What Is a Cell Phone Data Plan?

Data plans are for cell phones that access the Internet.

A cell phone data plan is offered for Internet-ready cell phones so that the phones can surf the Web and send and receive email. Many smartphones are able to access the latest high-speed networks offered by companies such as Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and AT&T. The data plan is determined by the service provider and allows the user to browsing the Web without Wi-Fi access. Most data plans cost around $30 a month, in addition to standard rate plans and fees for calls and text messages. The plan also usually limits the user to a certain amount of bandwidth or upload/download rates per month.

Function

A cell phone data plan allows smartphones to access the Internet directly from the phone. Cell phone service providers allow data uploads and downloads on their cellular network, allowing plan users to access the Web anywhere a cell phone signal can be accessed. This differs from Wi-Fi in that the Internet is accessed directly through the cell phone network.

Benefits

Data plans allow users to use cell phone apps for various purposes. You can send and receive email with your phone and always communicate with friends. You can chat with friends and family through chat programs. You can use your phone as a GPS so you don't get lost on vacation or while driving to a business meetings.

Considerations

Some service providers offer unlimited data plans, which are recommended for heavy users. However, for moderate or light users of mobile Internet technology, a cheaper data plan with limited use may be better. Most cell phone service providers have made a minimum monthly data plan a requirement with the purchase of a smartphone.

Potential

Data plans open the door to turn your cell phone as a mobile hotspot, which means you can connect your computer and other devices to the Internet through your cell phone. Video meetings through cell phones also are becoming more common for the today's business offices.

Pricing

The average price for a cell phone data plan is $30 in the United States. Some companies, such as Verizon Wireless, require some kind of data plan with the purchase of a smartphone. A data plan price can range from $5 a month for a basic-access plan allowing limited browsing of certain sites to upward of $75 to $100 a month for unlimited data plans that allow full access to everything the Internet has to offer. The particular smartphone you purchase may play a role in the data plan you are required to have.

Warning

Watch out for overage fees associated with using too much bandwidth during a monthly billing period. You may pay $30 a month for a data plan, but if you exceed the bandwidth limit in a month, the overage fees could easily double that price for the month.

Also, while data access over a cellular network may be slightly more secure than over an unsecured wireless network, it still is not as secure as a cable or DSL Internet connection. Use caution when accessing sites such as online banking websites on the smartphone.

References

• Lifehacker: Use Your Cell Phone as a Modem
• Gizmodo: WSJ: Unlimited Data Phone Plans Are Doomed Thanks to the iPhone
• CNET: Why it's Time to Dump Smartphone Data Plans