Karma Neverstop Decides to Keep Speed, But Cap Usage

A couple weeks ago, Karma shocked their customers with an e=mail asking them to provide feedback on what was important to them. After seeing mega high usage on their Neverstop unlimited data plan for $50/month, they had to find a way to reduce usage.

Since then they have been experimenting with different speed caps than the 5 mbps offered - customers reported speeds as slow as 1.5 mbps. And for a while, it seemed the offering would settle out at a usable 2.5 mbps.

Alas, Karma this morning sent out a message to their customers saying the survey results showed that speed was more important than unlimited usage. We expect had they only surveyed RVers, they would have come to a different conclusion.

Effective today, Karma has changed the Neverstop Service to include:

• 5Mbps up and down speeds
• Get 15GB of data per month. After this, you’ll still be online but with speeds good enough for emailing and messaging
• Earn a $1 credit for each unused GB

Customers still get unlimited data, just only the first 15GB is at the faster speeds. The speed throttling after that has been confirmed by Karma to be just 64-128 kbps (dial up speeds!). Customers do get a little credit back for unused high speed data, which is a nifty perk.

At a price of $50/month, that makes the per GB higher speed pricing come in at a $3.33/GB. Which isn't a bad price - but it's also not overly attractive either. Had the plan been marketed this way from the beginning, it would still be appealing to a certain market of casual browsers.

Many RVers who hopped on this deal were picking it up as a primary or secondary means of connectivity - for working, homeschooling and even streaming entertainment. And in today's age, 15GB in a month just isn't enough except for basic usage.

But, if you’re looking to binge watch Netflix 24/7, this probably isn’t the product for you. - Karma, 1/18/2016

If you were a Karma customer, and this new deal isn't workable for you - Karma has extended their return period to get your money back on the device purchase. Of course, this doesn't help those who may have canceled other services that they can't get back.

However, for those who want a Sprint option in their arsenal as a back-up or those who have minimal data needs, this isn't a bad way to go. You can still turn the service off in months you don't need it. And you can purchase unexpiring data to use on their Refuel plan at $14/GB.

So, what options are left for unlimited data that can be used to get multiple devices online?

• Verizon Unlimited Plans can still be obtained by taking over older grandfathered plans. We have a full guide to these options in our member area. Monthly costs can range from $45-200, depending upon the route taken.
• Unlimitedville.com still offers a truly unlimited, unthrottled Sprint hotspot plan for $42.99/month (plus taxes) with a 2 year contract. It is only available the 'qualified businesses' however, but might be an option for some.
• All other unlimited plans we know of at current time from T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint directly are 'on device only'. With T-Mobile offering 14GB/month of that unlimited data available for hotspot/tethering use and included unlimited video streaming.