Why we still being charged "smartphone access" $40?

[mikegg]

With 1GB of data you only have 1GB of LTE to use per month before you are dropped down to a slower speed. The Unlimited LTE plan costs $80 per line now(used to be $70 I think). So while you have unlimited data, you only get 1GB of LTE speeds. Unless you meant to say that you pay extra for your line to get the unlimited LTE like I do.

The 4 lines have 1GB LTE. My own line has truly unlimited LTE on the phone + 5GB tethering. It's a family plan.

I just checked my account. To add unlimited LTE data on the phone + 5GB tether, it would cost $30 a month.

 

[OSULugan]

A family plan with 5 phones.

4 phones with 1GB LTE then unlimited 2G. My own phone has unlimited LTE on phone + 5GB LTE for tethering.

That breakdown makes more sense.

 

[jpeyton]

I'm with T-Mobile. My total smartphone bill per line is less than $40, now with free unlimited audio streaming.

 

[Raduque]

"Because fuck you, that's why" - AT&T/Verizon/Sprint

think a $600 unsubsidized phone is somehow more expensive than a $250 subsidized one.

It's more that people are still stuck in the mindset that it's either $600 OR $200, RIGHT NOW. And since people HAVE TO HAVE IT, it's $200 right now, vs waiting for a price drop or saving money for it.

Of course, the choice used to be "$600 now + same prices as contracts" or "$200 and a contract".

 

[sm625]

What the hell is with the $40.00 smartphone access?

It's a scam, nothing more nothing less. The fact that so many people tolerate it means AT&T and Verizon stocks at all time highs.

What's really funny is the people who claim they dont pay it, but then they still have a 2 year contract. Oh you pay, dont have any delusions... you pay.

 

[gorb]

Yeah, my sprint account (3 lines) has a $10 surcharge on each line for "primary data" which is required on any smartphone. lol :/

 

[SunnyD]

T-Mo... 4 phones, $100/month total. No "smartphone fees", just a flat fee.