When Unlimited Means Limited
One of the big problems with wireless data is per megabyte pricing. Consumer just don't understand it nor do they want to feel like the meter is running. Carriers are now starting to launch "unlimited" data options to spur demand. But you need to read the fine print as to what they mean by unlimited. For example T-Mobile's Sidekick has a gotten a lot of attention due to excellent design and a great price plan. However reading the fine print, you will see that Sidekick data access is only unlimited for the first year after which the plan includes 15MB of data and $3.50 per MB afterwards. Orange in the UK is doing the same with their Microsoft Smartphone launch. Their unlimited plan is unlimited as long you don't go over 10MB. At this stage in the game usage limits are a necessary evil. But carriers are only shooting themselves in the foot by not being more upfront about what they mean my unlimited.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.
While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.
–The Techdirt Team
Filed Under: 2.5g