How much does the 3g data plan really cost you?

Mrgauth · 02-25-2011, 07:23 PM

I have been researching the 'true' cost of owning an IPAD since I am considering getting one, and was very sad today to discover that the $15/mo unlimited 3g plan is no more. You have to pay for every 200mb or something like that I hear.

How has that worked out cost-wise for you all using it. Keep in mind I intend to surf like a mad man so I expect to be an excessive bandwidth user.

I know wifi is free but have no interest in a wifi only model. I will use wifi where I can but it seems I am ALWAYS in an area where there is no wifi. Either 3g or no go.

Thanks.

susan_cassidy · 02-25-2011, 07:30 PM

As far as I know the iPad has always been $15/mo for 250Mb, and $25/mo for 2Gb. You may have been thinking about the old data plans for iPhone, which is different. That is for AT&T. Also, AT&T says: "With the 250 MB or 2 GB data plan options, you will receive an on-screen alert when the amount of data in your plan is low or when the plan is about to expire. If you exceed the amount of data on your plan, you may immediately purchase an additional data plan or wait until the current plan automatically renews at the end of the 30-day period. Plans expire when you have used all the data included in your plan, or in 30 days, whichever occurs first."

Not sure how it works for any other carrier.

I only bought one month's work of the $15 plan, just to make sure the 3G model was working in my iPad.

Mrgauth · 02-25-2011, 07:44 PM

I could do $15 a month with no qualms, but I KNOW as much as I would use I would be purchasing new 'chunks' every week or two and it would end up costing me 3 to 4 times that. Very sad day for me. An Ipad may be out of my future now. Since a single movie would be nearly a whole months worth on a data plan and I intend to use it mainly for movies and web surfing, this does not bode well.

Thanks for the info though.

MsAstoria · 02-25-2011, 10:03 PM

The unlimited plan was $30 back when the iPad first came out in April. AT&T found that iPad owners were using lots of bandwidth so dropped the unlimited plan in June. Course those who already had the unlimited plan were allowed to keep it but new owners could only get the $15 plan (250mb) or the $25 plan (2gb). movies that you stream will eat up your data plan quickly. Downloaded movies are big files too. Best done when you are in wifi area. But for Internet surfing, email, the $25 plan would probably do just fine for you. I have the $15 plan as my iPad is used mainly at home but love the convenience of having Internet capability when out on the road. Great for google maps etc.

EowynCarter · 02-26-2011, 03:33 AM

That really depends of you usses

Quote:

Keep in mind I intend to surf like a mad man so I expect to be an excessive bandwidth user.

Surf only ? Do you mean to stream video or music ? The last two being where you really explode the data usage.

kathyfitz · 02-27-2011, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EowynCarter

That really depends of you usses

Surf only ? Do you mean to stream video or music ? The last two being where you really explode the data usage.

It has been my experience with both the iPhone and iPad, that unless you are streaming audio or video, it is pretty easy to stay under the $15 limit.

HarryT · 02-27-2011, 12:21 PM

Web surfing really doesn't use that much data. I am with O2 in the UK and have a 1GB allowance for £10 (about $15) a month. I have never used more than 300MB in a month, and I'm using my iPad pretty much all day, every day, for web browsing and e-mail.

Stefx · 02-28-2011, 12:07 AM

In Canada it's 35usd for 5Gig per month.
I use way more than 250MB, but never exceeded 5gig

pagansoul · 02-28-2011, 08:01 AM

I only use the 3G if I'm on vacation or something. Getting free WiFi is easy in Nothern Georgia...every McDonalds, all the Malls and book stores have it. Plus I have it at home and work. Since I've had my iPad I used the 3G options only for 2 months since April 2010.

jocampo · 02-28-2011, 11:44 AM

I do tethering!

My new iPad is wifi only but my Galaxy Tab has a 3G month to month plan with Tmobile: 30 dollars (with taxes) and unlimited data plan. I found the GT being a perfect travel companion for my Kindle 3 wifi or even iPad.

I did not choose the iPad 3G because the available AT&T options are too expensive and restrictive, in my opinion. Also, I bought it with my couch and house's Internet on my mind, not planning to take it out for long trips. If that happens, tethering is my Plan B.

The Terminator · 02-28-2011, 06:59 PM

I don't have one

but the telus web site says $20 a month for 500 mb Additional data (in Canada) will be charged at 5¢/MB, up to a maximum of $30 of overage per month.
Maximum allowed data usage per month will be 5GB.

snipenekkid · 02-28-2011, 10:40 PM

don't ya love a device claimed to be for media consumption combined with an antique model for 3G bandwidth? One or two HD movies and you blow through the cap on a 2GB plan.

kjk · 03-01-2011, 10:17 PM

I still have my unlimited 3G plan for the iPad at $29.99 a month, but haven't changed more from laziness than need-according to my Usage meter I use maybe 1G a month.

Mrgauth · 03-02-2011, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snipenekkid

don't ya love a device claimed to be for media consumption combined with an antique model for 3G bandwidth? One or two HD movies and you blow through the cap on a 2GB plan.

Agree. That's why I am considering the Xoom. Faster, more memory, same size and $20 a month unlimited. $599 with 2 year plan with Verizon.

snipenekkid · 03-02-2011, 08:39 PM

I haven't really looked at the Xoom's data plan. I know it's Verizon and I've had good luck with there data service in the past with great symmetric speeds as high as 4-5Mbps. Of course that was when there were few smartphones and lots of unused bandwidth.

But today I would look at the "unlimited" limits. My bet is there is "unlimited" web browsing and any file transfer is subject to limits on bandwidth used for "data". And once you hit a certain threshold on the "unlimited" plan your connections are throttled and/or there are additional costs. Last time I looked at some of these unlimited plans there were some pretty tricky word-games being played. I would be curious about what Verizon defines as "unlimited" these days. Still ya have to have something to make the thing worth using when out and about especially if you travel places where I do and there are usually zero wifi options but plenty of 3G towers.

02-25-2011, 07:23 PM	#1
Mrgauth Addict Posts: 206 Karma: 310 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tulsa OK Device: K3	How much does the 3g data plan really cost you? I have been researching the 'true' cost of owning an IPAD since I am considering getting one, and was very sad today to discover that the $15/mo unlimited 3g plan is no more. You have to pay for every 200mb or something like that I hear. How has that worked out cost-wise for you all using it. Keep in mind I intend to surf like a mad man so I expect to be an excessive bandwidth user. I know wifi is free but have no interest in a wifi only model. I will use wifi where I can but it seems I am ALWAYS in an area where there is no wifi. Either 3g or no go. Thanks.

02-28-2011, 11:44 AM	#10
jocampo Layback feline Posts: 3,034 Karma: 6980745 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: USA Device: Oasis 2nd gen, Sony DPTS1, iPad Pro 10.5"	I do tethering! I do tethering! My new iPad is wifi only but my Galaxy Tab has a 3G month to month plan with Tmobile: 30 dollars (with taxes) and unlimited data plan. I found the GT being a perfect travel companion for my Kindle 3 wifi or even iPad. I did not choose the iPad 3G because the available AT&T options are too expensive and restrictive, in my opinion. Also, I bought it with my couch and house's Internet on my mind, not planning to take it out for long trips. If that happens, tethering is my Plan B.

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02-25-2011, 07:30 PM	#2
susan_cassidy Wizard Posts: 2,251 Karma: 3720310 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Device: Kindle, iPad (not used much for reading)	As far as I know the iPad has always been $15/mo for 250Mb, and $25/mo for 2Gb. You may have been thinking about the old data plans for iPhone, which is different. That is for AT&T. Also, AT&T says: "With the 250 MB or 2 GB data plan options, you will receive an on-screen alert when the amount of data in your plan is low or when the plan is about to expire. If you exceed the amount of data on your plan, you may immediately purchase an additional data plan or wait until the current plan automatically renews at the end of the 30-day period. Plans expire when you have used all the data included in your plan, or in 30 days, whichever occurs first." Not sure how it works for any other carrier. I only bought one month's work of the $15 plan, just to make sure the 3G model was working in my iPad.

02-25-2011, 07:44 PM	#3
Mrgauth Addict Posts: 206 Karma: 310 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tulsa OK Device: K3	I could do $15 a month with no qualms, but I KNOW as much as I would use I would be purchasing new 'chunks' every week or two and it would end up costing me 3 to 4 times that. Very sad day for me. An Ipad may be out of my future now. Since a single movie would be nearly a whole months worth on a data plan and I intend to use it mainly for movies and web surfing, this does not bode well. Thanks for the info though.

02-25-2011, 10:03 PM	#4
MsAstoria Evangelist Posts: 423 Karma: 47344 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Astoria, Oregon, USA Device: Kindle Fire HDX, iPhone (yes, I read on my phone)	The unlimited plan was $30 back when the iPad first came out in April. AT&T found that iPad owners were using lots of bandwidth so dropped the unlimited plan in June. Course those who already had the unlimited plan were allowed to keep it but new owners could only get the $15 plan (250mb) or the $25 plan (2gb). movies that you stream will eat up your data plan quickly. Downloaded movies are big files too. Best done when you are in wifi area. But for Internet surfing, email, the $25 plan would probably do just fine for you. I have the $15 plan as my iPad is used mainly at home but love the convenience of having Internet capability when out on the road. Great for google maps etc.

02-27-2011, 12:21 PM	#7
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Web surfing really doesn't use that much data. I am with O2 in the UK and have a 1GB allowance for £10 (about $15) a month. I have never used more than 300MB in a month, and I'm using my iPad pretty much all day, every day, for web browsing and e-mail.

02-28-2011, 12:07 AM	#8
Stefx Enthusiast Posts: 35 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: iPad 2	In Canada it's 35usd for 5Gig per month. I use way more than 250MB, but never exceeded 5gig

02-28-2011, 08:01 AM	#9
pagansoul Fanatic Posts: 509 Karma: 1098204 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Earth Device: iPhone5, iPad Gen3, Kobo, Kindle Fire, Kobo Vox. Samsung Galaxy Tab 7	I only use the 3G if I'm on vacation or something. Getting free WiFi is easy in Nothern Georgia...every McDonalds, all the Malls and book stores have it. Plus I have it at home and work. Since I've had my iPad I used the 3G options only for 2 months since April 2010.

02-28-2011, 06:59 PM	#11
The Terminator Retired Posts: 2,552 Karma: 37638420 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Vancouver Island Canada Device: Kobo Touch, Optimus One (2.3), Nexus 7 (4.2)	I don't have one but the telus web site says $20 a month for 500 mb Additional data (in Canada) will be charged at 5¢/MB, up to a maximum of $30 of overage per month. Maximum allowed data usage per month will be 5GB.

02-28-2011, 10:40 PM	#12
snipenekkid Banned Posts: 760 Karma: 51034 Join Date: Feb 2009	don't ya love a device claimed to be for media consumption combined with an antique model for 3G bandwidth? One or two HD movies and you blow through the cap on a 2GB plan.

03-01-2011, 10:17 PM	#13
kjk . Posts: 3,408 Karma: 5647231 Join Date: Oct 2008 Device: never enough	I still have my unlimited 3G plan for the iPad at $29.99 a month, but haven't changed more from laziness than need-according to my Usage meter I use maybe 1G a month.

03-02-2011, 08:39 PM	#15
snipenekkid Banned Posts: 760 Karma: 51034 Join Date: Feb 2009	I haven't really looked at the Xoom's data plan. I know it's Verizon and I've had good luck with there data service in the past with great symmetric speeds as high as 4-5Mbps. Of course that was when there were few smartphones and lots of unused bandwidth. But today I would look at the "unlimited" limits. My bet is there is "unlimited" web browsing and any file transfer is subject to limits on bandwidth used for "data". And once you hit a certain threshold on the "unlimited" plan your connections are throttled and/or there are additional costs. Last time I looked at some of these unlimited plans there were some pretty tricky word-games being played. I would be curious about what Verizon defines as "unlimited" these days. Still ya have to have something to make the thing worth using when out and about especially if you travel places where I do and there are usually zero wifi options but plenty of 3G towers.

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