Guru
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691 Messages
Data Limit(s) Reached - Unlimited Data or Mobile Share Advantage Plans
Just curious - how much (if any) does AT&T slow your connection down if you reach your data limits on the Unlimited Data Plan (after 22 GB usage) or any of the Mobile Share Advantage Plans. I know they have it specified in writing, but just wanting user experience / feedback on how much your data connection is really slowed down. Can you browse the internet much at all? Open emails? Use any music/video streaming service?
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Official Solution
GeekBoy
Master
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4.1K Messages
7 years ago
The Mobile Share Advantage plans document the speed you are throttled to as 128Kbps, so there would be no streaming of anything. It would only be slightly faster than a dial-up connection, so loading web pages, etc would depend upon the site design.
For the unlimited plans, they don't throttle, they "re-prioritize" which means that all other traffic will get a higher priority than you. That may mean no noticible change in performance, or it may mean that you will work at a snail's pace depending upon how busy the cell tower you are using is. In extreme situations, it may even prevent web pages from loading due to the time it takes your phone to get the data packets in response to your requests.
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ATTHelp
Community Support
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231.3K Messages
7 years ago
Hi @JohnnyDoe!
Excellent questions and I’m glad you asked. I’ll be more than happy to help out here, but it seems that our great A.C.E. @GeekBoy beat me to the punch a bit!
He was right on point with everything he mentioned. When data speeds are slowed, they’re lowered to 128Kbps. Email would work perfectly fine and some sites should load without an issue. Streaming services aren’t likely to work very well as they’ll probably buffer pretty heavily at that speed.
As mentioned, unlimited plans are a little bit different, but can be effected in much the same way. You actually have the ability to download a speed testing application to stay on top of your quickness. Give you app store a quick search and I’m sure you’ll find something that can help out there.
Thanks so much for reaching out to me and have a good one! Special thanks to @GeekBoy for providing some great insight onto this one!
Anabel, AT&T Community Specialist
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JohnnyDoe
Guru
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691 Messages
7 years ago
Thank you all for your help and clarification!
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JohnnyDoe
Guru
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691 Messages
7 years ago
Has anyone actually hit the 22 GB limit on the Unlimited Data plan? Just curious what usuage is 'actually' like vs. what it's stated. I know there are factors - i.e. time of day, location, etc depending on the network traffic - but just curious.
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formerlyknownas
ACE - Sage
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117K Messages
7 years ago
Not personally. We have seen reports on the forum all over the place. Some never slow down and use a hundred gigs plus. Some complain the get sluggish data often all through the month. Some report slow down after 22 GBs during peak times or congested locations.
I don't know any regulars who have unlimited now. @Gary L did, but gave it up last year.
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JohnnyDoe
Guru
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691 Messages
7 years ago
Good to know - I just switched from the Mobile Share Advantage to the Unlimited Plan and can't see using more than 22 GB with the Data Free side on Directv; I just don't do enough other stuff that eats data.
From what I've read your right - it's all over the place as far as people either getting throttled data speeds or basically being left untouched. Oh well, piece of mind with the unlimited side now!
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Gary L
ACE - Expert
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16.5K Messages
7 years ago
There are people who use 100GB and say they don't notice slowdowns...
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JohnnyDoe
Guru
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691 Messages
7 years ago
Good to know - I can't ever imagine using that much data (especially since there isn't any tethering allowed), but good to know that they haven't experienced any hiccups with that much data.
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JohnnyDoe
Guru
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691 Messages
7 years ago
Just curious what other's thoughts are or if anyone with AT&T can provide input... will the 'Unlimited Data Plan' ever be partnered up with DirecTV Now? I know this is the latest push by AT&T and is the eventual future of DirecTV, just curious if that will ever be in the pipeline.
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ATTHelp
Community Support
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231.3K Messages
7 years ago
Hello @JohnnyDoe,
That’s a great question I was quite curious about that myself! Having DIRECTV NOW would not make you eligible for the Unlimited Data Plan. In the future this may change as AT&T is dedicated to providing great deals and services to our customers.
Customers on eligible wireless plans are able to view movies and shows within the DIRECTV NOW App without using their data allowance.
Right now if you have the DIRECTV application you can stream DIRECTV data free on postpaid AT&T Mobility devices, including smartphones, tablets and hotspots. Data free streaming applies to live content, recorded content, and video on demand.
Hope this helps, Happy Holidays!
Daniel, AT&T Community Specialist
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