Unlimited data is a big word. At the time of signing up for an internet plan, most of us look for this fine print because who doesn’t like a data plan without restriction! Top internet companies including Cox offer this perk. As long as you pay your bill on time either by the online Cox bill pay option or other mediums, you can use as much data as you need.
Is that true? Does unlimited data really mean you can use as much bandwidth as you like? Let’s uncover the truth here.
Unlimited Data Doesn’t Really Mean “Unlimited Bandwidth”
Even unlimited data plans have restrictions. You can’t really use as much bandwidth as you want. There’s always a maximum data cap attached to unlimited data. Once you hit that cap, the carrier slows down your data. This downgraded speed is too slow for streaming or sometimes even performing normal activities.
Whenever you are about to shop for an unlimited plan, always read the fine print. You should be able to find information such as the monthly data caps and the speed you will receive when you go over the limit. Unfortunately, most subscribers learn this only after signing up for the services.
As mentioned earlier, the biggest catch with an unlimited data plan is the speed limit. it’s a common practice that providers allow access to a certain speed such as 25GB or 1TB. Once you hit this limit, your speed will slow down. The only unlimited thing is how “much” data you can use. You are more than welcome to use more data but once you hit the limit, your connection will become slower.
Don’t Worry, You Don’t Necessarily Need Unlimited Data
Well, there are several reasons why you wouldn’t need an unlimited data plan. firstly, unlimited data plans are really expensive. They can cost you up to $100 a month. You don’t really have to pay that much to pay for an unlimited plan.
Also, an average person uses less than 6G of mobile data per month. The number is likely to rise over the years however, it’s not getting close to the 23 GB threshold anytime soon. This means that an average consumer doesn’t even need an unlimited mobile data plan. If you are paying for it, you are wasting money. You should switch to plan with a lower monthly data.
If you opt for a 5GB data plan with a set data cap and you reach the limit before your billing cycle reaches its end, you can still continue using your cellular data but at a throttled speed. Some providers let you buy extra bandwidth to meet your data needs too, which is still inexpensive compared to the monthly fee you’re paying for an unlimited data plan.
Who Should Get an Unlimited Data Plan?
An average consumer doesn’t really need an unlimited data plan. This does not mean that unlimited data plans aren’t best for anyone. These plans are great and they are sometimes necessary if your data consumption is demanding.
For instance, if you don’t have Wi-Fi at home, then you can use the unlimited mobile data plan to our advantage. It’s suitable for those who live in remote areas and don’t have access to internet service providers. An unlimited data plan can help them stay connected. And sometimes, paying for an unlimited mobile data plan is affordable compared to what your local internet service provider is charging for its basic plan.
Do Truly Unlimited Data Plans Exist?
Do truly unlimited data plans exist? They do and they don’t. Even if they do exist, we haven’t been introduced to those carriers and their plans. The truth is unlimited data plans are harder to find. Also, don’t expect them to be cheap.
Whenever a provider is trying to sell an unlimited data plan, do ask if they have truly unlimited plans. Experts say that today, the meaning of unlimited is you won’t be charged more if you go over a specific data cap. It does not really guarantee full internet speed and unlimited data. It’s best to know what you are paying for the unlimited data by knowing how much bandwidth will you actually get. Remember, it is just a placeholder for tiers invented by your internet company has invented.