Uncarrier 12...  Big Wireless Industry Changes are Coming...

Just last year, Verizon's CEO, Fran Shammo, slammed T-Mobile for slowing down their customers speeds by throttling. This year, Sprint, Verizon, and now even AT&T have jumped aboard the throttling bandwagon. These carriers collectively realized that most people would rather be slowed down than facing data overage charges. All wireless users should give T-Mobile's CEO, John Legere, a standing ovation. This dude just did the impossible. He got the other carriers to abolish data overage charges. He also got the other carriers to adopt data rollover, and Canada and Mexico roaming.

On September 6th, TM's tiered data plans are going away. In their place will be Unlimited data plans but with Binge On Data speeds of 480p, not 720p, 1080p or 14k. This won't make a huge difference on a small phone screen but will on a 55" display. While this looks terrific on paper, I'm pretty happy with my current Unlimited plan with 14GB of hotspot and no throttling or Binge On features. Before giving up your plan for the new deal, it's worth understanding the differences. 

“The era of the data plan is over,” T-Mobile John Legere said in a statement. “After Un-carrier 12, the wireless industry will never be the same again.”  T-Mobile's new plan will cost $70 for the first line, $50 for the second line and $20 for each subsequent line up to eight lines. Additional lines beyond that can be added for $30 per month. Tablets can even be added to the mix for $20 per month. The only real problem is this will make T-Mobile the most expensive carrier for just one line. TM's really good deals start at two or more lines.

T-Mobile's "unlimited video" will be offered in standard 480p definition as part of the plan. Users will have the option to upgrade to HD video for an extra $25 per month per line. Though the plan is billed as unlimited, T-Mobile also noted customers who surpass 26 GB of data in a given month "may see their data traffic prioritized behind other users" and may experience slower speeds at specific times or in specific places with high network demand.

While T-Mobile will be eliminating their Simple Choice plans, they will not be forcing anyone to abandon these plans. For subscribers that do a lot of video recording with their devices, or use their devices frequently as a Hotspot, we recommend staying put. The same goes for users that are utilizing their devices to stream Netflix, Hulu or other content with HDMI cable to a Big Flatscreen. While 480P looks fine on a 6" screen, the resolution will be a bit granier looking on a huge screen.

Just after T-Mobile’s announcement last Thursday morning, Sprint's CEO Marcelo Claure announced the roll out of Sprint's new $60 Unlimited Plan, called "Unlimited Freedom". Let's see what AT&T and Verizon have coming.