Understanding Data Priority
Not all "unlimited" plans are created equal. Learn how network priority affects your speeds and which plans give you the best experience.
The Quick Version
When cell towers get busy (stadiums, concerts, rush hour), carriers decide whose data gets priority. MVNOs typically have lower priority than postpaid customers, which can mean slower speeds during peak times.
Priority Levels Explained
🟢 Premium Data
Same network priority as postpaid customers. No deprioritization.
Your data is as fast as the main carrier customers. No slowdowns.
🟢 Standard Priority
High priority data. May experience minor deprioritization during extreme congestion.
Fast speeds most of the time. Might slow slightly in very crowded areas.
🟡 Deprioritized
Lower network priority. Speeds may slow during congestion but no hard caps.
May slow down in busy areas (stadiums, concerts). Fine otherwise.
🔴 Throttled After Cap
Hard speed cap after data threshold. Typically 1-3 Mbps.
Gets very slow after you use your high-speed data. Still works, just slower.
Common Questions
Will I actually notice deprioritization?
It depends on where you live. In most suburban and rural areas, you'll rarely notice any difference. In dense urban areas or at events, you might see slower speeds during peak hours. Many users on deprioritized plans report excellent speeds most of the time.
What's the difference between deprioritization and throttling?
Deprioritization only affects you when the tower is busy. If no one else is using the tower, you get full speed.
Throttling is a hard speed cap that applies all the time, regardless of network conditions. Once you hit your limit, you're stuck at 1-3 Mbps until next month.
Which priority level do I need?
Premium priority: If you live in a major city, attend lots of events, or need reliable speeds for work.
Standard/Deprioritized: Fine for most people. Try it first - you can always upgrade if needed.
Throttled plans: Great if you mainly use WiFi and just need cellular for backup or light use.
How can I test before committing?
Many MVNOs offer trial periods or no-contract plans. We recommend testing during your normal routine - commute times, lunch breaks, and any locations where you typically need data. Run speed tests at different times of day to see real-world performance.