Why ‘Unlimited’ Phone Plans Aren’t Really Unlimited (And Which Ones Actually Are)

The Myth of Unlimited

You’ve seen the ads. “Unlimited data!” “Truly unlimited!” “No limits!”

But after a few weeks on your new plan, things slow down. Your videos buffer. Your hotspot stops working halfway through a workday. And suddenly, you realize that “unlimited” doesn’t quite mean what you thought.

Let’s break down what’s actually going on with unlimited plans—and which ones live up to the hype.

The Fine Print Behind "Unlimited"

Here’s the truth: most unlimited plans come with conditions. You’ll often find terms like “premium data,” “throttling,” or “network management” buried deep in the fine print.

Here’s what they really mean:

• Throttling: After you hit a certain data threshold (like 50GB or 100GB), your carrier slows your speeds—sometimes dramatically.
  
  
• Deprioritization: If the network is congested, your data may be pushed to the back of the line. Even if you haven’t hit your limit.
  
  
• Hotspot Caps: Many unlimited plans include only a set amount of high-speed hotspot data. After that, the speeds drop or hotspot access is cut off.
  
  
• Video Streaming Quality: Some carriers limit video streaming to standard definition (480p), unless you pay extra.
  

So yes—your plan may be “unlimited,” but that doesn’t mean you’ll always get fast, full access to everything.

Do You Really Need Unlimited Data?

Here’s the twist: a lot of people paying for unlimited plans don’t actually need them.

Most users spend the majority of their day on Wi-Fi—at home, at work, or at school. Unless you’re consistently on the go, streaming HD video, uploading files, or gaming away from Wi-Fi, you might be using far less data than you think.

“Unlimited” might feel safer or simpler, but it often means you’re paying more for data you don’t use.

That said—some people do need a true unlimited plan. If you’re:

• Constantly traveling or commuting without Wi-Fi
  
  
• Streaming video on mobile all day
  
  
• Using your phone as a hotspot consistently

Then yes, an unlimited plan makes sense. But not just any unlimited plan—the right one.

Truly Unlimited Plans Worth Considering

If you need real unlimited data without the shady slowdown, these plans are the best of the bunch:

AT&T Unlimited Premium PL

Consistently fast, even during peak hours.

T-Mobile Go5G Plus

Perfect for streamers, families, and frequent flyers.

Verizon Unlimited Plus

Top-tier performance and rock-solid network reliability.

US Mobile Unlimited Premium

Great for high-data users who want flexibility and international access.

Visible+

Simple, solid, and reliable with no hidden limits.

FAQs

What’s the difference between throttling and deprioritization?
Throttling happens after you use a certain amount of data—your speeds slow down no matter what. Deprioritization is temporary and only kicks in during network congestion, depending on your plan.

Is there any plan that offers truly unlimited everything with no catches?
A few plans come close, but they may have hotspot or international data limits. Always check the fine print, or let Goji do it for you.

Do prepaid unlimited plans have the same limits as postpaid ones?
Often, yes. In fact, some prepaid plans are more likely to deprioritize your data. That’s why comparing is crucial.

Can I use my unlimited data plan as home internet?
Most carriers discourage this and limit hotspot data. If you need serious home internet, a dedicated broadband plan is a better bet.

How can I check how much data I actually use?
You can usually find this in your phone’s settings or through your current carrier’s app. Download Goji to compare plans based on actual usage.