Many consumers find themselves wondering which carrier would be best for service and data plans concerning the iPhone 5. There are several factors to take into consideration with the main one being data plans and coverage. As most people know, using the iPhone 5 requires a data connection more often than not, because most of the features are geared towards data usage. So, having a consistent and dependable source of internet is a pretty important factor when attempting to determine the best wireless carrier to go with when purchasing a new iPhone 5.
While Sprint may offer unlimited data without throttling your speeds, they do not offer 4G LTE in even 25% of the area that Verizon covers, and although AT&T has more 4G LTE coverage area than Sprint, AT&T’s 4G LTE coverage simply does not compare to the coverage area of Verizon. 4G LTE is the next generation of wireless internet services and can offer speeds several times faster than the widely used 3G internet service available on all major US carriers’ networks. Based on this information, Verizon proves itself to be an excellent choice in wireless carriers for customers who are interested in purchasing an iPhone 5. The Verizon iPhone 5 is currently selling for $199 for the 16GB model and can be purchased at Verizon stores around the nation.
Perhaps you’ve heard Verizon will have to modify data plans before their iPhone 5 Release. Since the fourth quarter of 2011, Verizon has activated over 7.5 million iPhones for its customers, and with the increasing number of iPhone activations and users comes increased internet bandwidth usage. The result of such a high number of iPhone users on Verizon’s 3G network has indicated to Verizon that when they release the iPhone 5 this fall/winter, their LTE network needs to be able to support enough bandwidth for a massive number of customers who will purchase the iPhone 5. 3G and LTE network bandwidths have a cost associated with them – companies provide Verizon with the data that its customers use on a daily basis, and Verizon pays these companies for usage, amounting to billions of dollars per year just in bandwidth charges.
Since Verizon will need to provide a stable LTE network experience to iPhone 5 users (as well as their other LTE device owners), Verizon will need to purchase massive amounts of bandwidth. Forecasts predict that by year 2016, mobile network data usage will increase to 18 times the level of usage in 2011. Verizon plans to change pricing plans as well as data plan pricing to compensate for the increased costs of bandwidth, so don’t be surprised when you go to upgrade to the iPhone 5 and you’re at the mercy of a new, more expensive plan!
