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What Is a Pocket WiFi? How Does It Work? And How to Use It
In this post, we will deeply explore what Pockets WiFi are, how they work, how much they cost, and what are the alternatives.
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The best AT&T plan depends on your needs and budget. Fortunately, there are several unlimited plans to choose from, including Unlimited Premium, Unlimited Starter, and numerous prepaid options.
“Unlimited” is really the buzzword of the decade when it comes to mobile phone plans. AT&T is no different from many of its other American competitors in this regard, priding itself on unlimited data plans for individuals, families, travelers, and more. So, if you’re considering switching iPhone plans, AT&T is certainly an option worth considering. The trouble is, you need to select the phone plan that’s right for you, but how do you choose?
Most ATT individual plans offer unlimited (or at least generous) data, flexible pricing, and some amazing perks that attempt to lure you from competitors to choose AT&T. The trick is to figure out the differences between each plan and compare them to find the right one for you. That way, you can make a safe investment in your plan knowing that your money is put to good use. After all, staying connected is incredibly important, and the last thing you want is to be locked in a contract with a provider that’s not giving you what you need.
AT&T offers several options, including prepaid and postpaid options. You can get an ATT single phone plan for as little as $25 per month on a prepaid plan, but there are also pricier options that come with more flexibility. Whether you’re looking for an AT T data plan that allows you to travel the world with your package or one that lets you stream to your heart’s content, there’s an option for you.
It’s just a matter of choosing the right one, and that’s exactly what this guide is here to help you do.
Table of Contents
AT&T Unlimited Plans
AT&T has three unlimited plans available to users. These are all postpaid plans, which means you pay the bill at the end of the month after using your data allowances for that period.
Nobody wants to run out of data, especially while they’re out and about. Unlimited data plans get around this issue, offering (almost) unlimited data that won’t suddenly run out. These are the opposite of the prepaid AT and T plan, and they often have higher monthly prices to account for the flexibility and wealth of data.
Although, it’s worth noting that this higher plan price often comes with a discount on your handset. So, this is something to factor into your budget. And usually, it’s worth the extra cost because these plans get you the best speeds and best service compared to other AT T data plans.
There are three AT&T unlimited plans for 1 line; here’s a quick comparison.
| Plan | Features | Price |
| Unlimited Premium PL | Unlimited calls, texts, and high-speed data, including in 20 Latin American countries60GB hotspot data4K UHD streaming | $50.99/month per line when you get 4 lines |
| Unlimited Extra EL | Unlimited calls, texts, and 75G of high-speed data30GB hotspot dataStandard streaming | $40.99/month per line when you get 4 lines |
| Unlimited Starter SL | Unlimited calls, texts, and data5GB hotspot data Standard streaming | $35.99/month per line when you get 4 lines |
All three plans have some things in common, including:
- Unlimited calls, texts, and data in and between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
- Unlimited texts from the U.S. to 200+ countries
- Access to the free AT&T ActiveArmor app for better security
Nevertheless, they have their differences.
1. AT&T Unlimited Premium PL
Of all the AT&T wireless plans, Unlimited is the most expensive. It has replaced the former ‘Unlimited Elite’ plan, and it gives you the most bang for your buck.
This option has no limits for data priority, so you can enjoy fast speeds and even 4K UHD streaming all the time. It even used to include a free HBO Max subscription, but this has now been removed.
There’s even an extremely generous 60GB of hotspot data, which is more than enough for most people.
At $50.99 per month, it’s not too badly priced, either.
2. AT&T Unlimited Extra EL
This mid-range plan has similar features to the Unlimited Starter (below), but with a few upgrades that make it worth the extra $5 per month.
Users on this plan get an allotment of 50GB of priority data. After you have used 50GB, you may experience slower speeds when the network is busy. Streaming is available, but only in standard definition.
There’s also 30GB of hotspot data, which is more than enough for the occasional remote working spell or for when you want to help out your friends who don’t have an unlimited plan.
3. AT&T Unlimited Starter SL
This is AT&T’s ‘budget’ unlimited plan. So, it has some limitations compared with the other plans in this list.
You still get access to unlimited 5G data, but you aren’t guaranteed high speeds if the network is busy. Without priority data, you might not be able to use your data all the time even if you’re paying for an unlimited plan.
Furthermore, your streaming is capped at standard definition, with 480P. And, if you want to use your hotspot, you can only use a measly 5GB per month.
Still, this is a great option if you’re looking for unlimited data on a budget, priced at just $35.99 monthly per line.
Other AT&T Plans
AT&T has a range of cheaper plans, too, in the form of Prepaid plans. These are pay-as-you-go plans that differ from the ATT postpaid plans we talked about above. With those, you pay after each month; however, with these AT T phone plans, you pay before you use your data.
Since they work on a pay-as-you-go basis, there is no contract involved. So, with ATT monthly plans, you can switch plans or change providers at any time. There’s more friendly ATT pricing here, with the lowest cost being $25 per month for unlimited data and 10GB of hotspot data. Note, however, that the speeds aren’t as good as the postpaid ATT single plans. After using 16GB, your speed will slow to a maximum of 1.5Mbps for the rest of the month.
Here are the other options:
| Plan | Features | Price |
| 12-month Unlimited Plan | Unlimited dataSlow speeds of 1.5Mbps after using 16GB10GB of hotspot data | $25/month when you prepay $300 for 12 months |
| $50 Unlimited Plan | 30GB per month at maximum 3MbpsUnlimited data at 1.5Mbps | $40/month with AutoPay, $50/month without |
| Unlimited MAX Plan | Unlimited data; deprioritized after 50GB of use25GB of hotspot data5G access100GB personal cloud storageFraud call and spam blocking | $55/month with Autopay, $65/month without |
| Online Only Plan | 8GB of high-speed dataUnlimited 129Kbps dataSD streaming | $30/month |
These options don’t come in the form of family plans. So, if you’re looking for ATT shared data plans, you’ll need to stick to the unlimited postpaid plans we talked about above.
But students can use the iPhone AT&T plans, such as the prepaid plans, to unlock $10 per month through Student Beans. Military, veterans, and their families can also access 20% off through these deals. So, it’s a useful option for individual users.
AT&T Plans for Travelers
If you plan on traveling a lot (or just going on vacation), you’ll need a different plan. AT&T’s main solution here is the International Day Pass, rather than a specific plan for going abroad.
One thing that matters a lot to data users is traveling. After all, you don’t always use your phone at home–what happens if you travel abroad? Of course, the ATT single phone plans already include coverage in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The Unlimited Premium plan even covers 20 additional Latin American countries.
However, for keen travelers, you might seek an ATT cellular plan that provides coverage in far-flung corners of the world. When it comes to travel plans, ATT doesn’t have specific contracts that cover data usage in different countries. Instead, there’s an add-on called the International Day Pass, which covers 210+ destinations.
When you add the International Day Pass, you get unlimited talk, texts, and high-speed data. It costs an additional $12 per day on top of your existing plan, and a further $6 for any additional line used on the same calendar day.
The major benefit here is that you only pay for the days you use data. AT&T won’t charge you if you don’t connect to the local network for social media, streaming, or communicating (or whatever you use your data for).
To get the pass, you can sign up before you leave to go traveling. Or, AT&T will automatically add it for you when you arrive at your destination and start using data. When you come home and stop using international networks, you won’t be charged, but the pass will be ready on your account for your next trip.
AT&T also provides access on select international flights from participating airlines.
Compared to some other travel options, the AT&T International Day Pass is a little expensive–those $12 per day charges can add up!
And of course, this isn’t helpful if you’re a tourist traveling to the US. You don’t want to take out an entire phone line just to connect to American phone networks, and without tourist plans offered by AT&T, you need to search for another option.
AT&T Alternatives
AT&T is far from the only option when it comes to coverage, especially if you’re traveling internationally. In fact, for most frequent flyers, an eSIM is the better choice than a prepaid SIM card in the USA, or the AT&T data shared plans, for example.
The “e” in eSIM stands for “embedded.” An eSIM is essentially a SIM card that stays inside your phone. Like a traditional SIM, it stores your mobile number and lets you call, text, and use data. However, the information on an eSIM is rewritable, which means you can switch networks without having to change the SIM itself. This includes changing temporarily to another network, such as while you’re traveling.
An international eSIM is definitely the most convenient option for travelers, as you can have up to five SIMs on one eSIM. As a result, it’s useful not only for those traveling to the US but also for American locals who plan on jetting off around the world. You could keep your ATT data share plan on your device, while also connecting locally to a cheaper network wherever you are in the world.
Whether you need a SIM for your vacation or an eSIM for traveling in the USA, you have several different options. It’s worth researching each one to find the best option for your location and budget, but generally, we recommend Holafly.
Holafly is a fantastic option for every traveler, with benefits like:
- Unlimited data usage
- Fast and reliable internet
- No roaming charges
- 24-hour customer service available in several languages
It also comes with several packages, ranging from 5 days to 90 days. So, you don’t need to worry about extra or unnecessary charges. You can purchase the eSIM easily through Holafly’s site.
However, you must remember to check if your phone is compatible with an eSIM, as not all devices are. When you’re traveling, you can still benefit from cheaper roaming options even if you don’t get an eSIM. Connecting to public wifi networks is usually a great option, with hotels and internet cafes providing service almost everywhere globally.
Another option is pocket wifi, which essentially gives you a hotspot wherever you are, even if you don’t have data enabled on your cellphone.
FAQ About AT&T Data Plans
Our most frequently asked questions on AT&T’s data plans.
Is AT&T’s unlimited data plan really unlimited?
Yes, unlimited data is really unlimited, but there are still some caveats. No service provider is going to give you totally unlimited, high-speed data for 4K streaming all day every day. So, most plans come with a cap on high-speed or priority data. When you reach this limit within a 30-day period, you’ll experience slower speeds and deprioritization when you’re in an area where the network is busy. Furthermore, there’s usually a cap on hotspot data, so you can’t always use your phone to support other users or devices. Before purchasing any unlimited data plan, make sure you check the usage policies of the provider and understand the terms and conditions for your plan.
Is AT&T a good provider?
Yes, AT&T is one of the most popular providers in the USA. It boasts the second-best coverage in 5G and 4G LTE network areas, with a 4G LTE network that spans 68% of the nation. This sits just below Verizon’s 71% coverage. Its 5G coverage is a little lower, at 29%, but you still get the best of both worlds. As a result, an AT T cell phone plan is worth considering if you want reliable service at decent speeds.
How to know if you have unlimited data
You can check how much data you have by reviewing your account information. You can do this by logging into your account with AT&T (or your current service provider) via the app or website and reviewing your account. Here, you will see if your plan includes unlimited data and whether there are any caps on your usage. You can also check how much data you have used that month via the dashboard, which will help you keep track of your usage and prevent any surprising fees.
What is the AT&T plan price range?
ATT prices range from $25/month to $75.99 per month. The exact prices can vary depending on several factors. Unlimited Extra EL, for example, is just $40.99 per month per line when you have 4 lines, but it’s $75.99 per month for just one line. Meanwhile, when it comes to a prepaid ATT single plan, you can get service for as little as $25 per month. It’s important to carefully evaluate your data needs and budget before choosing a plan.
