With the UK's biggest providers offering unlimited data plans, we answer your questions about the new tariffs.
For years consumers and businesses have had the choice of unlimited texts and unlimited minutes but, for the first time they’ve now got a choice of providers, all offering unlimited data plans.
Unlimited data plans have plenty of critics though, with some questioning whether the leading networks’ latest offering is cost-effective for their customers.
Research conducted by O2 found that running out of mobile data ranked in the top ten of ‘life inconveniences’ amongst consumers but with unlimited data plans that inconvenience will disappear.
But, if you’re still stuck about whether to invest in an unlimited data plan, we’ve answered two of your burning questions.
Is an unlimited data plan worth it?
In short, yes. If you’re a business which uses data heavily and daily, it’s worth investing in an unlimited data plan.
Your monthly price for an unlimited plan will be higher than a capped data limit but, if you go over your limit, you’ll be paying a premium price for any extra data you may use, making it cost-effective to invest in unlimited.
It’s not just from a price point of view where unlimited data might be handy either; it gives you and your employees peace of mind.
It’s peace of mind knowing that, if you have a deadline to hit or an important document which you need to send to a client, you can do so, without worrying about your usage. If your employees are on their way home, they can relax and unwind by streaming Netflix, without worrying about their usage. If the WiFi goes down in the office, your employees can tether to their phone and continue working, without you breaking into a sweat over your business’ mobile bill.
It gives you the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want without unexpected costs.
Will unlimited data plans be the ‘norm’ soon?
We expect so, yes.
With the emergence of 5G and the rapid rise of the Internet of Things, it’s more likely than ever that unlimited data plans will become commonplace.
If you’ve got plans to upgrade to 5G connectivity in the next couple of years, then you’ll need an unlimited plan because of the speed 5G runs at. For example, if you have a 10GB plan using 5G connectivity and wanted to download a 1GB movie on your phone, you’d use one-tenth of your data in just three seconds.
Then, if you wanted to play a game, stream a sports event or download a music catalogue, you’d use a few more GBs again within seconds. Add on all the videos you upload to social media, tweets you send, emails you write, news you read and selfies you send to friends, and before you know it you’ve used your 10GB.
To appreciate 5G in its full capacity, you’ll have to upgrade to an unlimited data plan or you’ll end up paying a lot more for your existing plan.
If you’re interested in finding out more about our unlimited mobile data plans, or our 5G offerings, click here or contact our team on 0330 162 4206.
