Just turned wifi OFF

[msavwah]

Minor project here.
I'm still on a recurring unlimited 3G plan for this iPad.

So I'm gonna do a one month test with wifi turned off completely to get an accurate worst case scenario on how the new plans might affect me.

I'm gonna use it normally, which is mostly web browsing, buying from iTunes, AppStore, using a few apps and watching a little netflix here and there, some google maps, etc....

Nothing I consider heavy, just casual use.

Removing wifi from the equation will provide some good info.
I'll try to post back in a month if anyone is interested.

 

[bowlerman625]

Sounds like a good test as long as you don't mind the probable slower data speed.

 

[WilliamG]

He's going to hate it. 3G is painful compared to wifi. I have maintained and will always maintain that the iPad is designed for wifi (putting aside its wifi issues for a moment. )

 

[huck500]

I don't find it painful. It's certainly noticeable, but only if I'm thinking about it. Now Youtube on 3g, THAT'S painful...

 

[CarboysDesire]

I just turned mine off too, because I need to use up my 250MB plan so I can switch to Unlimited by the 7th. I have about 180MB to go, but tomorrow morning I have to go to the DMV to register my car. I should be there a couple of hours. I can burn through a bunch by then. In fact, maybe I should turn it back on to save the 180MB for that!

 

[pondie84]

Coming from someone who comes from a country that has had terrible data limits for iPhone plans I can tell you that downloading apps, music from iTunes and watching netflix here and there would not be considered light use.

 

[CarboysDesire]

^ Scratch that!

Turns out I can change my plan now, look....

...and from the wording it sounds like the plan starts AFTER my current plan runs out or expires, whichever comes first.


I went ahead and did it. Tomorrow I'll call AT&T to confirm I'll be grandfathered in even if I don't use up the remaining 195MBs by the 7th.

 

[splashnader]

Macworld did a test like that when the ipad wifi+3G came out. They had originally purchased the 250mb plan for $15 to see how long it would take to reach that cap.

http://www.macworld.com/article/151065/2010/05/ipad_3g_data_test.html

According to their experiment they reached the cap pretty quickly, doing much of what you are going to be doing.

 

[HiFiGuy528]

^ Scratch that!

Turns out I can change my plan now, look....

...and from the wording it sounds like the plan starts AFTER my current plan runs out or expires, whichever comes first.


I went ahead and did it. Tomorrow I'll call AT&T to confirm I'll be grandfathered in even if I don't use up the remaining 195MBs by the 7th.

Keep us posted on what AT&T saids. I just upgraded mine too but won't kick in until mid June.

 

[CarboysDesire]

Keep us posted on what AT&T saids. I just upgraded mine too but won't kick in until mid June.

OK, we are all set.

Sherry Cohen (this is the only place I am documenting this name so I hope it doesn't bite me in the ass later) at ATT Wireless Support understood my question and answered with the strongest amount of certainty in her voice that I can imagine her having.

I said...

"I have upgraded to the $30/Unlimited plan but my current plan, the $15/250MB, does not expire until after June 7th and I do not expect to use up the data by then. Will I still be grandfathered in with the Unlimited Plan if I am not yet using it on the 7th?"

She said...

"Absolutely. You don't have to worry. I see that your payment for the Unlimited Plan has already been posted so you are good. Feel free to use up your other plan at your convenience and do no worry about the dates. You will be grandfathered in."

So because she understood and answered immediately with such certainty I feel good about it too.

I also asked if I can make the changes to my iPhone plan online when the time comes and she confirmed that as well.


We're good, y'all!!!