Debating my wireless future

November 8, 2009 / Filed under: Wireless, Ideas

When my Verizon data modem contract expires this January, I intend to reduce costs by eliminating overlapping wireless service, meaning I should never have two ways to connect outside of WiFi networks.

Here's what I'm paying monthly for now:

  • AT&T voice and data for my iPhone: $90
  • Verizon data modem for my laptop: $60

As you can see, I currently have two separate wireless providers when I'm outside of WiFi.

New idea:

Ditch the AT&T contract and monthly bill. Still use my iPhone for data using WiFi.

When my Verizon contract expires this January, upgrade to the Verizon MiFi (same $60/month price), which lets you connect up to five devices via WiFi - meaning my laptop and iPhone can still connect anywhere, thus eliminating the multiple wireless providers.

This setup alone saves me $90/month from the AT&T bill. However, I lose voice.

I do not, however, lose voicemail or SMS. Why? Google Voice currently provides this for free, if you don't mind receiving voicemail and SMS over the web and email, which I don't mind at all. I've been using Google Voice for quite some time to save on SMS plans.

So, to get back voice, I'll need a cheap cell phone, maybe a pre-paid, no-contract phone, used for emergency calls and stuff like that. I rarely use my phone for voice calls as it is.

OH, one more thing... breaking my AT&T contract will be about $200, but that's better than the $1500+ I'd be paying to finish the rest of my contract.

Do you see any holes with this plan? I think it sounds a lot better overall.

Comments/Mentions

# Mark Smithivas at 11/8/2009 8:11 pm cst

You might want to consider Clearwire as an alternative to the Verizon upgrade. It's the 4G service just launched in the Chicago area. They have a MiFi package too, and their monthly cost is $35-45 (you'd need to buy a MiFi router).

As far as calls, couldn't you download the Skype app for iPhone and make/receive calls that way?

# Matt at 11/9/2009 11:09 am cst

Yeah that would work too. Any kind of MiFi router would make sense - I might as well get the 4G one.

Only real difference, in regards to the whole idea, is me having to lug around an iPhone and the MiFi whenever I want data outside of WiFi. Just an extra battery charge and stuff like that. But the savings is worth it, I think.

And voice calls I'm not terribly concerned about - Skype could work, as long as someone not using Skype could reach me.