By Matt Brown, Managing Editor.
To survive in the current social climate, one has to be connected. Digital communication, primarily the mobile telephone, has become a near requirement for interaction. Today’s smart phone – a handheld computer – can not only place phone calls, but store data, take pictures, record video, etc., allowing (and encouraging) users to share 100 percent of their lives in the electronic realm.
Inter-personal and business relationships have gotten to the point where instantaneous connection is expected. Gone are the days of waiting for the postal service to drop off a loved one’s letter. If you don’t respond to that text message within five minutes, you’re committing social suicide. Hell, some people commit actual suicide by replying to a message whilst driving (because they just had to send back that horse emoji). Try to get a job, or sign up for government benefits, without a personal phone. You only get one shot to take that call… But I guess you didn’t need either of those that badly.
Because of this ridiculous social expectation, this begs the question: Why do cell phone plans cost an arm and leg?
In the United States, the average phone plan with 500MB of data costs $85, compared to $24 in China and $9 in the U.K., according to research by the International Telecommunication Union. This is mostly because in China and the U.K. the competition to provide broadband services are vast – driving prices down. However, in the United States, the “Big Four,” consisting of Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint reign supreme.
Again, that’s $85 per month for only 500MB of data. Streaming your average film comes in at 350MB/hour, or 120MB/hour, or even 250MB/hour depending on who you get your information from. Personally, I got three different answers from three different providers. If the Big Four can’t even be straight with me, how I am supposed to know what to buy? It’s like they almost want you to hit the data cap and pay outrageous fees!
Why are there even data caps to begin with? The Internet is not a limited source, and as a major provider for broadband you should have the servers to handle the millions of customers you service.
The price of a phone plan breaks down in way that you are paying for your data plan, paying for your sweet new iPhone 8sc, AND paying for access to your data plan. That’s like buying your house, and sweet new appliances, only to have your Realtor charge you each time you wish to enter the building.
The biggest kicker is that paying for the Internet alone provides access to a myriad of ways to communicate outside of mobile phones. There is email, forum boards, instant messaging, and Facebook even lets you make high quality calls with their messenger application. Additionally, there are alternative phone plans to the Big Four: Boost mobile and Virgin mobile have plans starting at $35, being that you pay for your phone up front.
At this rate, you’re paying for convenience of communication. Snail mail is cheaper, and you’re tax dollars are already paying for the postal service to operate. However, this means nothing when you’re expected to be available 25 hours a day. Before you sign your life, and credit, away on a phone plan – utilize your right as an American and mail a big middle finger to the Big Four. Use your head, and don’t break your bank Snapchatting your paczki.
