unlimited Data. They may throttle but its still unlimited.

You stated that Verizon knows most of their Unlimited Data users are heavy users. Which again goes against what Verizon themselves has stated. That 5% or so on Unlimited Data rarely go above 2GB's of use. And that 95% use less than 2GB's. So obviously Verizon still sees it differently than you. Unless what they are saying is that their network is so crappy, that 5% of those on Unlimited Data can grind it down. Those reps either are stating their own opinion, or know something Verizon doesn't.

It's ironic that they brag about their 4G speeds, yet give so little data in return to use them at reasonable pricing, that it almost defeats the purpose of having a smartphone. Especially after all they advertise you can do with it.

Most of those I have seen complaining haven't been complaining about the loss of Unlimited Data persay but the actual increase in cost their bill will get if they go tiered. Just because of the data plans pricing structure and loss of discounts or having to get a more expensive data plan to get a discount. Again, paying more for less. I would say about half of those I have talked to or worked with have gone tiered...the other half have left or plan on leaving Verizon. They have gotten to expensive for many people. I mean, from an average joes perspective, why pay $90 a month for an Android Phone with 2 GB's of data, when you can pay $45 for an Android Phone using Verizons 3G network with Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data. (Albeit with at least a 2GB soft cap. But at least if you go over they don't nail you.)

Verizon wants you to pay more and get less in return. This is what happens when you have lack of good competition and ignorant people that think paying more and getting less is a great deal and have no clue of the economics of it all.

They want everyone on smartphones but price it in a way that make it almost inhibits having one and market it in a way that makes it seem like you can do a bunch of awesome stuff. But fail to mention doing most of it in any moderate capacity will put you over your limit and cost you much more. If they want you on WiFi most the time, why not save that $50 a month and get an IPod Touch and a dumbphone. That'll be $1,200 in savings or more over 2 years. Or get a Straight Talk Droid phone at $45 a month with Unlimited Talk, Text, and web with a 2-4GB soft cap. Which is still half the price you would pay with Verizon.

You are paying for the luxury of having the smartphone, but spending most your time on Wifi. I mean if you're gonna be spending most of your time on Wifi....then whats the point of having the smartphone and paying all that extra money for essentially nothing?

You ask where people will go when they both raise their rates. Have you forgotten pre-paid options out there that are half the price? Or for now Sprint and others. And ATT is still an option at the moment. And believe me, they know it especially after seeing the negative reaction from people on this. Why do you think they haven't rushed out and shown theirs?

Prepaid may have limitations in terms of data. But not any different than the carriers. And if you go over, you get throttled. Not charged an extra $15 per GB.

They want everyone on smartphones but at the same time are inhibiting reasons to get one. Low amounts of data, high costs.

I mean really. How do you go from $30 Unlimited....to $30 2GB tiered....to $40 for 300MB? WTF. Is it becoming more scarce than water or what?

I hope their churn numbers start going through the roof because of this.

And ironically they want everyone on a 4G network that is half baked at best right now and is plagued by multiple problems. What kind of taste do you think that leaves in peoples mouths? Paying more...and getting what in return? Bigger bills, more network problems? Heaven knows I've been less than impressed.