How many GB do you get with AT&T unlimited plan?
The firm offers many limitless data choices for different portable devices like cell phones. Still, the adjective "unlimited" does not always imply that data constraints are absent. AT&T's unlimited plans are unusual in that they are not limitless, particularly about data rates and video streaming quality. For AT&T Internet Unlimited, what precisely does "data allotments and throttling" mean? Let me so clarify it for you on this site.
What Is Considered "Unlimited"?
First of all, one must learn what AT&T considers to be ‘unlimited.’ An unlimited data plan does not have a clear definition of the amount of mobile data that is allowed during the billing period. There are no overage charges in case of exceeding a certain amount of gigabytes (GB).
However, after reaching these limits, your data speeds may be throttled especially when the network is congested. The major carriers all limit speeds for unlimited data customers during high-traffic hours, claiming to do this for the benefit of all their customers. So unlimited data is not equal to unlimited high-speed data.
It is also important to remember that even though data is unlimited, the usage of mobile hotspots is typically not. The majority of carriers with unlimited plans limit the MBs that a smartphone’s hotspot function is allowed per month.
AT&T Unlimited Starter, Extra, and Elite
AT&T currently offers three unlimited plan options for individual lines.
- Unlimited Starter
- Unlimited Extra
- Unlimited Elite
Here are some key details on their data allotments.
Data limit before possible slowing down
The Unlimited Starter and Unlimited Extra plans include 50GB of high-speed data per line before the carrier can slow down data in the network’s busiest spots.
The Unlimited Elite plan provides 100GB of high-speed data per line with throttling that may be applied for a limited period.
Thus, with any of the existing AT&T unlimited plans, a client gains a minimum of 50GB for high-speed data monthly, while after that the speed may decrease at times of congestion.
Mobile Hotspot Data
The Unlimited Starter plan does not allow the usage of mobile hotspot data.
Mobile hotspot: Unlimited Extra offers 15GB of mobile hotspot usage every month.
Unlimited Elite permits up to 30GB of mobile hotspot usage in a billing cycle.
But if you want to tether your phone and use it to provide internet access to other devices, then the Unlimited Elite plan will allow you to use the most – 30GB.
Video Streaming Resolution
Unlimited Starter and Unlimited Extra limit video streaming resolution from providers like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc. Video quality is limited to standard definition which is approximately 480p.
Unlimited Elite allows streaming in HD for compatible services (the streaming quality is 1080p where it’s possible). Therefore, if you want to stream video, Elite is the best option.
Other privileges for the unlimited Elite
Aside from extra hotspot data and HD streaming, Unlimited Elite subscribers also benefit from a few other bonuses, including.
- Getting the privilege of using AT&T’s faster 5G network where available
- No throttling in congested areas (only temporarily slowed if you exceed 100GB in a month)
- ActiveArmor is an app developed by AT&T to enhance the security of a user’s mobile device.
As such, Unlimited Elite can be found to possess better performance potential in many ways. However, it is slightly pricier compared to the other unlimited plans at a monthly charge of $15.
How Much Data Do You Need?
Although bringing an ‘unlimited’ package to the table may sound enticing due to a consumer’s lack of worry regarding data consumption, most people do not use excessive data every month. According to AT&T, a typical customer consumes less than 100 gigabytes of mobile data each month.
If you are not going to use your phone as a hotspot to provide Wi-Fi for your whole house or stream 4K ultra HD video frequently, then you might be OK with a large data package that is less expensive than an unlimited data package.
For instance, there is AT&T that provides a shared data plan of 100 GB for approximately $80 per 30 days overall for a single smartphone line. That could be enough if you do not plan on going for the extreme experience. Under this kind of tiered data plan, video streams at the default HD quality.
If you are thinking of subscribing to an unlimited data plan, first establish how much data you use at the moment. Check a couple of the most recent monthly statements to determine whether one needs unlimited data based on the usage of a smartphone and what consumes most of the data.
Calculating usage figures may allow for the identification of which AT&T plan type is most suitable before paying a premium for an unlimited badge. While it is always good to not have to worry about data limits anymore, unlimited plans are often too much for the average mobile user.
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