It’s Friday night… “Finally!” you think to yourself. It’s time to crack open a can of Budweiser, get into those jammies, and head over to the recliner that has been seducing you all week. You sink in the leather and take a sigh, grabbing the remote, ready to click the “Me Time” button that redirects you to your OTT platform of choice. It’s time to binge the episode you had been saving up for this very moment. You reach for the popcorn, and just when the screen should’ve been showcasing high-flying action sequences, explosions, and helicopters, it says…
“Buffering…”
As you receive a surprising text from your Internet plans Service Provider, you realize that your patience has reached its data limit.
Streaming has become a vital part of our lives. Indulging in an episode of a nail-biting mystery thriller, watching a favorite football player hit the touchdown in real-time or broadcasting content to the world has been everyone’s favorite way of using the internet lately.
That’s the beauty of the interweb, well, only if it is within your budget.
We don’t just want to consume and create content; we want quality. And that comes at a price and certain limitations.
Let’s talk about the limitations first.
What Are Data Caps?
According to Statista, there were 5.52 billion internet users worldwide, amounting to 67.5 percent of the global population. That is a lot of gigabytes. And, you bet, because of the seismic population of users, there is a lot of network congestion to deal with. Hence, the Internet Service Providers help manage network congestion by allowing a minute percentage of users from consuming a lot of bandwidth.
Simply put, this is why internet service providers have limited data subscription plans. For example, if you have subscribed to T-Mobile’s Internet Lite plan, you’ll have a cap of between 100GB and 300GB, depending on your plan.
But how much internet speed do you need for streaming? Approximately you’d need approximately 14GBs of data to stream a 4K Ultra HD movie.
But why settle for a data cap when you can stay in your room and watch Breaking Bad in 4K for the 107th time? (not recommended.)
This is what this blog is all about!
Here are five of the best, affordable internet plans without data limits for streaming by the best internet providers.
Visible by Verizon
Streaming till the sun’s risin’? Enter: Visible by Verizon! This particular data plan is popular for being the best overall data package (no cap), offering unlimited data, talk, and text on Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE networks. Moreover, avoid high-risk spam and robocalls with international talk and text to Canada and Mexico. Verizon sure cares about sharin’; You can keep that hotspot on for as long as you want cause with Visible you’re getting unlimited use of your phone as a WiFi connection, all for just $20/month (for 2 years.)
AT&T Value Plus VL by AT&T
AT&T is a name that needs no introduction, but we’ll give it anyway cause it’s fun. Like, if you need reliability, flex on your internet service provider that literally powers NASA’s Deep Space Network. Talk about getting reception, their signals reach the moon!
AT&T weren’t kidding when their plan said “Value Plus,” cause for just $51/month, you’re getting up to 10 lines, including tablets and wearables (1 phone line required to add tablets or wearables,) unlimited talk, text, and data in the US, Mexico, and Canada as well as text from the US to 200+ countries, 5G service, and Standard-definition video streaming. Plus, you also get a $10 monthly discount per line when you sign up for paperless billing and Autopay with a debit card or bank account!
Essentials by T-Mobile
T-Mobile is known for its rapid internet speeds and impeccable customer service. With their “Essential” $60/Month plan, they really deliver on their reputation of quality and convenience. The plan does not require an annual service contract and offers unlimited talk and text followed by unlimited 5G and 4G LTE with 50 GBs of premium data! Even though the plan may be on the pricier side, considering the T-Mobile name and the services it offers, “Essential” is the perfect addition to your “Weekend Binge Starter pack!”
Total 5G Unlimited by Total Wireless
Total Wireless is going totally bonkers with this data plan. Don’t worry about slow internet speeds for streaming because their “Total 5G Unlimited” offer delivers a blazing 12x faster-unlimited data that will never slow you down. What’s more? We’re talkin’ 15GBs of Hotspot, calling 85+ destinations, texting to 200+ destinations, and roaming in Canada and Mexico alongside 15+ countries, all for $50/month!
Unlimited Plus by Google Fi
Now, this is one package you will surely be Googling after reading this. The folks at Google have taken their data game to the next level and are ready to offer unlimited data, calls and texts, and unlimited hotspot tethering. But wait, that is not the best part. Their “Premium Extras” are what we’re here for. The menu includes free calls from the US to over 50 destinations, free texts from the US to over 200 destinations, followed by 6 months of YouTube Premium so you can stream your favorite videos without annoying advertisements.
Conclusion
The internet provides you with access to unlimited horizons through streaming. It helps you escape the mundaneness of everyday life while you relax in your living room. Don’t live life staring at that “Buffering” logo; surf like you should be living life: care-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all internet providers have a data limit?
No, not all ISPs have data caps. That being said, those who do could charge you a hefty amount if you exceed your monthly allowance. Hence, it’s always wise to subscribe to unlimited data internet plans.
Why is there a data limit on the internet?
One of the main reasons to put a data limit is due to managing network congestion. By limiting the amount of data each customer can use, ISPs have the ability to prevent their networks from becoming overloaded and offer a consistent level of service for everyone.
Are data caps legal?
Certainly, data caps are indeed legal. However, their implementation and regulation can vary by region and provider.
Do you need unlimited data to stream?
Not really. You do not need unlimited data to stream. However, the amount of data you’ll need will vary on the quality of the video you are streaming. The standard definition uses 1-2 GB per hour, ranging up to 4k Ultra HD; you’re looking at 10 GB per hour. Hence, it is preferred that you opt for an unlimited plan.