United States Data Providers
The what's what on USA data providers.
Introduction
In this section, I'm specifically covering mobile data providers based in the USA. If you're looking for a bonding solution, I highly recommend The M1 Nighthawk / AT&T Loophole Method. There is also a page about International Data Providers if you're interested in that.
AT&T Unlimited (Not Prepaid)
Though Prepaid is fine, specifically getting the AT&T Unlimited Premium® PL plan is probably the best IRL streaming plan on the market. This is because it never gets throttled. They specifically advertise 'high-speed data that can’t slow down based on how much you use.' It also includes 60 GB/month of hotspot data as well, but it does get throttled after you hit 60 GB. It currently costs $85.99/month if you just activate one single line. If you're on a family plan though, you can get it for as low as $45.99/month by adding additional lines. Also see the AT&T Coverage Map to just be sure you're going to be covered. This plan also has you covered in basically all of Canada, Mexico, and South America. See International Data Providers for more information!
AT&T Unlimited (Prepaid)
I used Prepaid for a while, but ultimately switched to the AT&T Unlimited Premium® PL plan. The Prepaid Plan is subject to throttling, but I never really experienced it. It's something you should be aware of though that could happen. Also see the AT&T Coverage Map to just be sure you're going to be covered.
Verizon seems to be the most popular provider based on IRL streamers I know personally. I do have a Verizon Unlimited Plus plan, which does offer unlimited data for $90/month. I will say, it's really just preference here, but I prefer the AT&T plan. If I'm ever streaming from my phone, I reach for the AT&T phone. I have been in situations where using AT&T, while IRL streamers I'm with are using Verizon, that sometimes I lose connection and they don't, sometimes they lose connection and I don't. I just recommend either getting AT&T or Verizon.
I don't recommend T-Mobile. The prices on their prepaid plans may be attractive, but every plan can get throttled after 50GB/month, and it's very likely you will exceed that. They also have the least attractive 5G, advertising it as nationwide, even though they simply upgraded and rebranded their 4G as 5G. I will say that in heavily populated areas, where most people are using AT&T and Verizon, T-Mobile can shine. There was one single case I remember well, where a massive crowd of people prevented me from being able to stream, and the one guy with T-Mobile was able to stream.
An unexpected winner in my book is Straight Talk, but I would never use it as my phone plan while IRL streaming. It's specifically valuable as a WIRED connection via USB-C sharing in Streaming Backpacks solutions. Linked above is the specific plan I purchase. What I have experienced with this plan in this application is a solid, reliable unlimited and unthrottled connection. I'm not certain this would work in every application, but it does for me. I have it on a Samsung Galaxy S10e. Straight Talk is a reseller, meaning it uses other popular provider towers to provide services.
Other Resellers
Resellers are data providers who use other popular provider towers, like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Typically they're cheaper, but more prone to being throttled, as during throttling, AT&T, Verzion, and T-Mobile target these reseller plan holders first. Because of this, I don't recommend any of them personally. If you already have something like Mint Mobile, Visible, Consumer Cellular, etc, give it a shot. If you don't experience issues, great! If you do, get AT&T or Verizon and accept that you're going to have to pay a little more if you want to be an IRL Streamer.
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