Reset Your Phone's Network SettingsResetting your network settings, like restarting your phone, often fixes a slow mobile data connection. The problem is that doing so also resets your Wi-Fi access points and Bluetooth devices.
When customers' devices use our 3G EVDO network, the typical speed range that can be expected is between 600 kbps and 1.2 Mbps download and between 400 kbps and 600 kbps upload throughputs. This information is the best approximation available to U.S. Cellular of the actual speeds experienced by our customers.
Monitor Your Data UsageUsing your device as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot can eat up a lot of data. If you have an unlimited data plan like those offered by U.S. Cellular®, feel free to use your hotspot as often as you want.
The most commonly available internet connection types in rural areas are cable, DSL, and satellite. Options like cellular hotspot internet (which can be pricey) and dial-up (which still exists) are also available in rural areas, but we've concentrated on satellite, DSL, and cable.
Modern LTE devices are capable of real-world speeds over 100 Mbps when the conditions are right (theoretical max of flagship devices can go over 1000 Mbps in ideal laboratory conditions). But a reasonable target for good LTE speeds is 20-30 Mbps. And 5G devices will have theoretical speeds of up to 10 Gbps!
Bottom line. Get Viasat for the fastest satellite internet available. Viasat's top speed is four times faster than HughesNet's max speed. Not all areas have access to Viasat's racing 100 Mbps speed, though, so check out availability in your area before you sign the dotted line.
So if you plan to stream a lot of video over mobile data you will want a high data limit, of probably at least around 15GB per month.
Yet a disclaimer on the site says all unlimited data plans stream at speeds of up to 3.0 Mbps. Both plans aren't even really unlimited data plans. On the $60 plan US Cellular will slow your data speeds down to 2G if you consume over 22GB of data in a month.
Best unlimited data plans: summary
| Details | Get started |
|---|
| Plan: Sprint Unlimited Basic Best: Postpaid Monthly cost: $65; $60 with autopay discount | Get started |
| Plan: T-Mobile Essentials Best: Postpaid Monthly cost: $65; $60 with autopay discount | Get started |
| Plan: Boost Mobile Unlimited Best: Prepaid Monthly cost: $50 | Get started |
The best phone carriers overall
- T-Mobile. The best phone carrier overall.
- Verizon. A good alternative to T-Mobile.
- AT&T. Third place among the major carriers.
- Visible. A cheaper way to get unlimited data.
- Metro by T-Mobile. The best discount phone carrier.
- Google Fi.
- Mint Mobile.
- Consumer Cellular.
Find out what happens when your reach your data cap on your cell phone plan. You'll still have mobile data, but your speeds will be reduced. Your data will be cut off until the next billing cycle. You will be charged up to $50 in overage fees for any additional data you use.
Data overages for each shared data selection is $15 per 1GB over your chosen amount.
If you go over your data allowance on your mobile phone, you may get more data automatically and be charged for it. If you go over your data allowance for your home internet, your internet speed will slow down.
Unlimited Services: Unlimited customers who use more than 35GB of data during a billing cycle, will have speeds reduced to 2G. Payments: Total plan price includes services, taxes & fees. Family Plan: Up to 5 lines/acct. Mobile Hotspot, VPN & P2P Limits: 12GB on $50 plan and 30GB on $60 plan, and ends after usage.
The U.S. Cellular Credit CheckIf you sign up for a plan with a contract, approval will be subject to a credit review. According to the company, they do not deny anyone based on bad credit, but you will need to pay a security deposit before your service is activated if your credit rating doesn't meet their standards.
Telephone and Data Systems Inc.
Smartphone Mobile Hotspot is a feature that is built into Apple and Android smartphones, at no additional cost to you, that allows other devices such as a tablet or laptop computer to connect to the internet using your smartphone's Wi-Fi Hotspot function.
You can use WiFi calling and messaging any time that your phone has a steady WiFi signal. You can do so without a cellular connection, so even if your phone is not able to make regular calls, you can WiFi call/text as long as you have the internet. This allows you to bypass expensive cell phone plans.
Wi-Fi Calling is a service for Android and iOS smartphones providing the ability to make and receive phone calls over a Wi-Fi connection. It's simple to use with no separate application or log-in required. Wi-Fi calling is a free service when calling to a U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico number.
Cellular internet utilises the power of 4G mobile technology, using multiple mobile networks to create a private connection to the internet where wired technologies are simply not available. This mobile network-powered connectivity has much to offer.
U.S. Cellular has no-contract plans with monthly installment pricing and prepaid plans. All U.S. Cellular prepaid plans give you access to the same nationwide network, smartphones, and customer service that all their customers enjoy without the obligation of a contract.
Did you know that you can use your iPhone or many Android smartphones as a WiFi hotspot? By turning on this feature, your phone uses its cellular data to create a WiFi hotspot. You can then connect a computer or other device to this hotspot to access the internet.
