Database Info

How Much Data do you use?

How much Data do you use in a month. I finally made the plunge to a Pocket PC Phone, an HTC TYTN. So far I am loving it. It takes a lot of getting use to the way you dial phone numbers vs my old Motorola V3i flip phone, but none the less this is a great phone.
Back to the question at hand. How much data do you use in a month, what do you do with your phone.
I am trying to justify the size of the data plan I should be on. I am on some sort of Starter plan for the moment which I know won't be enough.
Average I plan to download about 20 emails a day and respond to about 5, use MSN Messenger for a few hours at least.
Spend an hour a day on websites. (no heavy graphics pages)
So how much do you use,

I'm currently using around 75-100megabytes a month sending/receving 20-40 emails a day, as well as heavy browsing of HoFo, XDA, and various blogs during downtime. I also subscribe to various RSS feeds via Outlook 2007, and then syncing those folders via Exchange.

when I was using my hermes with pieplus and images off i was going to about 200mb a month. After allowing images that jumped to 400-500mb a month. I am now doing everything on it and using it as a modem and i am up to 2gb a month. I download a lot of podcasts every week and youtube really burns the bandwidth.
The only affordable way I know of to do this is with three. it costs me $40 aud a month and I also get 4000 minutes of unmetred skype that I cant actually use because they only do it with a preconfigured symbian version of skype. there are also email and tv bundled with my account but i have not used those yet. the email is supposed to be unmetered so I guess that would mean that attachments would cost nothing to download, are there any other three members who can confirm this?

I'm suprised we haven't seen any of the 10GB slingbox users represent yet. Come on you guys, we know you're in the woodwork.

I signed up for unlimited data package for a fixed monthly rate.
Using push mail ( on all the time), browsing the net using Opera Mini (eurosports and this wonderful forum most of the time ).
regards,
morisa

Unless you're downloading a ton of attachments, email is most likely not going to push you over 10MB, even with a few hundred a month. Push adds a little overhead, but assuming a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week connection, thats still only around 1MB of data.

Well on Rogers in BC Canada, 500mb plan would be $210, which is way more expensive than I wanted to go. I am looking at the 100mb plan,
$60 25MB per month additional $7 per MB 101 to 300 e-mails per day
That is on top of the $100 per month for my regular cell contract.

Ouch, that really sucks. At those rates, it's probaly cheaper to get a Blackberry or something from Cingular with the Unlimited International Roaming, which I believe is only $70. However, that's probaly not what you want to do, so you're best bet is probaly to get something like SPB GPRS Monitor and have it cut off data usage at 95% of maximum alloted.

Thanks Urthwhyte
I will have to look up that app and install it. Right now I don't have a clue how much data I am using.
For reference here is a link to the data plans available to me. (note that does not include my $100 per month for my voice contract.)
Link to Rogers Data Plans and Pricing.

I'm currently using http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/gprsmonitor/?en but I also beleive the newest beta version of batterystatus also does monitoring. If you only intend to use email, you should be more than fine with 25MB of usage. However, anything other than extremely light webbrowsing will go through that in a heartbeat.

I use a Trinity Wm6 PDAVIET 3.07.17
I'm a heavy data user.. from 5-20 Gb a month.
I use MyMail Visto Mail for my corporate work email, hotmail and yahoo mail as personal. about 60 emails a day
I constantly download mp3 mainly from Google search and projectplaylist hack. (copying the url of the song and downloading it)
I constantly download flash games mainly from Google search of .sfw and using the flashlite player.
I use GoogleMaps with the built in GPS
Custom 401/DVP/427 traffic monitoring every 1 min via PIE
I check stocks on Finance.yahoo.com every 30min.
I also use Orb.com for Live TV. Torrentspy.com via a WM6 WinMobile Torrent for movies.
looks like bit throttling over UMTS isnt active yet... I get great download speeds of 1mb+
nightly download of ebook reading via Google Scholar search of PDF in my area of interests.
I do tons of general surfing..
Yup I'm addicted!!!!!

At the Canadian data rates?

When it comes to raw downloading that will all be done by my home server, I have a 10mb (speeds of roughly 1000kBps) cable internet connection and 2tb of data storage at my house. I could never see trying to do torrents on my cell. However it is a neat concept.
Thanks again for the monitoring link, that should come in really helpful.

I have not noticed any throttling when on my phone internet either. I occasionally use it to finish off a torrent and it seems that it just goes full speed. My greatest enemy is other users. When nobody knew about the service i use i could easily get onto hspda with my trinity or hermes, speeds of 800kbs+. now there are adds everywhere for the $30 1gb data modem pack i find that in normal hours i can only get standard umts speeds of 256-300kbs.
it does not matter for the bulk of my use. when used purely as a pda it seems windows mobile can not get anywhere near the speed my laptop sees. it feels like a 56kbs dial up connection when opening pages. I don't know if its the rendering in pie or just wm, if i use minimo it is MUCH slowers still.
edit: i just downloaded a 24mb podcast in the time it took to type this post!

No problem, have fun with your new phone!

So far the most data I have used is just over 22GB.

I use my device as my home internet connection. I run xbox live gaming and stream video to my laptop connected to my TV for home television. Works great! I have unlimited data (AT&T) on Samsung Captivate with HSDPA/UPA enabled and run it with wireless tether.
Can easily use 1 GB in a day

Usually a little less than 20MB but my boyfriend has unlimited data on his iphone so if I wanna stream something i usually don't use my iphone

Im currently near the end of my billing Cycle, and Tmobile is listing me as using 3.1GBs. Last month I had 8.3GBs.
I stream lots of youtube, and Pandora. As well as stream animes from animenewsnetwork when im bored. I have email set up for my dad's business since I handle all emails / invoices for him.
Dont really tether since I dont have any other device to connect to it, other then my PC, but it has its own connection.

as per my usage i can get 18gb per month with only 50kbps with unlimited data plan on airtel edge

Verizon Wireless USB Card

I'm new to Android and picked up a G Tablet have a question on if you can use the USB for a Verizon Wirelss card.

I was wondering this also. Does anyone know if this is possible? I have to admint that I have not searched too much as I just took my G tablet out of the box and my Verizon card is sitting here and I was thinking 'wonder if I can make that work"???

I remember seeing in a few other threads that people weren't able to get a 3G card to work. Not sure about this particular Verizon card though.

The usb wireless dongle wont work. You would need something like mifi.
There is a thread in development on this I think. He was working on it but put it on hold.
Found the thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=935810

ketjr81 is correct. Unless you have a Huawei card you have almost no chance of it working at the moment. I have discontinued development as I mentioned in the thread referenced. If you want, you can spend 70 dollars or so and get a wireless hotspot that uses the USB dongle and a battery for 5+ devices.

I picked up a Verizon MiFi Hotspot today... figured that it was a good investment, that way I can use it for my laptop, GTab, and anything else I find myself in need of connecting. It will connect up to 5 devices at a time. I looked at the Sprint and Virgin Mobile models too.
The Sprint model actually has 4G and GPS capability, and the plan looked good on paper; the same price as the Verizon for 5GB ($60/month), plus unlimited 4G downloading. However, when I looked at the coverage map, Sprint doesn't have anywhere near the coverage area that Verizon does, and there are only a handfull of 4G towers out there.
Then I looked at Virgin Mobile. Seemed like a great deal; they use the same hotspot device that Verizon does (and Sprint used to), and you don't have to commit to a contract. You buy the device for something like $160, and for $40/month you get unlimited 3G downloading through the Sprint network. I headed out today to get one, only to find out that as of next week, Virgin will be capping monthly downloads to 5GB like the rest of them. After 5GB, data will slow to a crawl.
Then I found out that Verizon is offering new data plan options for a limited time, starting this weekend I think. There are monthly plans for 1GB ($20) , 3GB ($35), 5GB ($50), and 10GB ($80). For every GB you go over your plan, you pay an extra $10. The hotspot is free with a 2-year plan, or $70 with a 1-year plan. I went with a 3GB plan, even it I get up to 5GB one month that's still gonna run me less than the Sprint plan.
So I brought one home, had it set up pretty quick (it took longer to run the updates than to set it up), and it works great. The hotspot is smaller than I thought it would be, even after looking at the pictures. About as wide as a business card, a little taller, and a bit over 1/4" thick. Best thing is, I'll be able to use it with any tablet I get my hands on as long as it has WiFi, plus my laptop and even my iPhone if find myself in the boondocks again where AT&T doesn't reach.
MiFi is the way to go with a GTab; just turn it on, put it back in your pocket or bag, and surf away.

I'm surprised more people don't just tether their G-Tabs from their cell phone data plans. I've got a Verizon Eris (about a year old) and it's modded, with wireless tether. I pay $30 a month for unlimited data (on the phone, of course, but they don't know I'm tethering, nor do they probably care since I don't actually download much data).
It's fast and cheap.

lostpilot28 said:
I'm surprised more people don't just tether their G-Tabs from their cell phone data plans. I've got a Verizon Eris (about a year old) and it's modded, with wireless tether. I pay $30 a month for unlimited data (on the phone, of course, but they don't know I'm tethering, nor do they probably care since I don't actually download much data).
It's fast and cheap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Wireless hotspot on my Rooted Sprint Evo

Just a comment....
Most of us don't take the wireless mifis, etc. serious because of the limits.
My tablets, laptops and computers -- yes, I have a bunch -- usually result in my downloading a month's worth of wireless limits in a night. I have several programs that the updates run in the GBs just for one program.
I'm happy for people that can use them, but I always warn them to watch the usage and avoid the overages.
Good luck!!!
Rev

Cradlepoint
I am using my Virgin Mobile USB (Walmart special) plugged into the Cradlepoint. Lasts about 2 hours and warms the pocket...
****

lostpilot28 said:
I'm surprised more people don't just tether their G-Tabs from their cell phone data plans. I've got a Verizon Eris (about a year old) and it's modded, with wireless tether. I pay $30 a month for unlimited data (on the phone, of course, but they don't know I'm tethering, nor do they probably care since I don't actually download much data).
It's fast and cheap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You and many other people say that. I personally don't want to kill my phone's battery and its just more work to turn the hotspot on and off every time I want access on the tab. Its surely cheaper, but not faster.

Thunderbolt for home ISP

I was curious to know if anyone was using their Thunderbolt for their home ISP. I have been using it today as a trial run since it worked so well for me when I was out of town. If I can save a few hundred dollars a year and get close to the same, if not the same speeds with LTE as my source of home internet access, it doesn't really make much sense to me to keep Comcast around. I am rooted and using Wireless Tether. Mobile Hotspot and its data cap can suck it. I called Comcast and asked how much data I used, the past 3 months were all under 25GB. Thoughts?

All I can say is do it while you can - I know I would be if I lived in an area that had better than 3G coverage.
Desire Cm7
CR-48

I've been thinking about the same exact solution for about a month. Time Warner is charging us $99 for 50/5mbps "wideband" connection, and I'm pretty much getting the same speeds at home on my Bolt. Actually my uploads goes up to 10mbps so it's even better. I think I will probably end up downgrading the cable service to the cheapest $30 a month and see how the Bolt is holding up during the next billing cycle. I've used 53GB on my Bolt during the past month. Speeds still going strong.

nice thoughts, but when there are a few million devices on the network I don't think reliability will be there to be honest. It all depends on what you are doing, and how many computers you have at home.
If you are me and have 10 devices that have internet access at your house, I doubt thunderbolt will be the solution for me. I doubt the hotspot will give me enough range to cover my whole house, if I was alone then it would be a different scenario to be honest and I would probably do it.
I have 2 NAS servers at home that is used for remote access so that right there kills it for me since me and my thunderbolt cant be in two different places at the same time.
even if I was able to get a 4g lte router to plug my thunderbolt in to, they just dont have the horsepower as other routers to provide enough bandwidth for my home network.

nkd said:
nice thoughts, but when there are a few million devices on the network I don't think reliability will be there to be honest. It all depends on what you are doing, and how many computers you have at home.
If you are me and have 10 devices that have internet access at your house, I doubt thunderbolt will be the solution for me. I doubt the hotspot will give me enough range to cover my whole house, if I was alone then it would be a different scenario to be honest and I would probably do it.
I have 2 NAS servers at home that is used for remote access so that right there kills it for me since me and my thunderbolt cant be in two different places at the same time.
even if I was able to get a 4g lte router to plug my thunderbolt in to, they just dont have the horsepower as other routers to provide enough bandwidth for my home network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should have clarified that. I usually only have one thing connected at a time. Mostly my Macbook, sometimes I might connect my PS3 and watch netflix or something. My internet demands aren't really that high.

Been thinking along these same lines. Time Warner Cable - what a rip off. I barely watch TV and have only basic cable. That plus the ISP and speed boost is $100+/mo. What we need is someway to have the Tbolt provide network access to an existing or new type of wireless router. The Bolt would basically replace the cable modem but not the WiFI router (if you have two different boxes). This would make the transition for folks who have multiple computers, NAS, DLNA devices, etc. almost transparent and probably totally workable.

Cradlepoint? If you can plug in a USB cellular modem, perhaps you can connect your phone. I have an MBR-1000 here at work that I may spend some time playing with later if I have some time. . .
Seth

Dont expect to get away with it forever... once the wireless hotspot trial runs out I think Verizon will be cracking down on rooted users using tethering. If you really want to replace your cable line with LTE through the Thunderbolt your going to have to pay the $20 a month and then I believe you only get 2GB

You do realize that using your phone as a hotspot was never intended to replace your home ISP, right?
Why do you think all these companies are now starting to do tiered data?

I have a netgear wnr3500l and flashed dd-wrt to it. It allows you to bridge two wireless connections or have it join another wireless network. That would allow you to use your TB as your ISP on your home network.
I work from home so its not an option for me, and I have nearly 20 devices on my network.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

nkd said:
If you are me and have 10 devices that have internet access at your house, I doubt thunderbolt will be the solution for me. I doubt the hotspot will give me enough range to cover my whole house, if I was alone then it would be a different scenario to be honest and I would probably do it.
I have 2 NAS servers at home that is used for remote access so that right there kills it for me since me and my thunderbolt cant be in two different places at the same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me, too. The Thunderbolt as an ISP is a decent idea, and very fast when used, but unless you live alone and have no "always on" internet devices (Servers/Netflix Streaming) then everytime you leave with your cell phone, no one at your house has internet (assuming you got rid of your other ISP - of course, if you didn't you would still be paying for two and defeating the purpose)

I guess it depends on the individuals scenario. I have a maximum of 2 devices connected at a time and they are in the same room. I only live with my dog so I don't need a stationary ISP. Obviously it wouldn't really work for a family or a person with a very high demand such as a home office.

meowlamp said:
I guess it depends on the individuals scenario. I have a maximum of 2 devices connected at a time and they are in the same room. I only live with my dog so I don't need a stationary ISP. Obviously it wouldn't really work for a family or a person with a very high demand such as a home office.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed - If I wouldn't get in trouble from the Mrs. about taking the internet with me, I'd be all over this provided that $20 still gets unlimited tethering and not the 2GB cap some were talking about. Guess it's more of a wait-and-see approach.

Engenius EOR7550 does it
I start out by saying please do not everyone start dumping your fixed ISP bandwidth needs on the TB because it will cause problems from system and bandwidth issues to policy changes with how VZW deals with all of us, resulting in a bad experience with a good system. That said, the EOR7550 is a dual radio commercial grade outdoor repeater. It would be the perfect device for such a test as it is meant to establish a link with one wireless network and repeat it out as another. I use these units quite often to make RV park wi-fi go all over the place.

What is the big deal..
If you can live with the total pain in the ass of always having your phone be your internet then go for it.
I like to have my internet always on and on (to download stuff) when my phone and I are not there.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

If you are just going to browse web pages, maybe check email.. then its something to consider.
But 25gig? I'm guessing you download files, stream stuff, etc.
So then you have to think...
Well the mobile hot spot feature on the TB is only FREE until May 15. After that they will likely charge... either $20 for 2gig like 3G MHS is, or possibly more. i.e. more data used = more $$ per month, so that could add up quick.
VZW's TOS for using the "unlimited data" plan with smart phones stipulates that it is not for tethering, and meant to only be used for the phone, and has some other things around "acceptable use". Rooting and doing "un-authorized tethering" and racking up 25 gig per month might draw attention to yourself. So if VZW does start cracking down on this, you'll be right in the cross hairs and violating their TOS.
Then there is the rumor that VZW is throttling data for the higher data users... so where does 25gig come in? will you be able to live with being throttled if it hits you?
Not to mention having to keep your phone plugged in at all times, since battery wont last long using data constantly.
At that point is it still worth it?
I might suggest you'd be better if you think about brokering a deal with your neighbor to share his/her internet via wifi and splitting the cost instead...

KidJoe said:
If you are just going to browse web pages, maybe check email.. then its something to consider.
But 25gig? I'm guessing you download files, stream stuff, etc.
So then you have to think...
Well the mobile hot spot feature on the TB is only FREE until May 15. After that they will likely charge... either $20 for 2gig like 3G MHS is, or possibly more. i.e. more data used = more $$ per month, so that could add up quick.
VZW's TOS for using the "unlimited data" plan with smart phones stipulates that it is not for tethering, and meant to only be used for the phone, and has some other things around "acceptable use". Rooting and doing "un-authorized tethering" and racking up 25 gig per month might draw attention to yourself. So if VZW does start cracking down on this, you'll be right in the cross hairs and violating their TOS.
Then there is the rumor that VZW is throttling data for the higher data users... so where does 25gig come in? will you be able to live with being throttled if it hits you?
Not to mention having to keep your phone plugged in at all times, since battery wont last long using data constantly.
At that point is it still worth it?
I might suggest you'd be better if you think about brokering a deal with your neighbor to share his/her internet via wifi and splitting the cost instead...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. Just the thought is a recipe for disaster. Tiered data is on it's way and suggestions such as this are a good part of the reason why.
My $0.02

KidJoe said:
If you are just going to browse web pages, maybe check email.. then its something to consider.
But 25gig? I'm guessing you download files, stream stuff, etc.
So then you have to think...
Well the mobile hot spot feature on the TB is only FREE until May 15. After that they will likely charge... either $20 for 2gig like 3G MHS is, or possibly more. i.e. more data used = more $$ per month, so that could add up quick.
VZW's TOS for using the "unlimited data" plan with smart phones stipulates that it is not for tethering, and meant to only be used for the phone, and has some other things around "acceptable use". Rooting and doing "un-authorized tethering" and racking up 25 gig per month might draw attention to yourself. So if VZW does start cracking down on this, you'll be right in the cross hairs and violating their TOS.
Then there is the rumor that VZW is throttling data for the higher data users... so where does 25gig come in? will you be able to live with being throttled if it hits you?
Not to mention having to keep your phone plugged in at all times, since battery wont last long using data constantly.
At that point is it still worth it?
I might suggest you'd be better if you think about brokering a deal with your neighbor to share his/her internet via wifi and splitting the cost instead...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+2 keep your isp.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

[Q] Best device T-mobile Unlimited Tether Only

I currently have AT&T 5GB plan with USB modem on Cradlepoint to LAN at house, and the plan is up.
Other day bro-in-law came over, he gets 13Mbps on his SIII on t-mobile .
I am planning on going with the T-Mobile unlimited $70 monthly if I can get some help on the best way to go.
I have been reading the forums and see that it is possible to get custom ROM and enable tethering.
I don't, however, care about features of the phone itself since it will be sitting in a closet all the time.
Since I am only doing data, what would be the best device to get me at least 6Mbps for Netflix (full 13Mbps or so preferred).
I don't care about things like screen size etc, just ease of installation, stability, and availability of a ROM that will fit my needs.
I need something not super expensive but spending a few hundred is ok.
Thanks!

Tethering on a phone plan costs an extra 20 bucks per month. If you need OTA data only for tethering a couple of pc's, tablets and/or wifi phones, you should go with a hotspot modem - supports up to 5 devices. Speed is dependent on the coverage in your area and your specific location (environmental factors). The modem also gives you flexibility to choose between a monthly subscription for full-time use or a pre-pay option (7- or 30-day expiration) for occasional use.
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/?shape=mblhsp
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/mobile-broadband-plans.aspx
For a single laptop or PC a USB stick might be better (but won't work with tablets, only iOS or Windows)
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/Packages/ValuePackages.aspx?pkgcatid=InternetDevices&line=1
Coverage:
http://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/pcc.aspx/

My opinion would be to buy a grandfathered unlimited data plan for Verizon, choose the $35 voice plan, it'll cost $30 for the data, and if you work at any major corporation can get around 20% off your monthly bill. I did exactly this. I use FoxFi to tether for free. Just have to stay on Gingerbread or root. I get around 20mbs down and average 10mbs everywhere I go. I love it.
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD using xda app-developers app

I agree with SaurusM3 about getting a USB stick type device instead. My router that is on 24/7 has heat issues sometimes and it has much better cooling than a typical smartphone. If I tried this with my S3 to have it tethering my computer all the time I was using it, I would probably overheat it or just kill the battery (S3 is especially a poor choice since you can't plug it in and run it without the battery - so if it *has* to be a phone, pick carefully) - and even if it could keep it charged, then you run the risk of having the overcharging protection fail and your closet lighting on fire because your device became toast.
I would also not go for a phone because even if you bypassed tethering controls, they might still yank you for excessive use. And there's the possibility that some services just won't work since they'll realise you're tethering.
Can you not get some other kind of Internet service where you live ? Not even some kind of DSL ? If you're getting such great speeds with T-Mobile there it would surprise me that no DSL/et cetera service is covering the area.
Our ISP offers unlimited 15-20Mbps for $30/mo. Why would anyone pay $70/mo for that ? They have a 5-10Mbps for like $25/mo, too. Either way, you could then have a phone plan AND home internet for less than $70/mo.
Phones don't really have the heat management to be on and routing 24/7. It would be best to get one that can have the battery removed and be run off AC power directly and have a cooler - but you're still risking that you'll pay for that and then get cut off by the carrier for excessive / improper use (the contract pretty much states that they can cut you off for whatever they feel like if they think you're abusing the service in any way as dictated by them).
If you really don't have access to a "real" internet service, then consider how 5Gb was working for you - did you always get close / get cut off ?

The key here is 'month to month unlimited for $70' from T-moblie IE 'no contract'. What device will work easily and reliably with a new ROM, works with month to month, will allow tethering, does not cost a fortune.
To answer all very much appreciated, but a little off-topic responses:
I am trying to get a device that will work with the Month to Month plan, ie no commitment, so if it does not work out I am not stuck with any additional fees.
There is no DSL, fiber or cable. I have 1 WISP in my area the is terrible and I won't deal with again.
The 5GB plan is a PITA, I want more data so I can watch the occasional movie or Youtube without worrying about bumping up against the cap.
I am not concerned about it spontaneously combusting in my closet, and will probably just turn it off at night since I do that currently anyway.
As far as over-useage, my understanding is that with a non-commercial ROM, there would be no way for them to track, if I have to I will run it thru a proxy and modify the headers to a mobile browser, if the ROM does not do this already.
I don't see where I can use a non-smart phone device except on the T-mobile 'Mobile Broadband', which is capped and would not do me any good.
Are you saying I can get a Month to Month SIM and use it in a USB modem?
ds

The plan you're looking at is for a phone (only). To add tethering, they offer 500min. talk/no text, & 10GB data w/tethering for $90. The sim is free when you sign up for the plan, but you'll need a T-Mo phone that's capable of the HSPA+/42 UMTS like your bro's SIII.
I'm guessing your live in an area recently upgraded to dual carrier -
From their Internet Services page:
Based on our internal testing and testing commissioned from third-party vendors, T-Mobile expects customers with broadband-capable devices will experience the following speeds on our network:
4G (HSPA+ Dual Carrier/42 UMTS) network: typical download speeds of 4-11 Mbps and upload speeds of 500-1800 Kbps.
4G (HSPA+ 21 UMTS) network: typical download speeds of 2 - 6 Mbps and upload speeds of 500– 1800 Kbps.
3G (HSPA UMTS) network: typical download speeds of 400 – 700 Kbps and upload speeds of 100 - 250 Kbps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And something to look forward to is traffic congestion as more subscribers upgrade, slowing service.
Data sims are used in the internet devices and don't work in phones - probably vice versa as well. But you can buy as many refills as you need each month - so the same 10 GB would cost $100 in refills. Just log in to T-mo to add to your account. For a laptop stick, you'd have to get the T-mobile Jet 3.0 for $175, Also a refurb T-Mobile Sonic Hotspot (not the earlier 4G Hotspot) can be had for $125, and is more versatile. Either is cheaper than any of the newer phones. (Stay away from eBay - they can be reported lost or stolen after you buy them, and subsequently disabled by the carrier - and hacking won't revive them.)
Whatever you do, call them and verify the data speed capability of whatever you decide to buy. (Disclaimer )

In store phone speeds vs Bought out of the box

So i was in a sprint store yesterday, upgrading my wife's phone to the S5. I was looking at the demo phones on display and i know those are on the new Spark Network.
So i did a speed test on both of the s5s and they were showing between 55 and 60mb down, and about 5-8 mb up
I went to the s3 that was on demo display and did a speed test on that phone, since they aren't on the spark network i would expect it to be lower.
It showed me 3-4 mb down and less than 1mb up
When my wife just bought her GS5, after all the activations and setup, we immediately did a speed test on the phone in the store, and it was abysmal
less than 1mb down, and even less than 1 mb up
So i am wondering, is there a difference in the Store phones Vs what's bought out of the box.
Were there any configuration changes done in the secret menus that aren't widely advertised? or am i missing something?

The phones are usually connected to a in-store wifi network, so the speed of the actual network is inaccurate. The main problem with Sprint's network is that they have the slowest internet speeds, thats the reason why they offer 100% unlimited data. If your not fortunate to live in a LTE market, your probably gonna be relying on open wifi networks to keep yourself sane. If you want fast and reliable, go with Verizon, but your gonna be paying a premium price. But, you might want to think about a prepaid phone, and use blank phone on wifi as a media device if you want to be cheap. The only guarantee you get with Sprint is unlimited everytthing, but speed is never promised.

JollyGrnReefer said:
The phones are usually connected to a in-store wifi network, so the speed of the actual network is inaccurate. The main problem with Sprint's network is that they have the slowest internet speeds, thats the reason why they offer 100% unlimited data. If your not fortunate to live in a LTE market, your probably gonna be relying on open wifi networks to keep yourself sane. If you want fast and reliable, go with Verizon, but your gonna be paying a premium price. But, you might want to think about a prepaid phone, and use blank phone on wifi as a media device if you want to be cheap. The only guarantee you get with Sprint is unlimited everytthing, but speed is never promised.
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The phone he is displaying is not on WIFI. The Store could have it's own AIRAVE though.
The stores I've visited appear to be on the public cell network.