Verizon's new unlimited data service: it's not for hotspots

[Mike Lewis]

I have the Verizon hotspot data plan that was grandfathered in from Millenicom: $100 per month at 20 GB. In my case it is my only Internet access.

I went to my local Verizon store today to see if I could get a better deal, given that they have a new, widely-advertised unlimited data plan, which I think is $80 per month for one line on unlimited data. I was told that I was the first person to ask if this applied to a hotspot and not a phone with data. They did a bit of research and told me that the new plan did not apply to hotspots. The reason was that since Verizon also sells Internet service, allowing unlimited data on their hotspots would have them competing with themselves. Makes sense, but it's not what I wanted to hear, of course.

[StarvingHyena]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

I have the Verizon hotspot data plan that was grandfathered in from Millenicom: $100 per month at 20 GB. In my case it is my only Internet access.

I went to my local Verizon store today to see if I could get a better deal, given that they have a new, widely-advertised unlimited data plan, which I think is $80 per month for one line on unlimited data. I was told that I was the first person to ask if this applied to a hotspot and not a phone with data. They did a bit of research and told me that the new plan did not apply to hotspots. The reason was that since Verizon also sells Internet service, allowing unlimited data on their hotspots would have them competing with themselves. Makes sense, but it's not what I wanted to hear, of course.

Mike,
I want to be pretty short here as I'm at the end of my gig allotment with a week to go.
I looked over that internet bus traveling couple that had internet businesses - we were discussing them a week ago. They said to be careful of Verizon's unlimited data offer. Seems you get 4G LTE for your first 10 gigs / month then you are throttled back to either 2 or 3 g. ( I forget) I don't have enough gigs left to go back and check ..... be careful guys!

Tom

[skiman]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

I have the Verizon hotspot data plan that was grandfathered in from Millenicom: $100 per month at 20 GB. In my case it is my only Internet access.

I went to my local Verizon store today to see if I could get a better deal, given that they have a new, widely-advertised unlimited data plan, which I think is $80 per month for one line on unlimited data. I was told that I was the first person to ask if this applied to a hotspot and not a phone with data. They did a bit of research and told me that the new plan did not apply to hotspots. The reason was that since Verizon also sells Internet service, allowing unlimited data on their hotspots would have them competing with themselves. Makes sense, but it's not what I wanted to hear, of course.

We have a grandfathered Verizon account. When on trips we turn on the hotspot service on my Droid Turbo. Work well. I think it is $30/ month when on. My son is Verizon employee so we get it for half.

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by StarvingHyena

Mike,
I want to be pretty short here as I'm at the end of my gig allotment with a week to go.
I looked over that internet bus traveling couple that had internet businesses - we were discussing them a week ago. They said to be careful of Verizon's unlimited data offer. Seems you get 4G LTE for your first 10 gigs / month then you are throttled back to either 2 or 3 g. ( I forget) I don't have enough gigs left to go back and check ..... be careful guys!

Tom

It is 22 GB before throttling. You get 10GB of tethering before they switch that over to 3G.

[thoer]

My offer from Verizon says that after 22 gb used they may prioritize my data behind other Verizon customers during network congestion.

[Vermilye]

I had a discussion with a "Verizon Team" at the Quartzsite Big Tent show & they admitted that the 20GB for $100.07 per month is still the best deal for anyone using over 16GB per month on a Jetpack.

They did say you could add a Jetpack to their "Unlimited" plan, however it was an additional $40.00 per month, and was limited to 10GB per month before slowing down.

[Mike Lewis]

I was able to get something from my trip to the Verizon store, however: I was able to purchase their Novatel T1114 4G router for about $43 (regular price $200) to replace my hotspot and add it to my account for no additional monthly charge. The router is essentially a hotspot with Ethernet ports. It will be useful at home since I can connect it directly to the Ethernet network in my house.

I'll also take the router with me in the trailer. I won't be able to use the Wilson Sleek amp with it, but the router does have an external antenna connection so I can use my WireEng antenna with it if necessary. Hopefully that will be enough for a connection in a remote location.

Last month I tried all this at the Verizon store and their rules then were completely different, so I walked out of the store without being able to make a deal. At least now I'm making progress.