Are there any unlimited data hotspot plans?

Crono

Lifer
Aug 8, 2001
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I'm wondering if there are any unlimited data hotspot plans from any of the major carriers in the U.S. I think Sprint offers the most data at 12GB for a $80 plan, but I'm looking to see if there are any unlimited data hotspot or unlimited via tethering. I wouldn't mind paying up to $100 a month if it were truly unlimited (or at least 30GB in practice).

I don't need 4G, but fast enough 3G speeds to do teleconferencing.
 

Dulanic

Diamond Member
Oct 27, 2000
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As long as under 100kbps is fast enough. Lol sprint is so bad.

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Anonemous

Diamond Member
May 19, 2003
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Well, if you need unlimited data:

Sprint ($35-80, depending on if you have SERO, unlimited 3G/4G great if you can get good speeds)
T-mo (70-80/month unlimited plan tethering possible after rooting)
Verizon (if you can buy someone's grand fathered account ~$400 on ebay)
ATT (same as above but I heard they throttle you after 5GB even though it's unlimited)

I would also check sensorly on coverage/speed in your area.

Best data deal IMO would be a 4G wimax (if you get 4G coverage) Virgin Mobile phone for 35/month. The HTC EVO V 4G was on sale at Radioshack around $89 on slickdeals. Their 4G is 'unlimited' since they don't monitor usage at this point. If you get good 4G signal it runs around 6-8Mbps.
 

Crono

Lifer
Aug 8, 2001
23,720
1,502
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I actually have grandfathered unlimited Verizon, the problem is they charge an additional fee for 2GB a month for tethering, which isn't enough for me. 2GB is all well and good on a phone, but I'm using my laptop on the go a lot for work and for projects, and not everywhere has free WiFi. I used to have Optimum WiFi and I'm missing it a lot now that I have Verizon FiOS at home. Optimum WiFi is pretty good in Port Chester and Rye, NY(where I work) and Rockland County, NY - almost all the coffee shops, restaurants, and places I frequent have good signal and coverage. Now I'm wishing I hadn't switched to Verizon (even with the blazing speeds at home), but I'm on contract now. :(


The places where I use my laptop the most have 3G coverage only, it seems. Would I still get unlimited 3G on a 4G plan?
 
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Anonemous

Diamond Member
May 19, 2003
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I actually have grandfathered unlimited Verizon, the problem is they charge an additional fee for 2GB a month for tethering, which isn't enough for me. 2GB is all well and good on a phone, but I'm using my laptop on the go a lot for work and for projects, and not everywhere has free WiFi. I used to have Optimum WiFi and I'm missing it a lot now that I have Verizon FiOS.



The places where I use my laptop the most have 3G coverage only, it seems. Would I still get unlimited 3G on a 4G plan?

That's the thing it's 2.5GB for Virgin Mobile 3G then they throttle you. 4G is unlimited because Sprint is shifting away from WIMAX that's why VM doesn't monitor 4G usage.

If you are grandfathered into unlimited data on Verizon, you can root an android/jailbreak an iphone to get tethering.
 

Crono

Lifer
Aug 8, 2001
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That's the thing it's 2.5GB for Virgin Mobile 3G then they throttle you. 4G is unlimited because Sprint is shifting away from WIMAX that's why VM doesn't monitor 4G usage.

If you are grandfathered into unlimited data on Verizon, you can root an android/jailbreak an iphone to get tethering.

I'm guessing that's against the Tos?

I have a Windows Phone now but wouldn't mind switching to Android if I could tether and still get unlimited data.

I just wish there were reasonable caps on these services.

I know laptops are technically mobile devices, but I use mine like a desktop, and the 2 - 10 GB caps are pathetically low for the stuff I need to do for work, church, and side projects on the go. I know that kind of data might have been reasonable 5 to 10 years ago, but it's just not enough now.
 
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Anonemous

Diamond Member
May 19, 2003
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I'm guessing that's against the Tos?

I have a Windows Phone now but wouldn't mind switching to Android if I could tether and still get unlimited data.

Yep, tethering is one of the reasons to root or jailbreak your phone.
 

Crono

Lifer
Aug 8, 2001
23,720
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Yep, tethering is one of the reasons to root or jailbreak your phone.

I'm tempted to do it. There just aren't any other good options, apparently.

I'm off contract from Verizon Wireless on Sunday, so I have to make a choice... maybe I'll switch to T-Mobile or whoever offers the HTC One.
 

phucheneh

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2012
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Virgin is slow, but $35 a month and <$100 rooted phone is a pretty good deal on a 'hotspot.'

I would certainly not pay anyone for an extra service if my phone already had data. Basically, find the best data plan + root phone.
 

Anonemous

Diamond Member
May 19, 2003
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I'm tempted to do it. There just aren't any other good options, apparently.

I'm off contract from Verizon Wireless on Sunday, so I have to make a choice... maybe I'll switch to T-Mobile or whoever offers the HTC One.

Well if I were you, I'd keep the unlimited data from Verizon or if you don't like how much they are charging you, sell that account to someone. Like I said those are going for $400 on ebay. If you ask on the Mobile forum, I think there are a couple people grandfathered on unlimited data on Verizon and they tether for 50 gigs or more at 4G LTE speeds without any repercussions.

From what I recall, if you do go the Verizon route, you may need to pay for an unsubsidized phone (heard Verizon automatically switches you from unlimited data to a shared data plan when you take advantage of their subsidized phones).
 

T_Yamamoto

Lifer
Jul 6, 2011
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I'm tempted to do it. There just aren't any other good options, apparently.

I'm off contract from Verizon Wireless on Sunday, so I have to make a choice... maybe I'll switch to T-Mobile or whoever offers the HTC One.

Do it. Root or jailbreak. My phone is rooted and I tether all the time. I sometimes us upwards of 30 gb.
 

kamikazekyle

Senior member
Feb 23, 2007
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Well if I were you, I'd keep the unlimited data from Verizon or if you don't like how much they are charging you, sell that account to someone. Like I said those are going for $400 on ebay. If you ask on the Mobile forum, I think there are a couple people grandfathered on unlimited data on Verizon and they tether for 50 gigs or more at 4G LTE speeds without any repercussions.

From what I recall, if you do go the Verizon route, you may need to pay for an unsubsidized phone (heard Verizon automatically switches you from unlimited data to a shared data plan when you take advantage of their subsidized phones).

My girlfriend still has an unlimited plan with Verizon and was looking at upgrading her phone, but if she does get a subsidized phone they'd force her onto their new share everything plan. Kinda makes sense as it's a totally new contract. I suppose you might get lucky with a rep, but it'd be a heck of a long shot.

To the OP: Some (most?) Android phones can run a USB tether without rooting either natively or with an app. I can't say I've tried it on 4.x+, though. The only 4.x devices I have are a non-cellular Nexus 7 and a one-month stint with an Optimus L9 with Tmobile, which I couldn't really tether anyway since when I had coverage I was always in some major metro area with free wifi or at home. I'd prefer USB tethered anyway for heavy use simply due to battery drain. You can also use a VPN with external DNS if you're extra worried about the carrier inspecting your data -- should help.
 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,080
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Wait what my unlimited plan has a limit?

Kind of. Many 4g plans switch to 3g after you've used up 2 or 5 gigs. So if you stream HD netflix all day dont be surprised to find your speeds drop towards the end of the month.

Thats my problem with the Note 2.
 

OBLAMA2009

Diamond Member
Apr 17, 2008
6,574
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the real issue is speed, coverage and building penentration. what good does unlimited data do you if you cant access where you need it. everyone will tell you prepaid data has poor coverage and really slow speeds, so you can eliminate all prepaid companies. virgin mobile 3g is not the same as verizon 3g. sprint basically doesnt have data right now and im told tmobile is hard to get indoors and not widely available. that really only leaves verizon or att, and neither of them offers unlimited 3 or 4g. i read about a year ago that 4g data prices were supposed to halve by 2013 but that clearly hasnt happened. if anything they are fighting more than ever to keep prices high
 

bignateyk

Lifer
Apr 22, 2002
11,288
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Can I buy someones grandfathered Verizon account to give me unlimited data on their broadband LTE? (mifi)? I'm so sick of paying $80/month for 10GB. Sadly it's my only internet option (no cable or DSL here).
 

notposting

Diamond Member
Jul 22, 2005
3,496
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I'm guessing that's against the Tos?

I have a Windows Phone now but wouldn't mind switching to Android if I could tether and still get unlimited data.

I just wish there were reasonable caps on these services.

I know laptops are technically mobile devices, but I use mine like a desktop, and the 2 - 10 GB caps are pathetically low for the stuff I need to do for work, church, and side projects on the go. I know that kind of data might have been reasonable 5 to 10 years ago, but it's just not enough now.

Which phone?

<--has wifi tethering through my unlimited data on Trophy, but apparently locked down on the WP8 devices.
 

Red Storm

Lifer
Oct 2, 2005
14,233
234
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If you have unlimited Verizon data then just get a tethering app (if Android) or look into jailbreaking (if iPhone). No brainer.
 

Unheard

Diamond Member
Jan 5, 2003
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I actually have grandfathered unlimited Verizon, the problem is they charge an additional fee for 2GB a month for tethering, which isn't enough for me. 2GB is all well and good on a phone, but I'm using my laptop on the go a lot for work and for projects, and not everywhere has free WiFi. I used to have Optimum WiFi and I'm missing it a lot now that I have Verizon FiOS at home. Optimum WiFi is pretty good in Port Chester and Rye, NY(where I work) and Rockland County, NY - almost all the coffee shops, restaurants, and places I frequent have good signal and coverage. Now I'm wishing I hadn't switched to Verizon (even with the blazing speeds at home), but I'm on contract now. :(



The places where I use my laptop the most have 3G coverage only, it seems. Would I still get unlimited 3G on a 4G plan?

Might not be an option for you, but if you root your phone and install something like CM10.1 on it (depends on the phone) you can tether for free unlimited. It's what I do, no extra charge.
 

Crono

Lifer
Aug 8, 2001
23,720
1,502
136
Which phone?

<--has wifi tethering through my unlimited data on Trophy, but apparently locked down on the WP8 devices.

Same phone, HTC Trophy.

The tethering is capped at 2GB, though, or at least I had to signup via the Verizon website as an addon.

I'm going to get an Android phone next, just not sure which one yet.
I wish Verizon had the HTC One, but I guess I could wait for the S4.

Might not be an option for you, but if you root your phone and install something like CM10.1 on it (depends on the phone) you can tether for free unlimited. It's what I do, no extra charge.

Yeah, I'll probably root whichever new phone I buy off contract.
 

phucheneh

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2012
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Can you guys elaborate on tethering an unrooted phone? I didn't know there were apps for this; I thought the needed stuff was locked down due to the demands of the cell carriers.

The program I use it literally called 'WiFi Tether' or something, you just hit one button and a hotspot pops up that I can use on my laptop. I didn't know about tethering through USB, for some reason, I always just see WiFi and bluetooth used.
 

Anonemous

Diamond Member
May 19, 2003
7,361
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Can you guys elaborate on tethering an unrooted phone? I didn't know there were apps for this; I thought the needed stuff was locked down due to the demands of the cell carriers.

The program I use it literally called 'WiFi Tether' or something, you just hit one button and a hotspot pops up that I can use on my laptop. I didn't know about tethering through USB, for some reason, I always just see WiFi and bluetooth used.

Foxfi I heard can be used for tethering on unrooted android phones.
 

KoolAidKid

Golden Member
Apr 29, 2002
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I've used easytether on unrooted phones, but I think that it is USB only. IMO, the best choice is to root the phone and hack the built-in mobile hotspot program that verizon provides.
 

phucheneh

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2012
7,306
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USB should be reliable and fast enough for the given speeds, no? Plus it charges the phone.

But it's nice to basically have a mobile wireless router in your pocket.