Less than a week after a leaked image revealed U.S. Cellular's intent to launch shared data plans, the details of those very offerings have also leaked out. Images posted by Engadget have revealed the different data bucket sizes and prices of U.S. Cellular's new data plans, as well as some special rates that'll be available to basic phones and data-only devices.
The straight-up shared data plans include anywhere from 1GB to 75GB of data per month and include unlimited voice and messaging as well as mobile hotspot usage. Pricing starts at $50 per month for the 1GB offering and goes up in $10 increments until the 30GB tier, which is priced at $225 per month. The mega 75GB bucket will set data-hungry consumers back $560 per month. The overage fee is set at $15 for each additional gigabyte.
After settling on a plan, consumers will need to figure out which devices they'll be adding to their plan. Each plan can accommodate a total of 10 devices. The rate for connecting a smartphone to a shared data plan is set at $40 per month, while feature phone users will pay $30 per month. Meanwhile, pricing for mobile hotspots and USB modems will be set at $20 per month, and tablet users will be ponying up $10 per month.
In addition to its standard shared data plans, U.S. Cellular will offer basic phone plans that include 450 minutes for individuals or 1000 minutes for families. Pricing at $50 and $100 per month, respectively, the plans also offer features like unlimited messaging and free mobile-to-mobile, but there's no data for free incoming calls included. The family plan includes 2 connections with the option to add up to 4 more at a rate of $20 apiece.
Finally, the folks at USCC have some data-only shared plans on tap. These offerings are intended for use with tablets, mobile hotspots and USB modems. Some of the options available include 1GB of data for $10 per month, 2GB for $20, 4GB for $30, 6GB for $40, 8GB for $50 and 10GB for $60. The plans top out at 50GB for $335 and can accommodate up to 10 devices.
Obviously nothing's official until USCC says it is, but considering the look of these slides and the fact that the pricing is pretty much in line with shared data offerings from other carriers, I wouldn't be surprised to see U.S. Cellular make these plans official sometime soon. While the words "shared data" may not elicit excitement from mobile fans that miss the days of unlimited data plans, more and more consumers are adopting smartphones and other data-gobbling hardware, and plans like these make can make sense for them. What kind of data plan are you currently signed up for?
Via Engadget
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