New prepaid unlimited data provider

[Ryan McGinnis]

Don't know any details on this and can't say if it's any good, but $40 a month for unlimited data ain't bad, pricewise:

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscent...nnounces_unlimited_mobile_broadband_plan.html

 

[Jason Foster]

Don't know any details on this and can't say if it's any good, but $40 a month for unlimited data ain't bad, pricewise:

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscent...nnounces_unlimited_mobile_broadband_plan.html

First stop...coverage map. Not for me:

I could see it as a secondary back-up for those that stick to the central T.alley and can't afford to miss and upload for sales.

IMBY it is fine (the coverage), but I already have an unlimited sprint plan (although a tad more expensive).

 

[rdale]

Finally an advantage for Great Lakes chasers

 

[J Tyler]

If tornadoes used the Interstate system to move around, this plan would ROCK.

 

[Skip Talbot]

Is it really unlimited or is there a hidden cap in there somewhere. When I read $10 for 100MB (which is nothing) it makes me suspicious that you would get unlimited for $30 more. As mentioned, the coverage is a deal breaker for the Plains chaser. Almost all of my KS tornado intercepts have been west of 35, which is just a gigantic hole on their coverage map. I think it would be workable for an IL/IN/MI chaser though provided they don't leave their home state. Perhaps if they can expand their coverage they will coax the other carriers into an unlimited option or to drop their prices.

 

[rdale]

Is it really unlimited or is there a hidden cap in there somewhere.

As much as they specifically say "unlimited" - they'd have a hard time stopping someone who wants unlimited.

 

[Rob H]

There's always a catch... look at Virgin's terms of service for this offering:

Specific Terms and Restrictions regarding Data Services
If your plan includes data services, such services are provided solely for purposes of web browsing, messaging, and similar activities. You may not use the data service: (1) with server devices or host computer applications, including, but not limited to, Web camera posts or broadcasts, automatic data feeds, automated machine-to-machine connections or peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing or other systems that drive continuous heavy traffic or data sessions; (2) as a substitute or backup for private lines or frame relay connections[...](4) for tethering your device to a personal computer or other hardware[...](6) for any activity that adversely affects the ability of other people or systems to use either our wireless services or other parties' Internet-based resources. We reserve the right to limit, suspend or terminate without notice any misuse of our network or violation of these Terms of Service.

Even if you find a way to argue around 1, 2, and 4 (which most chasers won't be able to) - they can still discontinue your service if they feel you're being a bandwidth hog and that it is causing issues on their network.

 

[rdale]

That looks like their generic phone data policy. Note it refers to using your device on a PC -- this is sold to be used and plugged into a PC.

 

[Rob H]

That looks like their generic phone data policy. Note it refers to using your device on a PC -- this is sold to be used and plugged into a PC.

Good point. I couldn't find any legalese for this new service, so I went with what they had. They'd probably drop clause #4, but I wouldn't be surprised if they left in something similar to #1 and #2. I still prefer the plans where they say $60/5GB and then let me do whatever I want with the 5GB. I've had cell phone providers and ISPs shut me down for hitting the invisible cap with their "unlimited" plans, which is the point that Skip made.

Either way, that coverage looks like a deal breaker for me.

 

[rdale]

I may switch my corporate cards over, since we're with Sprint and paying more for less GB.