Fierce Wireless reported in August last year that T-Mobile was replacing its Binge-On sponsored data service with something called “T-Mobile One.” The new service includes unlimited data. However, as with any unlimited plan, the big question is, “Unlimited data at what speed and quality?” Unlimited data at 2.5G or 3G speeds is akin to washing your automobile with a teacup.
As I blogged
last March, T-Mobile’s Binge-On sponsored data plan let you stream music and
video from select content providers without incurring extra data charges, but the
only way to get HD-quality streaming video was by disabling Binge-On, because T-Mobile
throttled video streaming to 480 pixels (also known as “SD” for “standard
definition”).
It’s no surprise that the Binge-On successor, T-Mobile One, by
default only delivers SD quality video. If you want HD quality (720-1080 pixels),
you have to pay $25 extra. The only difference between Binge-On and T-Mobile One
seems to be the latter lets you stream any content (not just T-Mobile’s
preferred providers), and it costs more. Also, just to make sure “unlimited
data” doesn’t give people crazy ideas, T-Mobile limits tethering to 3G speeds
and also says they’ll throttle anyone who streams more than 28 gigabytes per
month (that’s a lot of data, by the way).
Image: Read the fine print!
Read the fine print: “On all T-Mobile plans, during
congestion the top 3% of data users (>28GB/mo.) may notice reduced speeds
until next bill cycle. Video typically streams on smartphone/tablet at DVD
quality (480p). Tethering at Max 3G speeds. Sales tax and regulatory fees
included in monthly service price.”
Here is an updated image of estimated streaming video
quality based on the interpolated spring 2016 field test results. The January
2016 blog post showing estimated streaming video quality using 2015 field test
data is here.
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