US Cellular announces shared data pools for family plans, and they don’t look attractive at all
US Cellular, the up-and-coming carrier that seems to be doing quite well for themselves, have announced the addition of shared data pools for folks who are on family plans. Plans from 1GB up through 75GB are available, though you’ll be paying a pretty penny once you start reaching double digits. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the plan options you can choose from:
It seems quite pricey, folks. 1GB for $50? It seems like a steal… for them. According to US Cellular, they offer “the most Shared Data options of any carrier,” and also touted that they have the only shared data plans with loyalty rewards. That, however, isn’t enough to make me forget that they’re charging a lot more per GB (at least in the lower options, anyway) than any other carrier.
Most carriers offer 2GB starting at $30. I should note that the cost includes the ability to use any devices on the account as mobile hotspots, but that pricing model still doesn’t seem justified. The most expensive option is $560 for 75GB — most people will probably never need this, of course, but it’s still startling.
Texting and calling are unlimited for all users on these plans, which is the only nice caveat in this big, ugly dish. Options are good, I guess, but we’ll definitely be asking the good people of US Cellular about the option to steer well clear of these plans and stick to the plans of yesteryear. Be sure to check out the full slate of options over at their website.
[Update]: word from US Cellular says new customers can only select from the shared plans, though existing customers can stick with their current plans under grandfathered status.