How Government Cell Phone Service Provider Verizon’s Unlimited Plan Affects T-Mobile

T-Mobile is a well-known Government cell phone service provider that has introduced several exceptional mobile and data plans for its customers. Its new unlimited data plan, known as T-Mobile One has made enormous changes in the wireless industry. All major U.S. carriers have responded since the new plan's inception last autumn. Verizon Communications is a reputed cellular phone service provider and was the biggest holdout, however, it has also started offering an unlimited data plan.

The Government cell phone service provider Verizon’s new plan is more expensive than T-Mobile's but, the company is promoting it’s network strength to justify its higher pricing. T-Mobile is immensely targeting Verizon for charging overages. To answer this, Verizon, the Government cell phone service provider, has to ensure utmost network quality.

Recently, at a Deutsche Bank conference, CFO Braxton Carter of the renowned cellular phone service provider T-Mobile, spoke about the impact of Verizon's new plan on the Un-carrier.

According to T-Mobile, there has been a consistent net add in its subscribers against all three major Government cell phone service providers for the last several years. T-Mobile regularly reports its porting ratios, i.e. the number of customers switching to T-Mobile versus those switching from it, with each of the wireless carriers every quarter.

Before Verizon's unlimited plan, T-Mobile's porting ratio with Verizon was the highest ever in the first quarter, i.e. around 3 to 1, as per the report by Carter. After the cellular phone service provider Verizon launched its unlimited offering, "For four days we went slightly negative. You know, in the 0.9. I think one day it was in the 0.8's," Carter said. "On the fifth day, it started getting back up into positive territory."

Porting ratios have improved every week subsequently. In the first week of March, Carter reported porting ratios around 1.5. Last week, it has scaled into the 2-to-1 range. In the first quarter of last year, T-Mobile posted a 1.34 porting ratio with Verizon.

T-Mobile’s actions to keep customers away from Verizon

A prime factor in T-Mobile's capability to augment net subscribers every quarter is its ability to decrease churn, i.e. the percentage of subscribers canceling every month. From 2013 to 2016, it has been observed that the churn fell from 1.69% to 1.30%.

In the previous year, T-Mobile has bagged the top position in the Nielsen Mobile Inisghts' customer satisfaction survey. Therefore, when Verizon introduced its unlimited plan, some of the T-Mobile subscribers were actually looking to switch.

See Also: AT&T Launches Stream Saver Video Regulating Feature

The main feature for growing customer loyalty is T-Mobile's various Un-carrier initiatives. Now, it is focusing on the pricing. T-Mobile started including taxes and fees in its advertised pricing and is allowing customers to keep their pricing the same for the life of their relationship with the wireless carrier. Several customers are avoiding Verizon as they will be unable to get back to their current T-Mobile plan at their present pricing.

T-Mobile, the popular cellular phone service provider, is giving potential customers all the reasons to switch and lock in its best pricing. It is also running a promotional offer for two unlimited lines for $100 every month after the introduction of Verizon's unlimited plan.

T-Mobile is striving to deliver the best value in wireless, so that customers do not look elsewhere for options.

AT&T Launches Stream Saver Video Regulating Feature

AT&T is an elite name, offering exceptional cell phone service and other plans to its customers. Recently, this cellular phone service provider has launched a new Stream Saver feature for its customers.

Details About AT&T

AT&T Inc. is an American multinational telecommunications corporation, located at Whitacre Tower in downtown Dallas, Texas. It is the second largest mobile telephone services provider and the largest fixed telephone services provider in the United States. It is the largest telecommunications company in the world by revenue. AT&T has maintained a good name by offering exceptional cell phone service and other plans to its customers. It also offers broadband subscription television services through DirecTV. 

AT&T is the third largest company in Texas, and as of February 2017, it is the 12th largest company globally as analyzed by a composite of revenues, assets, profits, and market value, and the 12th largest non-oil company. As of 2017, it is also the 18th-largest mobile telecom operator worldwide, with 135 million mobile customers. It was ranked at 4 as the world's most valuable brands published by Brand Finance for the year 2017.

AT&T Inc. started its foundation as Southwestern Bell Corporation, one of the seven Regional Bell Operating Companies formed in 1983 in the divestiture of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company following the 1982 United States v. AT&T antitrust lawsuit. In the year 1995, Southwestern Bell transformed its name to SBC Communications Inc. In 2005, SBC bought previous parent AT&T Corp. and took on its branding, with the combined entity naming itself AT&T Inc. and using the iconic AT&T Corp. logo and stock-trading symbol.

This is the brief history of the renowned cellular phone service provider,  AT&T. Now, let’s talk about its latest stream saver video regulating feature:

Back in November we heard the first news of AT&T's Stream Saver feature. When it is activated, the HD video (720p) is reduced to standard video (480p), offering DVD quality video. In this way, the users with a data bucket can save some data while viewing streaming videos. This feature is now automatically enabled on AT&T and GoPhone pre-paid plans.

The stream saver video regulating feature is on by default. So, customers can turn Stream Saver off by visiting the AT&T website and its “Manage my data” account page. Once it is turned off, wait for five minutes and then perform a complete smartphone reboot for the change to fully take effect.

You can even sign up to use AT&T’s standalone unlimited plans. This will consist of the carrier’s $90 a month Unlimited Plus plan, supporting HD video streaming, though total download speeds are reduced for the rest of the month after consuming over 22GB data per billing cycle.

See Also: Get Verizon's 5G broadband service for Free

If you are using the carrier's Unlimited Plus data plan, you will want to disable Stream Saver immediately  because it streams video without limits at a 720p resolution. If you are subscribed to AT&T Unlimited Choice, you do not have to make any changes since streaming is done at 480p.

There is a mixed response to AT&T’s new feature. Let see how it works in the future.

Get Verizon's 5G broadband service for Free

Verizon, a Government cell phone service provider is launching a 5G large-scale test as a home broadband replacement service. It is super-fast but not a full cellular service like 4G LTE. It has been initiated in 11 markets across the US, namely Ann Arbor, Michigan, Atlanta, Bernardsville, New Jersey, Brockton, Massachusetts, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, Sacramento, Seattle and Washington, DC. Verizon Wireless is also known for offering exceptional cellular phone service plans. 

5G is assumed to be 10 times faster in comparison to Google Fiber, which delivers internet services at the speed of 1 gigabit per second. So, this will certainly power all your home browsing needs. As of now, around 400 to 500 people will take part in this trial program. Below are the complete details of the 5G plan:

First, let’s get to know 5G! It is the acronym for the fifth-generation of wireless technology and promises to be electric fast. It is super-responsive, and power efficient; you will certainly like it. Users can enjoy its complete potential in the coming years when the industry will set common ground rules for everyone to follow. The best thing about a wireless connection is that there will be no need for a cable repairman to come into your home and drill holes through the walls to pull in physical lines.

Verizon, a known Government cell phone service provider, is aiming to replace your home cable or DSL modem by combining various principles and technologies to provide home broadband service.  Until now, even Verizon has not confirmed how fast 5G will be, but the internal trials have shown a speed of up to 20 gigabits per second, or 20 times faster than Google Fiber. You might be thinking “when is this cellular phone service provider going to launch its service”?

See Also: Wireless Wars Augment as AT&T Joins the Unlimited Data Quarrel

Verizon will start rolling out the service this year. Adam Koeppe, vice president of network technology planning, said the company would begin issuing mailers to potential customers by the end of March 2017.

How are users chosen for this service?

Koeppe said that mailers would be sent out to people depending on their location, and how close they are to the 5G infrastructure. Anyone is eligible for the service. It is not restricted to the existing Verizon cellular phone service user or wireless customer. Verizon, the Government cell phone service provider is looking for a cross section of single-family homes, apartment buildings and businesses. Contact Verizon if you get one of these mailers. Its sales team will visit your place to explain the service.

Know the details of the installation process

Since it is a field test, Verizon’s service technicians will come to your home or business to set everything up. Koeppe said that the 5G modem is larger as compared to your standard cable or DSL box. As it is picking up a cellular signal, so there are possibilities that the company will have to add an extra antenna outside your home. You will not have to spend a penny in getting these services.

Wireless Wars Augment as AT&T Joins the Unlimited Data Quarrel

AT&T enters the war of unlimited data plans that broke out among diverse government cell phone service providers, including Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint. All these cellular phone service providers are enticing customers to sign up for their plans. 

AT&T Inc. is an American multinational telecommunications corporation, headquartered at Whitacre Tower in downtown Dallas, Texas. It is the second largest provider of cellular phone services and the largest provider of fixed telephone services in the United States.

It is a well-known government cell phone service provider, providing various alluring cell phone plans to its customers. This is not its first unlimited plan. Earlier, DirecTV or U-Verse subscribers were encouraged to sign up for unlimited data. However, the previous requirement is commendably being flapped for all customers. 

Key Warnings

The cellular phone service provider’s new unlimited plan costs $100 per month for a single line and an additional $40 per month for each extra line. Customers can ask for a maximum four lines. Those who are going to use four lines have to pay $220 for the first two months. AT&T charges such users $180, including a $40 credit that takes effect after two months. Business customers can also sign up, and enjoy the benefits of a heavy corporate discount.

The plan incorporates unlimited calls between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Additionally, customers can send unlimited texts to over 120 countries, and can even add AT&T's Roam North America feature without paying anything extra. This will allow them to use voice, text and data while in Canada and Mexico.

However, there are certain essential cautions as well, like slowing down network speeds after consuming the first 22 GB of data. The plan also excludes hotspot data, which is included in other mobile carriers’ plans. The plan also has AT&T Stream Saver activated by default, which restricts video resolution to below HD.

AT&T is Still the Most Costly Option

It's hard to state if the new plan will win AT&T any new converts. Sprint and T-Mobile have been putting forth unlimited plans for some time, though with specific confinements. Verizon hopped into the competition a few weeks ago with its own unlimited plan, which appears to have provoked Sprint and T-Mobile to dispose of their confinements.

AT&T's plan is the most costly of the four plans for a single client. Sprint offers the least expensive plan. The subscriber pays $50 a month for a single line with unlimited data. T-Mobile comes in at $70 and Verizon is putting forth its unlimited plan at a price of $80. The other three plans deliver 10 GB of hotspot information, something that AT&T's plan is not delivering. 

See Also: Verizon All Set to Conquer Market by Bringing Back Unlimited Data Plan

The organization may have an edge with families or establishments that experience a huge amount of data and are all on a similar plan. And still, after all that, at $180 for four lines, AT&T is still twice as costly as Sprint, which provides a similar plan for $90 for four lines.

Verizon All Set to Conquer Market by Bringing Back Unlimited Data Plan

As the competition is soaring high, network providers are backing off from the monthly limited plans - the most hated practice of the industry. Why should Verizon stay behind? The network provider is all set to conquer the market by bringing back its unlimited data plan. If you are looking for a free government cell phone plan, here’s why Verizon’s new offering is a thing to rejoice over. 

In re-introducing an unlimited data plan, the carrier has joined the rest of industry in this offering. Last summer, T-Mobile and Sprint introduced unlimited data plans at cheaper prices, which helped them attract millions of new customers. On the other hand, Verizon made it clear that it had no interest in offering unlimited plans which consequently resulted in insignificant customer growth for its wireless subscriber base by the end of the year. So, in order to improve its customer base, the carrier is bringing back its unlimited data, starting February 13th 2017.

Some of the government assistance cellphone service providers predicted that Verizon would not offer an unlimited data as it has relatively less available spectrum per subscriber than the smaller carriers. When a customer is on an unlimited data plan, it is likely that they will use more data which will result in crowding of Verizon’s network.  But, a recent statement made by a company representative, Mr. Ronan Dunne, the president of Verizon Wireless says something else- "We’ve built our network so we can manage all the activity that customers undertake and handle the traffic.”

In January, Matthew Ellis, Verizon's chief financial officer, told analysts during an earnings call on Jan 24, "We constantly look at... what's out there. Unlimited is one of the things that some of our competition has at this point of time. That's not something we feel the need to do."

"But as I say, we continually monitor the market and we will see where we head in the future," he added.

What is Verizon Unlimited?

Under the Verizon’s unlimited plan, the customer will get unlimited access to data, text and talk just like the other two network operators. However, the download rates may be slowed down after 22GB per line per month- the limits are quite similar to the ones offered by Sprint and T-Mobile. Also, there are a few features and signs that don’t make it exactly unlimited. 

See Also: Get the Earnings Preview and Know What to Expect From Sprint

In a statement, the company representative said, “With Verizon Unlimited, cellular users would get unlimited data use on smartphones and tablets, in addition to video streaming, hotspot and calls to both Mexico and Canada. The plan, which will launch on Monday and Verizon called a ‘great value’ will cost $80 for unlimited data, calls and texting; or $45 per line for four separate lines carrying the same features.” Also, the operator has said that unlike Sprint and T-Mobile, it would not degrade the quality of streaming video for the unlimited plans. 

But, as a customer it’s your choice

As you know there are a number of service providers who offer free government cell phone plans and as a customer it’s your choice which one you want to go with. Same implies here, you should know how much your actual data usage is and if you are paying overage charges. According to a 2014 study, smartphone users in US over paid around $45 billion annually, mostly because they were not able to pick the right monthly plan.

Get the Earnings Preview and Know What to Expect From Sprint

Sprint, a cellular phone service provider, releases its earnings, and is currently trading around $9.43. This telecom giant hit it’s record high of $69.10 in 1999. The stock still lags behind its 1999’s stock record. But it can easily move higher by posting strong numbers. Below are the details of what the Street is expecting:

Earnings Preview:

Sprint, a cellular phone service provider, is anticipated to report the loss of ($0.08)/share on $8.32 billion in revenue. Meanwhile, the whisper number, which is the Street's unofficial view on earnings, is a projected loss of $0.10.

Company Profile & Various Businesses:

Sprint Corporation (Sprint) is a Government cell phone service provider, incorporated on October 5, 2012. The Company, along with its subsidiaries, is a communications firm delivering numerous wireless and wireline communication products and services to consumers, Government subscribers, businesses, and resellers. It works through two segments, namely Wireless and Wireline.

Sprint provides wireless and wireline services to subscribers residing in 50 states. Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands come under its corporate brand, which includes its retail brands of Sprint, Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless. Their wireless service is provided using several technologies, such as third generation (3G), code division multiple access (CDMA), fourth generation (4G) services, and Long Term Evolution (LTE).

Wireless

Sprint, a Government cell phone service provider, delivers wireless services on a prepaid and postpaid payment basis to retail subscribers and also on a wholesale basis. The sale of wireless services that use the Sprint network, however, are sold under the wholesaler's brand.

In its postpaid portfolio, it bestows several Government cell phone plans to both consumer as well as business subscribers. It also provides family plans, covering multiple service lines under one account. Sprint delivers these plans with subsidy, installment billing or leasing programs.

Sprint’s prepaid portfolio covers multiple brands to allure a specific subscriber’s uses and demographics. Boost Mobile chiefly assists subscribers with plans offering unlimited text and talk with step pricing, according to their preferred data usage.

Virgin Mobile offers control and connectivity through diverse plan options. It is also labeled as a Lifeline-only Eligible Telecommunications Carrier in several states and offers service for the Lifeline program under the Company's Assurance Wireless brand.

To get the Lifeline Program, it is essential for applicants to qualify under certain eligibility requirements. Also, the existing subscribers have to recertify to those requirements yearly.

See Also: Sprint, Cellular Phone Service Provider Cuts the Price of Unlimited Data Plan

Wireline

Sprint, a cellular phone service provider, offers a suite of wireline voice and data communication services to other communications companies and targeted business subscribers.

It’s Wireline segment delivers voice, data and Internet Protocol (IP) communication assistance to its Wireless segment. It offers long distance services and operates all-digital global long distance and Tier 1 IP networks. Its services and products consist of domestic and international data communications using a myriad of protocols, including the following:
•    Multiprotocol label switching technologies (MPLS),
•    IP
•    Session Initiated Protocol (SIP)
•    Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
•    Managed network services
•    Traditional voice services

Its IP and wireless services can be combined together.

Competitors:

Sprint, a Government cell phone service provider, competes with several firms, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Communications, CenturyLink and Level 3 Communications, Inc.

Sprint, Renowned Cellular Phone Service Provider Cuts the Price of Unlimited Data Plan to $50

Both T-Mobile and Sprint have been attracting lots of customers since last summer with their cheap unlimited data plans. But now, Sprint is moving one step further with its even less expensive service plan.

This move was made against Verizon, a well-known cellular phone service provider, which introduced a new 5 GB plan at $55 per month this month, just below Sprint's $60 starting price for its unlimited plan. Verizon complemented the plan with TV commercials condemning the more costly unlimited plans as "unnecessary." To this, Sprint, renowned cellular phone service provider, dropped its unlimited plan’s price to $50 as a promotional offer for a limited time.

Roger Solé, Sprint's top marketing officer responds to Verizon’s statement

"Is Verizon living in an alternative reality," Roger Solé, Sprint's top marketing officer, asked in a blog post announcing the price cut. "I'm scratching my head after seeing Verizon’s new ads claiming consumers don’t need–or want–unlimited wireless plans? And they say their new 5GB plan is the plan we’ve all 'been waiting for.' All of us at Sprint couldn’t disagree more."

Customers will get this plan for $50 until the end of March 2018. After this, the monthly charge will rise to the old $60 level again. This "unlimited" data plan consists of the same small print limits as the plan introduced last summer. Sprint, Government phone service provider, will automatically reduce the video and music streaming quality, and a customer's download speed can be vividly slowed after consuming over 23 GB data in a single month. T-Mobile, a Government phone service provider, will also cut the price of its unlimited offering by removing surcharges and taxes as additional fees on customers' bills.

See Also: T-Mobile Cell Phone Service Provider Offers it's New "One" Plan

For most of last year, Verizon, a Government phone service provider, didn’t come up with any alluring alternative to the smaller carriers' unlimited plans. But now, reporting fourth quarter results, Verizon acknowledged that it would see no growth in wireless service revenue this year due to the progressively aggressive price wars shaking the market.

Feeling heat from the competitors that had excluded data overage charges, Verizon last year announced its own set of plans without the hated fees and saw more customers in comparison. That's a victory for customers, though Verizon shareholders lost 6% this week.