Why Your Data Plan for Streaming Matters (Like, A Lot)

Picture this: You're on a road trip, miles from any Wi-Fi connection. You're halfway through the season finale on your favorite streaming service, and BAM! 💥 Your screen freezes and you see that dreaded infinite buffering symbol. Why? Your mobile data plan just tapped out. Ouch! But fear not! Goji Mobile is here to save your streaming experience. We're about to spill the tea on 5 secrets that will transform you into a streaming pro.

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In this blog, we'll cover:

• Understanding data usage for streaming
• How to estimate your streaming needs across multiple devices
• Key features for picking the perfect data plan or internet plan
• Using Goji to compare plans from major providers + our top picks
• Tips to make your high-speed data last longer

1. Streaming 101: What's Eating Your Data?

Let's break down how much data streaming really uses:

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Streaming data consumption:

• Video streams: The data hungry hippo (looking at you, Netflix!)
• Streaming music: The steady snacker
• Online gaming: The surprise data muncher

Fun Fact: Did you know an hour of HD video streaming can gobble up to 3GB of data? That's why unlimited high speed data plans are a streamer's best friend!

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Popular Streaming Platforms:

• Netflix: Your one-stop shop for binge-worthy content
• YouTube: Where you can learn how to boost your internet speeds or watch cat videos (no judgment!)
• Twitch: For when you need your online gaming fix
• Spotify: Because silence is overrated, and it uses less data than video!

2. Sizing Up Your Streaming Appetite

Time to play "Guess My Gigabytes" across all your connected devices! 

1. Track Your Current Data Usage:
   • For iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Scroll down to see data usage
   • For Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage
   • Don't forget to check your home internet use too!
2. Crunch Those Numbers: Here's a quick guide to data plans for streaming:
   • Light Snacker: 1-2 hours of streaming/day ≈ 40-80 GB/month
   • Average Household: 3-4 hours of streaming/day ≈ 90-150 GB/month
   • Data Devourer: 5+ hours of streaming/day ≈ 150+ GB/month (time to consider unlimited data!)

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your data usage for a month. It's like a data diary, helping you choose between limited data plans and unlimited options!

3. What Makes a Killer Internet Plan for Streaming?

Looking for the Goldilocks of internet plans? Here's what you need:

1. Unlimited Data or High Data Cap:
   • If you're streaming on multiple devices, an unlimited high speed data plan ensures you never hit the brakes on your binge sessions. However, if your internet use is moderate, a plan with a high-speed data allotment might be more cost-effective.
2. No Data Throttling:
   • Data throttling is when your internet provider slows down your connection after you've used a certain amount of data.
3. Fast Speeds are King:
   • Goji's coverage map tool helps you make the right decision when choosing internet providers. See which provider offers the fastest speeds in your area, ensuring you can stream in high video quality anywhere, anytime. It's like Google Maps, but for your internet service!
4. Consider Your Connection Type
   • Cable internet, DSL internet, fiber internet, or even satellite internet for rural areas - each has its pros and cons for streaming.

4. Plan Showdown: Our Picks

It's time to compare those internet plans!

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Use Goji Mobile to weigh up:

• Monthly Price: Try ChatBarry, our plan finder! Answer a few questions about your streaming habits and connected devices, and it'll find plans that fit your wants and needs.
• Check coverage: Use our coverage map to see which carrier works best in your area.
• Data Caps vs Unlimited: Browse plans on Goji and filter based on data type. Need unlimited data for your devices? Hotspot data for on-the-go streaming? We've got you covered!

Our Top Plan Picks:

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Visible Unlimited Plan

• Carrier: Visible by Verizon
• Price: $25/month for one line
• Why it's a winner: Truly unlimited high-speed data on Verizon’s network + unlimited hotspot
• Perfect for: The "just one more episode" crowd who can't stop watching

T-Mobile Go5G Plus Plan

• Carrier: T-Mobile
• Price: $95/month for one line
• Why it's a winner: Unlimited premium data with 50GB high-speed hotspot data + AppleTV and Netflix
• Perfect for: Savvy streamers who want big value and an entertainment bundle

Verizon Unlimited Ultimate

• Carrier: Verizon
• Price: $80/month for one line
• Why it's a winner: Unlimited premium data with 60GB mobile hotspot data + option to add on entertainment perks
• Perfect for: Tech-savvy viewers who want a buffer-free experience and might be interested in bundles

AT&T Unlimited Premium PL

• Carrier: AT&T
• Price: $50.99/month for one line
• Why it's a winner: Unlimited data with 60GB hotspot + 4K UHD streaming available
• Perfect for: Unlimited data on AT&T’s network at a great price per line.

US Mobile Unlimited Premium Plan

• Carrier: US Mobile
• Price: $44/month for one line
• Why it's a winner: Unlimited data + 100GB high-speed data + 50GB hotspot
• Perfect for: Users who don’t like contracts and want premium data at a low price (you can save more if you pay yearly) 

Mint Mobile Unlimited Plan

• Carrier: Mint Mobile
• Price: $15/month with new customer offer
• Why it's a winner: Unlimited data with 10GB mobile hotspot included + runs on T-Mobile’s 5G network
• Perfect for: Casual streamers who want savings but need reliable data on the go

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Pro Tip: Contract vs. No Contract? No-contract plans are typically prepaid and may have a data cap. Be sure to check the fine print to ensure your streaming quality won't suffer once you hit your high-speed data allotment. Also, watch out for activation fees and additional taxes!

5. Data-Stretching Magic Tricks for Your Mobile Device

Want to make your data plan last longer than your last New Year's resolution? Try these tips to reduce data usage:

1. Quality Control:
   • Lowering video resolution is like putting your data on a diet. Change video quality settings in your streaming apps for more data-efficient viewing.
2. Wi-Fi is Your BFF:
   • Use Wi-Fi whenever you can, especially for data-hungry 4K streams. It's like free refills for your data plan!
3. App Tools:
   • Many streaming platforms have data-saving features. Use them on your mobile devices! It's like finding a shortcut on your commute to faster speeds.
4. Mind Your Mobile Hotspot:
   • Using your phone as a hotspot for other devices? Keep an eye on that hotspot data - it can disappear faster than you think!