Verizon has reintroduced its unlimited data plan for customers at a cost of $80. The plan includes unlimited data, talk, and text, as well as up to 10 GB of mobile hotspot usage, and calling and texting to Mexico and Canada. Customers will also have the ability to stream unlimited HD video without restrictions placed by T-Mobile.
Despite the promise of fast LTE speeds, heavy data users may experience slower speeds after surpassing 22 GB of data usage during a billing cycle. This is a common practice among all networks that offer unlimited data plans. Verizon had previously eliminated its unlimited plan in 2011, following the trend set by other major wireless carriers.
Last year, Verizon introduced a “Safety Mode” plan that technically offered unlimited data but slowed speeds significantly after reaching the data limit. AT&T also eliminated overage fees for customers and throttles speeds after reaching the data limit on their plans. AT&T’s unlimited plan is only available to customers who have both wireless phone service and either DirecTV or U-Verse TV.
Competitors such as T-Mobile and Sprint have also made efforts to attract customers with their own versions of “unlimited data” plans. Sprint’s plan offers unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data for $60 for the first line, $40 for the second, and $30 for each additional line up to 10. T-Mobile’s plan is priced at $70 for the first line, $50 for the second, and $20 for additional lines up to eight.
The return of unlimited data plans by major carriers signifies a shift in the industry to meet the demands of customers who require more data for streaming and other uses. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that more options for unlimited data will become available to consumers seeking affordable and efficient data plans.