unlimited mobile broadband

How unlimited is your “unlimited mobile internet”?



How unlimited is your “unlimited mobile internet”?

April 29th, 2010

What does “unlimited internet” really mean? In the world of mobiles, it means download limits and usage restrictions. Ken’s Tech Tips reveals the “fair usage” policies of the networks.



What does unlimited mean? According to the dictionary definition: “having no restrictions or control” or “having or seeming to have no boundaries”. We’ve previously highlighted the fact that this isn’t mobile internet is never unlimited in that sense – all networks have fair usage policies. Today we want to place the spotlight on “unlimited internet” packages. Just how limited are they and what are the penalties for exceeding the limit? We will look at several important issues:

* What is the fair usage limit? Across networks and tariffs, they range from 200MB to 3GB.
* What happens once I reach the limit? Some networks will automatically start charging you per megabyte, other networks will cut you off. Some networks just “reserve the right” to restrict your usage of unlimited mobile broadband.
* Can I use instant messaging services such as MSN? Some networks restrict instant messaging services so they can make money from texts.
* Can I use voice over IP? Very few networks will allow you to use voice over IP services on their mobile network. They take away from the money they make from voice calls.
* Can I tether my phone to a computer? Our research found that none of the major networks allow you to tether your phone to a computer.

Key Conclusions

There are some interesting conclusions we drew from this study.

Firstly, there is a huge variation in the fair usage limit: from 200MB to 3GB. The networks also differ on what happens when you reach that limit. Three will cut off your internet connection whereas other networks such as O2 and Virgin are happy for you to continue: but they’ll charge you up to £3/MB for the privilege. Other networks such as Orange and T-Mobile say they won’t charge you for exceeding the limit – but they’ll let you know when you’ve reached it and they may restrict your usage.

We also looked at the restrictions which networks made on what you could actually do with your data connection. Voice over IP is prohibited by every network except from Three and Vodafone (if you have an unlimited plan). And none of the networks will let you tether – presumably that would hurt their mobile broadband business.

The comparison between the networks

Firstly, a word of warning. The networks have offered a range of data tariffs in the past – for example if you signed up for a data tariff several years ago you might have a limit of 1MB/month (yes, they did exist at one point…). This is only a guide to highlight the differences and to help you choose a network. Please double check the terms and conditions for your tariff before using data services (we have provided the relevant links to terms and conditions pages).

If you want information on other fair usage limits (minutes, texts, etc.) see our earlier article on fair usage allowances.

Three

* What is the fair usage limit? There is no fair usage allowance with The One Plan’s “all-you-can-eat” data. 1GB for other tariffs.
* What happens once I reach the limit? N/A for The One Plan; for other plans you’ll be charged 10p/MB.
* Can I use instant messaging services such as MSN? Yes! In fact, 3 actively advertises this as a feature of their tariff. You can use Windows Live Messenger with a limit of 10,000 messages per month.
* Can I use voice over IP? Yes! 3 actively promote the fact you can use Skype on their network. This comes with a fair usage of 5,000 minutes per month.
* Can I tether my phone to a computer? Yes, tethering is included with The One Plan. For other tariffs: No, this is expressedly prohibited by their terms and conditions.