What is Verizon's $35 a month plan?
Verizon has a wireless plan that costs $35 each month called “Verizon Start Unlimited”. Here are the key details of this plan.
What You Get with Verizon Start Unlimited?
- Unlimited talk time, texting, and use of mobile data. That way, users can call, message, and use data in any way they want without the added cost of going over their plan limits. This means that the data speeds may be reduced at some point after a specific usage limit per line has been reached (as explained below).
- Includes free talk, text and use data when going to Mexico and Canada. It also includes unlimited talk and text to both Mexico and Canada. Data internet service in both Mexico and Canada is throttled at 0.5 GB per day.
- Streaming video in standard definition quality. Online streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube stream their content at standard definition (normally at 480p). However, you can turn this restriction off by opting for an additional $10 per line per month which is referred to as the ‘HD Pass’.
- Mobile hotspot/tethering is not included. This means that you cannot use mobile data to share the internet with other devices like laptops, tablets, or TVs. As for the mobile hotspot use, you are going to have to get a Verizon plan that is of a superior class.
- 5G Nationwide and 4G LTE networks. You enjoy unlimited data on Verizon’s next-generation 5G networks and also on their steady 4G LTE networks. 5G connectivity is only available in the slow low and mid-band 5G instead of the Ultra Wideband 5G which is available at the cost of purchasing the premium unlimited plan.
Data Thresholds and Potential Slow Downs
An important caveat is that with Verizon Start Unlimited data speeds may be slowed if you exceed certain thresholds.
- Your connection speed may be reduced if the network is crowded each time you use over 25 GB of total monthly data. This threshold applies to all the phone lines that you have in your account.
- This means that video streaming is always restricted at any given time of the day and not just after a specific amount of data consumption. Video streams in standard definition quality which means that the quality of the videos is 480p on the phones and tablets.
So in other words, you have free data usage with no additional charges for a specific amount of data which is perfect. However, the speeds could be limited depending on the total data usage on the devices or when using the device for streaming videos.
In terms of the other modern unlimited plans, having 25 GB is quite a high limit before Verizon decides to throttle your connection. However, for those who upload and download large amounts of data regularly, it is something to take into consideration. Having standard definition video can be rather a noticeable downgrade if you are accustomed to watching streaming quality in HD.
Other Details and Restrictions
- The plan only offers unlimited talk, text, and data for use in the United States on Verizon networks. Telephones and fax connections as well as any international call or roaming would require additional charges.
- Taxes and fees are extra on any of the above services. The $35 per month is the beginning fee before one can add federal, state, or local taxes, as well as Verizon fees.
- No premium network access, mobile hotspot, cloud storage, international features, or any other additional features. Sharing of information only in digital format, no voice or video calls allowed.
- A compatible smartphone is required. It cannot be used with basic phones or the LTE Home Internet device. You require an LTE smartphone that must have been bought from Verizon.
- Free phone upgrades at any time at half the price in the market. It is ideal for new and existing customers to get unlimited phone discounts through trading a qualified device and operating a Verizon device payment plan.
Altogether, Verizon Start Unlimited provides you with unlimited data usage, voice calls, and messages on Verizon’s reliable 4G LTE and nationwide 5G networks. The cost structure varies; for $35 per line per month, it can be a cheap way to access Verizon’s network. Simply bear in mind that there is a 25 GB potential slowdown and, to some extent, the restriction from video streaming. It provides the necessities but some of the additional features and advantages of Verizon’s more advanced tariff plans are missing.
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