You're ignoring a huge elephant in the room, which is the fact that a large percentage of this huge group you're referring to are not yet on 4g LTE and/or are not using it to it's full potential. Vzw 3g is slowwwwwwww and people cant use much data on it, 4G is fasssssssst and when people start realizing they can easily burn through 5-10 gbs in a month they will be pissed that they are paying so much for so little. I disagree that this won't eventually hurt verizon and att too when they adopt it, I see the companys that dont adopt these plans as being the long term winners. Maybe sprint and tmo will be the next generation of att and vzw
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And here we go...Share Everything plans
- Thread starter Clementine_3
- Start date
damewolf13
live~laugh~love
Sprint and T-Mo will adopt these same plans in time. Whatever policies AT&T and VZW adopt will eventually be implemented by the other two as well.
IOWA
Mr. Logic Pants
Sprint and Tmo couldn't pull this off quite yet. The only reason Verizon is getting away with this is because they are truly a premium network. Either way, if sprint ever announces they a dumping unlimited they'd lose customers in droves. I know quite a few people coming back to sprint because they've been burned on data overages..... And they aren't even power users.
damewolf13
live~laugh~love
I agree they couldn't pull it off right now, that's why I said "in time".
OfTheDamned
The Friendly Undead
It may look like I'm ignoring this fact, I'm not. Eventually 4g LTE will cover the country and that is all that Verizon will be using. Their 3g network will either be sold off or rented to the pay-as-you-go companies. The data speeds will slow, not a much as 3g, but still they will slow. It is just like have one person on wifi vs 6 people on wifi. Once everyone is talking and surfing over LTE the connection won't be the same.
Either way, you will still have the same user types. Power users (like most of us), partial users (those that use the phone more, but not to the same level), regular users (those that really don't use it all that much) and non-users (those that still don't have smart phones). Some may shift into different categories due to 4g speeds, but you have to understand that most people just aren't that tech savvy. They either don't care about it or don't want to take the time to understand it.
As far as T-Mobile or sprint becoming VZW and ATt. It could happen, but you have to keep in mind that VZW got to where they are by spending a ton on their network. Other carriers haven't been willing to do that yet. Maybe the new LTE roll out will make them, but I doubt it.
As a side note, I'm quite impressed by the level of discourse in this thread. Can a topic like this actually be discussed without the thread turning into a wild wild west? So far so good!
I'm actually very torn over what to do. Right now, I'm rocking a Galaxy Nexus and I was tempted to preorder the Galaxy S3. But I'm very disappointed in Samsung's radio in the Gnex (and their other phones from what I've read). It's not much good having an LTE phone when I'm either on 3G all the time, or I'm constantly losing my data connection altogether. And I'm in a good sized metro area with good coverage. I'm very hesitant to preorder a phone without some early indications as to whether the radio has improved or not. But of course, if I don't preorder now, then I can't upgrade at the subsidized price without losing my unlimited data. I guess I could try the trick of upgrading one of my other lines and then switching the phone over... but if they put a stop to that, then I'm stuck with another data plan on a line that doesn't need it.
I'm also very tempted by the new iPhone that will likely come out in October. I'm not a fanboy of either campe, so I typically switch between iOS and Android occasionally just to change things up. The main reason why I've been using Android the last year and a half or so is because of LTE. Apple has yet to release an LTE phone on Verizon, so it's hard to say if their radio will be any better than Samsung's...
Also, regarding data usage on 3G versus LTE: I can vouch that my data usage went up a LOT when switching to an LTE phone. When I was on 3G, I was typically using between 1-2 GB per month (which is what they say the "average" user uses). However, since using LTE, I'm typically between 3-5 GB/mo and I don't feel like I'm a heavy user at all. I'm on WIFI at home all the time, and when I'm out and about, the only thing I really do is stream audio or download the occasional update.
What they have done is incentivized us to use my data by advertising and promoting special features like video streaming and video calling. But their statistics of "average" data use are still based on 3G networks with customers who have used very few of these premium services. Again, it's a way for them to take advantage of customers by promoting services that will use up all of their data very quickly. I can certainly understand their desire to curb abuses of data use, such as those who have used their unlimited data plans as their only Internet source. When users consume 10+ GB of data per month on unlimited plans, their just asking for the carriers to put a stop to it.
But as the mobile phones and tablets become our primary source for using the Internet, we can understand why they want to take advantage and increase profit. Eventually, people will be willing to cut other services in order to pay for their mobile phones and tablets. Many have already removed their land-line phones. And many others are trying to cord-cut their cable or satellite subscriptions. It's not going to happen overnight, but it's certainly the trend.
As much as I want to avoid price increases for my mobile account, I also have to be honest and admit that I'll be paying more as I use my phone for more services.
I'm actually very torn over what to do. Right now, I'm rocking a Galaxy Nexus and I was tempted to preorder the Galaxy S3. But I'm very disappointed in Samsung's radio in the Gnex (and their other phones from what I've read). It's not much good having an LTE phone when I'm either on 3G all the time, or I'm constantly losing my data connection altogether. And I'm in a good sized metro area with good coverage. I'm very hesitant to preorder a phone without some early indications as to whether the radio has improved or not. But of course, if I don't preorder now, then I can't upgrade at the subsidized price without losing my unlimited data. I guess I could try the trick of upgrading one of my other lines and then switching the phone over... but if they put a stop to that, then I'm stuck with another data plan on a line that doesn't need it.
I'm also very tempted by the new iPhone that will likely come out in October. I'm not a fanboy of either campe, so I typically switch between iOS and Android occasionally just to change things up. The main reason why I've been using Android the last year and a half or so is because of LTE. Apple has yet to release an LTE phone on Verizon, so it's hard to say if their radio will be any better than Samsung's...
Also, regarding data usage on 3G versus LTE: I can vouch that my data usage went up a LOT when switching to an LTE phone. When I was on 3G, I was typically using between 1-2 GB per month (which is what they say the "average" user uses). However, since using LTE, I'm typically between 3-5 GB/mo and I don't feel like I'm a heavy user at all. I'm on WIFI at home all the time, and when I'm out and about, the only thing I really do is stream audio or download the occasional update.
What they have done is incentivized us to use my data by advertising and promoting special features like video streaming and video calling. But their statistics of "average" data use are still based on 3G networks with customers who have used very few of these premium services. Again, it's a way for them to take advantage of customers by promoting services that will use up all of their data very quickly. I can certainly understand their desire to curb abuses of data use, such as those who have used their unlimited data plans as their only Internet source. When users consume 10+ GB of data per month on unlimited plans, their just asking for the carriers to put a stop to it.
But as the mobile phones and tablets become our primary source for using the Internet, we can understand why they want to take advantage and increase profit. Eventually, people will be willing to cut other services in order to pay for their mobile phones and tablets. Many have already removed their land-line phones. And many others are trying to cord-cut their cable or satellite subscriptions. It's not going to happen overnight, but it's certainly the trend.
As much as I want to avoid price increases for my mobile account, I also have to be honest and admit that I'll be paying more as I use my phone for more services.
OfTheDamned
The Friendly Undead
I think one of the biggest things people are going to have to do is adapt. We all adapted at one point to pay attention to our minutes and later our texting. We pay attention to our batteries and even our signal. Now, most of us, will learn how to watch our data. Using wifi when available is a huge help. Maybe someone will create an app that can auto sign someone into a store or restaurant's wifi.
The rest of the world functions on public wifi and limited data plans, we can learn to do it too. It might hurt, but it can happen.
Btw, at Barnes & Noble using the in house wifi to post this. It is about 3mbps, but it works just fine.
The rest of the world functions on public wifi and limited data plans, we can learn to do it too. It might hurt, but it can happen.
Btw, at Barnes & Noble using the in house wifi to post this. It is about 3mbps, but it works just fine.
AntimonyER
CHANGED FROM AF ADDICT MIKESTONY
Interesting read, seems to follow the atmosphere in here as well, but on a more visible stage.
Share Everything Plans Mean Sharing More of Your Bank Account [Opinion] – Droid Life
Share Everything Plans Mean Sharing More of Your Bank Account [Opinion] – Droid Life
cmybliss
Android Enthusiast
I'd like to share a rather pleasant conversation I had with a VZW csr yesterday. Sorry for the impending long post.
I had called about a conflict with the estimated ship date of the GSIII and an upcoming camping trip. After a friendly chat about that and a few other things, she looked at my account, noticed we have been long time customers, and asked whether we were happy with our service.
I replied that we had been happy until the announcement of the new shared data plans. She wanted to know why. So, I explaned to her that we have no need of unlimited text/talk and so the shared plans as they are currently structured do not benefit us in any way. Looking at our usage, she agreed that they were not a good idea for us. She then asked what we would like to see in a shared plan. I told her it would be great if we could keep our current talk plan, priced the same as it is now, then add a data bucket to that. I mentioned we would be happy with paying $10/gig for something like that.
She seemed genuinely interested in the idea. Said she was in the same situation with the new plans, and really liked my idea better, as it would be good for her family as well. She said she would pass the notes on to her supervisors.
Now, I realize she is a low man on the totem, but I wonder if there has been enough of an outcry that they are looking at providing more choice for the shared plans. Frankly, I would give up my unlimited, which I use very little of, if a shared plan came down the pipes that would actually work for my family. My husband has an Inc2, but uses no data, and the third line was just started so I could pre-order the GSIII. I plan on putting an old MOTO flip phone on it and giving it to my soon to be 11 y/o daughter. Adding a third data line would be too expensive, but a 5gig for $50 shared plan would work well.
Anywho, I think it couldn't hurt for everyone who is unhappy with the new plans to call and nicely voice their objections and provide a reasonable alternative. I think we all know unlimited data as we know it is gone. But there's no reason we as consumers can't try to make the new order of things a bit more amenable, and a but less painful to the pocket book.
I had called about a conflict with the estimated ship date of the GSIII and an upcoming camping trip. After a friendly chat about that and a few other things, she looked at my account, noticed we have been long time customers, and asked whether we were happy with our service.
I replied that we had been happy until the announcement of the new shared data plans. She wanted to know why. So, I explaned to her that we have no need of unlimited text/talk and so the shared plans as they are currently structured do not benefit us in any way. Looking at our usage, she agreed that they were not a good idea for us. She then asked what we would like to see in a shared plan. I told her it would be great if we could keep our current talk plan, priced the same as it is now, then add a data bucket to that. I mentioned we would be happy with paying $10/gig for something like that.
She seemed genuinely interested in the idea. Said she was in the same situation with the new plans, and really liked my idea better, as it would be good for her family as well. She said she would pass the notes on to her supervisors.
Now, I realize she is a low man on the totem, but I wonder if there has been enough of an outcry that they are looking at providing more choice for the shared plans. Frankly, I would give up my unlimited, which I use very little of, if a shared plan came down the pipes that would actually work for my family. My husband has an Inc2, but uses no data, and the third line was just started so I could pre-order the GSIII. I plan on putting an old MOTO flip phone on it and giving it to my soon to be 11 y/o daughter. Adding a third data line would be too expensive, but a 5gig for $50 shared plan would work well.
Anywho, I think it couldn't hurt for everyone who is unhappy with the new plans to call and nicely voice their objections and provide a reasonable alternative. I think we all know unlimited data as we know it is gone. But there's no reason we as consumers can't try to make the new order of things a bit more amenable, and a but less painful to the pocket book.
AntimonyER
CHANGED FROM AF ADDICT MIKESTONY
Existing customers will be able to continue with their existing plan, which includes adding lines to your family plan.
Its a nice story but I highly doubt anything will come from it. Sounds like she was smiling and nodding. And I personally think $10 a gb is completely ridiculous. Can you imagine $10 per gb on your home internet? They are setting a dangerous precedent with these ridiculous internet prices.
AntimonyER
CHANGED FROM AF ADDICT MIKESTONY
damewolf13
live~laugh~love
Another way to save money on data is that if you have at least two smartphones on your plan, you can use the wifi hotspot on one while downloading data on the other.
I do this all of the time. If you are smart about it, you can get by on the lowest data plan available.
I do this all of the time. If you are smart about it, you can get by on the lowest data plan available.
polysaturate
Newbie
I am not following how this works. Since, phone A, will still be downloading the data needed to render whatever phone B is using. Thus, even if phone B is technically connected to wifi, the total usage is still A + B.
AntimonyER
CHANGED FROM AF ADDICT MIKESTONY
I do believe she is referring to when one phone has unlimited (or just more space to the tier limit than another)... This wouldn't apply to the new Share Everything plans.
polysaturate
Newbie
Ya, that makes sense...I'd be inclined to believe when two people on the same plan are together, they are most likely already on a wifi network anyway. However, that was a pretty good point made. Though, does require to walk the "unlimited" tight rope of unsubsidized phones, out of contract with in the next few years and Verizon agreement changes out of contract.
xmr405o
Android Expert
I think one of the biggest things people are going to have to do is adapt. We all adapted at one point to pay attention to our minutes and later our texting. We pay attention to our batteries and even our signal. Now, most of us, will learn how to watch our data. Using wifi when available is a huge help. Maybe someone will create an app that can auto sign someone into a store or restaurant's wifi.
The rest of the world functions on public wifi and limited data plans, we can learn to do it too. It might hurt, but it can happen.
Btw, at Barnes & Noble using the in house wifi to post this. It is about 3mbps, but it works just fine.
I agree. Adapting is the key. It's not just us customers who will need to adapt. It's companies like all the media companies like Netflix, all the cell phone manufacturers, all the carriers, etc. We're set for a data depression folks or a data ice age. jk haha I know it's probably not that bad.
However, on the brightside, maybe more and more cities will provide city wide wifi or mobile hot spots placed in cars would finally start picking up. This change can be a positive thing.
Hip Hip Hooray for Positive thinking!!!
That's what i figured, but what if I'm currently only on an individual plan and don't yet have a family plan? my brother wants to switch to Verizon when the gs3 is released, but since that will be after June 28th, will i be able to start a family plan under the current format, or would they try to make us switch to the share everything plan (which i wouldn't do.)
OfTheDamned
The Friendly Undead
I would go ahead and have him pre-order it and add a line now.
Yea i called and a csr confirmed it. Unless i add another line before the 28th, the only option for a family plan is the new share everything plans. I think she was misinformed because when i told her 10gb of data wouldn't be enough for our three lines she said "oh no they go up to like 30gb for the share everything plans."
I may just add a line of service to get the subsidized gs3 for myself and eat the ten dollars a month while selling my gnex to cover some of the cost.
If you add a Smart Phone the monthly cost will be $40, not $10.
OfTheDamned
The Friendly Undead
She actually is right. The share everything plans start at $50 for 1GB and then go to $60 for 2GB, but after that it is $10 for every 2GB you add. So you could potentially have 30GB of data for 3 smartphones at $320 ($40 + $40 + $40 + $200) a month.
http://solutions.vzwshop.com/shareeverything/pdf/verizon_share_everything_plan_details.pdf
That's what i figured, but the manager at my local vzw told me that he would set it up so he would just activate a dumbphone on that line and let me use the upgrade for the gs3.
Ah Ic. I thought they were capped at 10gb. I could probably get by with 16 gb for three lines (my gf wants to leave AT&T to join my plan also.)