Questions about Future Data Plans

[applefandan]

Hi everyone. Currently I have a grandfathered unlimitted data plan. However, each month I use about 500-700 MB. This month, I am at 1500 MB only because I was at a hotel with very slow wifi and I needed to stream video, but 500-700 is a typical month. I have never used more than what I am at now. I don't ever plan to go above 3 GB either (and even if I did I would be forced not to because I wouldn't be able to deal with my throttled speed). 

Right now, I like keeping the data plan that I have because I like the convenience of not having to think about how much data I am using (even thought it potentially can get throttled, but I don't worry about that too much since if it happens, I won't be charged extra). However, what I really want is tethering. The thing with tethering is I would only use it to check email or surf the web when I am on the road so that I can use my computer (like when I take the bus home), or if I am somewhere like a hotel with wifi that isn't free. 

I know AT&T thinks that I will use more data if I have a tethering plan, but the truth is, if I can't use tethering, I'll just do everything I need to do on my iPhone. Sure it is inconvenient but it won't stop me. I want tethering only to make my life a bit easier. My problem is, I am currently paying 30 bucks a month, and I don't really want to pay more than that. I understand that I can get a tethering plan by switching to 5 GB. That's no problem since I  know I will never go over 5 GB. However, that is an extra $20. 

Basically, my question is, does AT&T have future plans to include tethering at the 3 GB price point? Additionally, does AT&T ever plan to offer rollover bytes? These two things would really make me feel safe in switching my data plan. While I don't think I would ever go over 3 GB, I love having the security knowing that on months where I need to heavily use data, I can rely on the past few months light usage. 

I know this is a user community and AT&T doesn't monitor this, and I know it is a long shot, but hey it never hurts to ask. So does anyone know/think AT&T will do any of those things in the future? If not I guess I'll just have to keep relying on using my iPhone much more than I want to. 

[wingrider01 ACE - Expert]

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applefandan wrote:

Hi everyone. Currently I have a grandfathered unlimitted data plan. However, each month I use about 500-700 MB. This month, I am at 1500 MB only because I was at a hotel with very slow wifi and I needed to stream video, but 500-700 is a typical month. I have never used more than what I am at now. I don't ever plan to go above 3 GB either (and even if I did I would be forced not to because I wouldn't be able to deal with my throttled speed). 

Right now, I like keeping the data plan that I have because I like the convenience of not having to think about how much data I am using (even thought it potentially can get throttled, but I don't worry about that too much since if it happens, I won't be charged extra). However, what I really want is tethering. The thing with tethering is I would only use it to check email or surf the web when I am on the road so that I can use my computer (like when I take the bus home), or if I am somewhere like a hotel with wifi that isn't free. 

I know AT&T thinks that I will use more data if I have a tethering plan, but the truth is, if I can't use tethering, I'll just do everything I need to do on my iPhone. Sure it is inconvenient but it won't stop me. I want tethering only to make my life a bit easier. My problem is, I am currently paying 30 bucks a month, and I don't really want to pay more than that. I understand that I can get a tethering plan by switching to 5 GB. That's no problem since I  know I will never go over 5 GB. However, that is an extra $20. 

Basically, my question is, does AT&T have future plans to include tethering at the 3 GB price point? Additionally, does AT&T ever plan to offer rollover bytes? These two things would really make me feel safe in switching my data plan. While I don't think I would ever go over 3 GB, I love having the security knowing that on months where I need to heavily use data, I can rely on the past few months light usage. 

I know this is a user community and AT&T doesn't monitor this, and I know it is a long shot, but hey it never hurts to ask. So does anyone know/think AT&T will do any of those things in the future? If not I guess I'll just have to keep relying on using my iPhone much more than I want to. 

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they have announcesd a shared data plan that will be coming into affect shortly, it starts and 1GB of data and goes up, it allows up to 10 devices attached, tethering and mobile hotspot are included in the price.

There is a dicussion on it here with questions and answers

http://forums.wireless.att.com/t5/Data-Messaging-Features-Internet/Mobile-Share-Questions/m-p/325602...

[applefandan]

Thanks. I remember reading about that plan. I only have an individual plan, I am the only one on my account. Therefore can I still sign up for this plan? And also I certainly don't need unlimited talk and text. I have 450 minutes and 200 texts per month right now, so unless the plan would end up being cheaper than what I have now, it probably wouldn't be worth it. Is there any other option? 

[wingrider01 ACE - Expert]

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applefandan wrote:

Thanks. I remember reading about that plan. I only have an individual plan, I am the only one on my account. Therefore can I still sign up for this plan? And also I certainly don't need unlimited talk and text. I have 450 minutes and 200 texts per month right now, so unless the plan would end up being cheaper than what I have now, it probably wouldn't be worth it. Is there any other option? 

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If you want tethering then the shared data plan is what you want. the minimum to do hotspot / tethering under the regualy plan is 50.00 for the 5GB data plan, in the new shared data plan you have it at the 1GB plan.

So you need to compare what the cost would be with replacing your current data plan with the one that is capable of of tethering/hotspot, when will change your bill by difference in cost of your current plan and 50.00

In additiona take into account you can add up to 10 different devices to the plan for a small additional charge - ipads, android tablets, windows tablets, etc.

[applefandan]

Right, but I only have one device. So I am not even eligible for this plan right?

[sandblaster]

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applefandan wrote:
Right, but I only have one device. So I am not even eligible for this plan right?

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You are eligible. You pay for whatever amount of shared data you want and an access fee for every device that shares that data. It does not matter if it is only one device. 

[applefandan]

Oh really? That is interesting. Thanks. The whole "share" part of mobile share kind of threw me off then.

So now my next question is: Is there a way to get a mobile share plan without unlimited texting and voice minutes? And I doubt this plan has rollover bytes either…

[wingrider01 ACE - Expert]

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applefandan wrote:
Oh really? That is interesting. Thanks. The whole "share" part of mobile share kind of threw me off then.

So now my next question is: Is there a way to get a mobile share plan without unlimited texting and voice minutes? And I doubt this plan has rollover bytes either…

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nope, it is what is advertised, unlimited text and voice is mainly eye candy, the cost for it is minimal. Being a unlimited coice and text there is no reason for roll over on those minutes and there never has been roll over on data and there is a good chance they never will be

[applefandan]

Right, except here is my problem. The only way I can get a plan that is cheaper or equal to the one I have now is to sign up for the 1 GB plan, and it is highly possible I'll go over 1 GB… Therefore, if there was rollover, I'd feel comfortable.

Ideally, I'd like to have minimum number of minutes, 200ish texts, and 3 or more GB of data (with rollover). I know that is probably never going to happen, but is there anything remotely similar to this? I just can't justify paying for mobile share because I feel like I am getting ripped off by paying for unlimited texts and minutes, neither of which I need.

[21stNow]

It looks like your choices are:

1. Stay with what you have now: $75 ($40 voice + $5 200 text messages+ $30 unlimited data)

2. Mobile Share 1GB: $85

3. Mobile Share 4GB: $110

4. Keep your voice and text the same and convert to 5GB data plan: $95 ($40 voice + $5 200 text messages + $50 5GB data plan w/tethering & mobile hotspot).

You have to decide what is best for your budget and your wants and desires.

[applefandan]

Thanks. I guess it looks like the 5 GB is my best option, but I am still gonna hold off for now. I just wanted to basically see what my options were and this thread kind of summarized them for me, so thanks for that. Is there anywhere I can submit feedback to AT&T? I doubt it will do much, but I just want to share a few thoughts in case they actually read through feedback. Thanks again to everyone!