1. No category

Walmart's Straight Talk Unlimited Plan Isn't Really Unlimited#Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited%2C20508.html?&_suid=138498361702808365892844888971
Articles & News
27
5
Forum
THE AUTHORITY ON TECH
Chart
For IT Pros
Brands
Shopping
Your Opinion
Page 1 of 13
Other sites
Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Reddit
Tags :Graphics CardsCPUsMotherboardsWindows 8CasesCoolingAppleTabletsNotebooksMore
Automotive
Memory
Gaming
Smartphones
PSUs
Android
Focus On: Power
SSD Power Conspiracy
Exposed
Sponsored by Seagate
Tom's Hardware
Cell Providers
Cell Providers News
Walmart's Straight Talk Unlimited Plan Isn't Really Unlimited
By Catherine Cai JANUARY 16, 2013 5:00 PM - Source: Ars Technica | B 29 COMMENTS
Walmart's unlimited every thing plan isn't actually unlimited.
As is the case for most cell phone plans touting an "unlimited" package, Walmart's Straight Talk plan doesn't really offer unlimited data as advertised.
Recently, when Walmart announced its plan to sell the iPhone with a $45/mo payment for an unlimited plan, there was good reason to be suspicious. It sounded too
good. And it turns out that it was exactly that.
The Straight Talk plan actually only offers 2 GB of data per month. Past that limit and customers are sure to experience throttling on their bandwidth. Some customers
found themselves completely cut off on data.
$45/mo for unlimited talk and text, and 2 GB of data isn't half bad for a cell phone plan. Still, Straight Talk might want to rethink its marketing strategies, lest it anger one
too many customers with its sweet talk of unlimited data plans.
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited,20508.html
11/20/2013
Walmart's Straight Talk Unlimited Plan Isn't Really Unlimited#Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited%2C20508.html?&_suid=138498361702808365892844888971
Page 2 of 13
Contact Us for News Tips, Corrections and Feedback
PREVIOUS
US-CERT Still Warns of Critical Java Flaw
AMD Accuses Former Managers of Stealing Secrets for Nvidia
NEXT
BlackBerry 10 L-Series Specs Leaked
Dell Estimated to Cost Up To $25 Billion
Kite Tablet Unveiled, Runs Android and Ubuntu
Judge Rules Samsung Tablets Don't Infringe iPad Patents
Canadian Court Rejects U.S. Request For Unrestricted Access to Megaupload Servers
Samsung 'Godiva' Smartphone Leaked
Deals January 16: 750GB Seagate Momentus XT $119
Samsung Galaxy Pocket Plus Leaked
Samsung Chromebox Gets i5 CPU Upgrade
First Image of Quad-Core HTC M7 Smartphone Surfaces
Xi3 Intros Z3RO Pro x86-based Mini Computer
iPhone Demand Slips as Galaxy S3 Interest is "Red Hot"
Cadillac Debuts Volt-Derived ELR Coupe with 207 HP
LG Planning Multiple Windows Phone 8 Smartphones
Samsung Cancels Windows RT Tablets Release in U.S.
Blockbuster UK Enters Administration; 4000 Jobs at Risk
Tom's Guide: 10 Address Book Apps for Android
Playboy Fined £100,000 by UK Telecoms Watchdog
Intel Phases Out Most Remaining Mobile Sandy Bridge CPUs
Obama Calls on Congress to Fund Research on Effects of Violent Videogames
Consumer Cell Phone Plan
www.ConsumerCellular.com
Simple Cell Phone Plans for As Low As $10/Month. No Contracts to
Sign.
Featured Topics
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited,20508.html
11/20/2013
Walmart's Straight Talk Unlimited Plan Isn't Really Unlimited#Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited%2C20508.html?&_suid=138498361702808365892844888971
Report: Upcoming Intel 9-Series Chipsets May
Not Support…
Partners
Why is no one reading your content?
(Outbrain)
Report: Intel Skylake to Have PCIe 4.0, DDR4,
SATA Express
Partners
Katy Perry's Outrageous Dress From The 2013
Grammys Turns Heads
Microsoft Pays Out $100,000 for Windows 8.1
Flaw
Partners
Page 3 of 13
64-bit Nvidia Tegra 6 Parker Chip May Arrive in
2014
Partners
Real Housewives of O.C.: Out of Control
ClearSlide Connect Now Available for Android
(BravoTV)
(Clearslide)
(StyleBistro)
There are 29 Comments.
Add your comment
TOP COMMENTS
14
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited,20508.html
11/20/2013
Walmart's Straight Talk Unlimited Plan Isn't Really Unlimited#Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited%2C20508.html?&_suid=138498361702808365892844888971
abbadon_34 ,
Page 4 of 13
January 16, 2013 11:05 PM
Sounds like the existing straight talk plan "fine print"
A Bad Day ,
12
January 16, 2013 11:47 PM
I wonder when will the "Unlimited" term's definition become a synonym to "Limited"?
house70 ,
10
January 16, 2013 11:26 PM
Still a better deal than existing plans from AT&T, Verizon, and such. They will throttle your bandwidth when you reach the cap AND they will slap you with overages.
OTHER COMMENTS
abbadon_34 ,
January 16, 2013 11:05 PM
14
Sounds like the existing straight talk plan "fine print"
Anonymous ,
January 16, 2013 11:05 PM
-13
...Because welfare recipients need a data plan too...
house70 ,
January 16, 2013 11:26 PM
10
Still a better deal than existing plans from AT&T, Verizon, and such. They will throttle your bandwidth when you reach the cap AND they will slap you with overages.
A Bad Day ,
January 16, 2013 11:47 PM
12
I wonder when will the "Unlimited" term's definition become a synonym to "Limited"?
Benihana ,
January 16, 2013 11:56 PM
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited,20508.html
-3
11/20/2013
Walmart's Straight Talk Unlimited Plan Isn't Really Unlimited#Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited%2C20508.html?&_suid=138498361702808365892844888971
Page 5 of 13
A Bad DayI wonder when will the "Unlimited" term's definition become a synonym to "Limited"?
Unlimited : Limited :: Inflammable : Flammable
A Bad Day ,
4
January 17, 2013 12:08 AM
Suspicious out-of-topic shorten link is suspicious...
11796pcs ,
4
January 17, 2013 12:14 AM
What did you seriously expect from Walmart?
blakphoenix ,
0
January 17, 2013 1:02 AM
At least in the US you only get throttled, here in OZ you get charged $2/MB if you go over your limit.
QEFX ,
3
January 17, 2013 1:21 AM
mika8311oAnyone else interested in getting on of these for 2013? http://goo.gl/qXd99One of the best pieces of hardware out right now if you ask me for the price..
I'll pass. I prefer my identity to get stolen the old fashion way ... by a disgruntled ex-girlfriend.
sykozis ,
-1
January 17, 2013 1:24 AM
wow....writer should have done some actual research before writing this load of bull....
Straight Talk uses Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile networks. Phones available through Straight Talk on the Verizon network only work with the $30/month plan. Phones on the Sprint and T-Mobile
networks can use the $45/month plan. Phones on the T-Mobile network are subject to being throttled after 2GB. Phones on the Sprint network actually have unlimited data....
Catherine, please do some actual research. Only the GSM smartphones through Straight Talk have a 2GB cap imposed by T-Mobile. The CDMA smartphones have Sprint's unlimited data plan with no
cap at all.
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited,20508.html
11/20/2013
Walmart's Straight Talk Unlimited Plan Isn't Really Unlimited#Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited%2C20508.html?&_suid=138498361702808365892844888971
Page 6 of 13
11796pcsWhat did you seriously expect from Walmart?
Walmart is restricted to the limitations imposed by the carriers. If you buy a GSM smartphone, you're stuck with whatever limitations T-Mobile imposes (including that 2GB cap that Catherine obviously
made no attempt to research). If you buy a CDMA smartphone, you're stuck with any limitations imposed by Sprint (which does NOT include that 2GB cap as they offer a real unlimited data plan, unlike
T-Mobile). If you read the phone packaging, it will tell you which carrier's network the phone actually uses. Verizon's network is only available for "feature phones" though and don't receive the unlimited
data plan at all.
sykozis ,
0
January 17, 2013 1:26 AM
blakphoenixAt least in the US you only get throttled, here in OZ you get charged $2/MB if you go over your limit.
Straight Talk is a pre-paid service. Also, contrary to what's claimed in the article, only GSM phones get throttled after 2GB because that is how T-Mobile's network operates (contrary to their own
claims). If you buy a CDMA phone, throttling is not an issue because Sprint offers an actual unlimited data plan.
jerm1027 ,
1
January 17, 2013 2:28 AM
sykozisStraight Talk is a pre-paid service. Also, contrary to what's claimed in the article, only GSM phones get throttled after 2GB because that is how T-Mobile's network operates (contrary to their
own claims). If you buy a CDMA phone, throttling is not an issue because Sprint offers an actual unlimited data plan.
Virgin Mobile, Boost mobile, both run off of Sprint's network (CDMA), and both throttle after 2.5GB. It has nothing to do GSM/CDMA, rather it's the greedy asshats running the wireless networks.
Also, T-Mobile offers an actual unlimited plan now, which is exactly where I'm going after my contract with Sprint is up.
tajisi ,
4
January 17, 2013 4:12 AM
sykoziswow....writer should have done some actual research before writing this load of bull....Straight Talk uses Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile networks. Phones available through Straight Talk on the
Verizon network only work with the $30/month plan. Phones on the Sprint and T-Mobile networks can use the $45/month plan. Phones on the T-Mobile network are subject to being throttled after
2GB. Phones on the Sprint network actually have unlimited data....Catherine, please do some actual research. Only the GSM smartphones through Straight Talk have a 2GB cap imposed by TMobile. The CDMA smartphones have Sprint's unlimited data plan with no cap at all.Walmart is restricted to the limitations imposed by the carriers. If you buy a GSM smartphone, you're stuck with
whatever limitations T-Mobile imposes (including that 2GB cap that Catherine obviously made no attempt to research). If you buy a CDMA smartphone, you're stuck with any limitations imposed by
Sprint (which does NOT include that 2GB cap as they offer a real unlimited data plan, unlike T-Mobile). If you read the phone packaging, it will tell you which carrier's network the phone actually uses.
Verizon's network is only available for "feature phones" though and don't receive the unlimited data plan at all.
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited,20508.html
11/20/2013
Walmart's Straight Talk Unlimited Plan Isn't Really Unlimited#Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited%2C20508.html?&_suid=138498361702808365892844888971
Page 7 of 13
Before you tell someone to do their research perhaps you should do your own. You're almost completely wrong about everything you stated. Assuming you're not trolling...
1. Verizon based Straight Talk phones can use the unlimited plan. The 'feature' phones are advertised as either $30 or $45 plan capable. Seriously. It's on the box. Did you even bother to read or look at
any Straight Talk phones?
2. Most GSM cell phones on Straight Talk were through AT&T. If you dig around in the carrier settings on those phones you will see
3. Most of the -INITIAL- Android phones released on Straight Talk were through Sprint. This proved hugely unpopular and caused Walmart to contract Verizon to release a new generation of CDMA
phones. These CDMA-V smart phones (again something you would not see since apparently you did no research and didn't bother to look anywhere at all on the box) are a part of the Verizon network.
In some areas Walmart offers the LG Optimus Logic, which is a GSM Android smart phone that has APN settings for AT&T. Depending on service coverage Verizon phones are carried in some stores
while AT&T based phones are in others.
4. The 2 gig limit is well discussed on Howard Cellphone Forums. It's imposed by Straight Talk as part of their service agreement with their carriers and it's theorized that the limit depends on how
loaded the towers in the area are. Some users can go well over the limit without incident, while some get shut off at relatively low data amounts.
A little research and a little less griping at Catherine would have done you well.
_Cosmin_ ,
1
January 17, 2013 6:12 AM
WTF are you talking about? THEY ARE UNLIMITED as there is no limit for traffic.
They only lower your speed past 2GB/month. After all they say "unlimited data plan" not "unlimited data and speed".
It is so with every ISP data plan. Even if you try to argue with them, they pull out the Fair Use Policy (as is not fair for you alone to grasp and hog all their bandwidth).
Same is with speed: they say it give you "up to 50mb/s" but that doesn`t mean that you will always have 50mb/s... you could have it only for 1 min / month and rest to crawl with 1mb/s... and still can`t
sue them!
Read again the contracts you have and see it for yourself. It is not some fancy move that company pull now... to became news.
sykozis ,
0
January 17, 2013 9:45 AM
tajisiBefore you tell someone to do their research perhaps you should do your own. You're almost completely wrong about everything you stated. Assuming you're not trolling...1. Verizon based
Straight Talk phones can use the unlimited plan. The 'feature' phones are advertised as either $30 or $45 plan capable. Seriously. It's on the box. Did you even bother to read or look at any Straight
Talk phones?2. Most GSM cell phones on Straight Talk were through AT&T. If you dig around in the carrier settings on those phones you will see 3. Most of the -INITIAL- Android phones released on
Straight Talk were through Sprint. This proved hugely unpopular and caused Walmart to contract Verizon to release a new generation of CDMA phones. These CDMA-V smart phones (again
something you would not see since apparently you did no research and didn't bother to look anywhere at all on the box) are a part of the Verizon network. In some areas Walmart offers the LG
Optimus Logic, which is a GSM Android smart phone that has APN settings for AT&T. Depending on service coverage Verizon phones are carried in some stores while AT&T based phones are in
others.4. The 2 gig limit is well discussed on Howard Cellphone Forums. It's imposed by Straight Talk as part of their service agreement with their carriers and it's theorized that the limit depends on
how loaded the towers in the area are. Some users can go well over the limit without incident, while some get shut off at relatively low data amounts. A little research and a little less griping at
Catherine would have done you well.
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited,20508.html
11/20/2013
Walmart's Straight Talk Unlimited Plan Isn't Really Unlimited#Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited%2C20508.html?&_suid=138498361702808365892844888971
Page 8 of 13
I've done plenty of research on the subject thank you. In fact, I've been watching Straight Talk since Walmart started it. The information I've posted is from Walmart's own marketing material, reading
phone packaging, talking to actual customers (that can be verified as Straight Talk customers) and other sources... Based on the information I've collected over the last 2+ years, my post is completely
accurate. So, either there has been a major change in the last 2-3 months, or service conditions and phone availability varies rather greatly (without advertisement) from market to market.
g00fysmiley ,
1
January 17, 2013 11:41 AM
if it sounds to good to be true it probably is
i pay for sprint and unlimited because i use alot of data (10+ gigs a month) but for most people 2 gigs is probably enough my wife who is not nearly as tech savy sometimes breaks using a single gig but
it is rare, you just don't do it checking facebook and playing zynga games which is what most people use a smart phone for
happyballz ,
0
January 17, 2013 12:36 PM
Still better value for using (StraightTalk) on major networks than buying it FROM major networks themselves... anyway you twist it. I mean where on ATT or Verizon website do you even see anything
remotely close for unlimited minutes/text + 2GB at $45? ... exactly.
But from what I have seen cap and throttling varies greatly by location and who's network you prescribe to... usually if you are in sub-urban/urban areas with decent populations they rarely throttle. If you
are roaming in the boonies then it is more common.
You can always try Net10 (same parent company as StraightT) they seem to be a tad better about throttling.
tajisi ,
0
January 17, 2013 1:16 PM
sykozisI've done plenty of research on the subject thank you. In fact, I've been watching Straight Talk since Walmart started it. The information I've posted is from Walmart's own marketing material,
reading phone packaging, talking to actual customers (that can be verified as Straight Talk customers) and other sources... Based on the information I've collected over the last 2+ years, my post is
completely accurate. So, either there has been a major change in the last 2-3 months, or service conditions and phone availability varies rather greatly (without advertisement) from market to market.
And I work at a Walmart Connection Center (cell phone dept) near where I go to college.
RADIO_ACTIVE ,
January 17, 2013 2:30 PM
You really can't argue this one with me. I deal with these phones every day.
0
Its Walmart.... what did you expect
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited,20508.html
11/20/2013
Walmart's Straight Talk Unlimited Plan Isn't Really Unlimited#Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited%2C20508.html?&_suid=138498361702808365892844888971
Page 9 of 13
Display more comments
React To This Article
Add Your Comment
Related Content
Walmart to Offer Unlimited, No Contract $45 Smartphone Plan - NEWS
Apple, Staples, Best Buy Matching Walmart's iPad Air Pricing - NEWS
Walmart Already Discounting iPad Air Ahead of Launch - NEWS
Walmart Soon Launching a Smartphone Trade-In Program - NEWS
Verizon Edge Needs "Max" Plan For Unlimited Data Users - NEWS
Bitcasa Infinite Drive Offers Unlimited Cloud Storage for £7 a Month - NEWS
Walmart, HP Planning $99 Android Tablet Sale - NEWS
Gogo to Roll Out In-flight Text and Talk for Flights - NEWS
Blizzcon: Starcraft 2 Getting Tweaks, but No Expansion Talk - NEWS
Chromebooks Now Available at Walmart, Staples Too - NEWS
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited,20508.html
11/20/2013
Walmart's Straight Talk Unlimited Plan Isn't Really Unlimited#Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited%2C20508.html?&_suid=138498361702808365892844888971
Page 10 of 13
Virgin Media Launches VIP Unlimited Mobile Plans - NEWS
Asus, Acer Hint at Possible Merger Talk - NEWS
LG Teases 'Unlimited Possibilities' at MWC, New Phone Series - NEWS
Walmart is Starting Black Friday On Thanksgiving - NEWS
Walmart No Longer Selling Amazon Kindle Devices - NEWS
Tom's Hardware Talks To Champion Rally Drivers About Technology - REVIEW
Angelini Talks Gaming With DEVGRU Operator Craig Sawyer - REVIEW
Cell Providers
With smartphones
becoming
increasingly
important in our
lives, it's important
to e...
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited,20508.html
11/20/2013
Walmart's Straight Talk Unlimited Plan Isn't Really Unlimited#Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited%2C20508.html?&_suid=138498361702808365892844888971
Page 11 of 13
See all articles in Cell Providers
See also : Smartphones Mobile Cell Phones
Tablets Systems
Best offers
Most popular Articles
Some People Are Smashing Their PS4s
Right After Purchase
Internet Explorer 11 is Officially
Available for Windows 7
MSI Announces New Full FM2+ Military
Class 4 Motherboards
ASRock Unveils Motherboards Made for
Bitcoin Mining
Moga Hero, Pro Power Controllers
Charge Up Android Gaming
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited,20508.html
11/20/2013
Walmart's Straight Talk Unlimited Plan Isn't Really Unlimited#Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited%2C20508.html?&_suid=138498361702808365892844888971
Tom's Hardware Around the World
Page 12 of 13
Subscribe to Tom's Hardware
Search the site
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited,20508.html
11/20/2013
Walmart's Straight Talk Unlimited Plan Isn't Really Unlimited#Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited%2C20508.html?&_suid=138498361702808365892844888971
DENMARK
NORWAY
FINLAND
RUSSIA
FRANCE
TURKEY
GERMANY
UK
ITALY
USA
About Tom's Hardware
ADVERTISING ABOUT US CONTACT PRIVACY REVIEW PRODUCT SUBMISSION LEGAL
Page 13 of 13
Ok
TechMedia Network | Experts
Copyright © 1999-2013 Bestofmedia Group. All Rights Reserved
Ad choices
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Walmart-Straight-Talk-Not-Unlimited,20508.html
11/20/2013