With unlimited data, you get exactly what the name implies: a cell plan with no data consumption restrictions. It allows you to use as little or as much data as you’d want without worrying about exceeding your limit and incurring additional monthly costs. For many people, having unlimited internet access can feel amazing, but many are unaware of how to utilize the service fully.
Video Quality
The first thing you need to know if you have an unlimited mobile data plan from one of the best AT&T plans is that the quality of video streaming will vary depending on the quality of your network. For example, if you stream HD video, you may get a lower long-term data rate. It is because the quality of video streams depends on how well the network performs and how quickly the buffer fills up.
Fortunately, there are several ways to turn off video throttling. If a stream saver is activated you should turn it off. It is useful for customers on limited data plans as it could keep them under their cap. However, it has limited benefits on unlimited plans.\
Hotspot/Tethering
Unlimited data plans often offer personal hotspot capabilities, but this feature is not included with all plans. You must check your contract to determine if your plan offers this feature. Mobile plan providers offer mobile hotspot functionality. Some of these mobile hotspot features offer unlimited talk and text, but most come with a limit on how much data you can use per month. The limit may range from 3GB to 120GB, depending on your plan.
Data Speeds
When you’re on a cell phone plan, you may be subject to mobile data speed limits. These limits are known as throttle points and slow down speeds when you reach them. For example, you might be limited to 2G or 3G speeds, and you may not be able to upload and download videos. You might also experience slow browsing speeds or email.
To avoid overage charges, you’ll have to limit your data usage. Even ‘unlimited’ plans have data limits. Going over your limit will result in an overage charge – many providers will charge $10 per 50 GB of data over the limit.
Speed Tiers
There are some things to look for in an unlimited mobile data plan that allows you to download unlimited amounts of data. First, it’s important to check the speed tiers to see how much data you can use each month before the plan slows down. Some plans have speed limits after 50GB, while others don’t.
First, the unlimited data plan should allow you to download and upload as much data as possible. But once you’ve reached the cap, the speed will slow down. However, you can still use the internet at a slower speed. It is because of a so-called “throttling” feature. It can occur instantly or only after a certain activity or data usage.
Deprioritization
Deprioritization is a fairly new concept, but it has become one of the most compelling selling points of an unlimited mobile data plan. Generally, these plans are unlimited without any overage charges. However, deprioritization kicks in if you reach certain monthly thresholds. Some carriers throttle data even if you only use a small amount.
Unlimited data plans are great for heavy data users, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Unlimited data plans generally offer a reasonable amount of data usage, but the carrier may throttle your speed if you use a significant amount of data. It happens because carriers monitor their networks and may suspect malicious activity if you exceed your data limit. Depending on the network congestion, your data usage may be restricted to protect their network and improve service.
