Have you been frustrated with your iPhone’s performance with AT&T? Well, your freedom of choice is finally almost here.
In case you hadn’t heard, Verizon recently announced the upcoming arrival of the iPhone to their U.S. network. The global wireless carrier has also announced unlimited data plans at a very familiar $30 a month.
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Verizon’s COO Lowell McAdam has confirmed that the carrier will give iPhone users the same deal on data plans as AT&T offers to their subscribers.
Last year AT&T switched away from its unlimited data plans – except for grandfathered users – and offered limited data plans. Although this was inconvenient for heavy data users, these plans can pool with one another. Pooling of data is an option that Verizon does not offer at this time.
There is big hype around this launch. With many personal and business users frustrated with AT&T’s 3G infrastructure and service, Verizon has a chance to really show off it’s expansive network. With pre-orders already coming in, Verizon’s launch of the iPhone on February 12th could be a real game changer.
Some Things to Keep in Mind
- Verizon’s unlimited data plan is only now offered for the current 3G version of the iPhone. iPhone 4 users will have to wait and see whether or not this service becomes available.
- Technology is CDMA. This means that GSM technology and will not work.
- Verizon’s iPhone can be used as a hotspot for other Verizon devices. This is especially valuable considering the iPad requires a hotspot to access their 4G network. Users can now forgo the inconvenience of carrying around the mobile hotspot MIFI® device.
- The iPhone is on Verizon’s nationwide network. While there is much grumbling about the AT&T network, Verizon’s 3g network has performed relatively well. In fact, Verizon Wireless has created entire marketing campaigns comparing the two carriers’ networks. However, here at The Bill Police, we are beginning to hear more undercurrent regarding dropped calls and call quality. It will be interesting to see how the 4G LTE launch will fare with service coverage and quality.
As you can see with John Stewart’s coverage of this announcement on his ever-popular The Daily Show, iPhone users who have not been impressed with AT&T’s service are happy to now have a choice to switch.
So if you currently have/use an iPhone, are you planning to make the switch over, or are you happy with your existing AT&T service quality and coverage?
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