Report: Unlimited Data Users Report Fewer Network Problems

A new report suggests that unlimited data customers report fewer network issues and are more satisfied overall with their broadband connections. JD Power's latest US Wireless Network Quality Performance Study found that customers with unlimited data plans experience a lower incidence of overall network problems, data problems, messaging problems and calling problems than those with data allowances.

The study also found that customers who bring their old devices to a new plan (BYOD) experience more network quality problems than those that purchase phones from their carrier.

The findings mirror similar findings from the same firm last year.

Specifically, this report found that unlimited data plan customers reported an average of 11 overall network quality problems per 100 connections (PP100) versus an average of 13 PP100 among customers with data allowances. The report also found unlimited data customers cited a lower incidence of data problems (15 PP100 vs. 17PP100).

Note that the study measures overall customer "perception" of their network experience, not the actual performance -- meaning that being free of annoying additional surcharges should you burn through your monthly allotment is likely heavily coloring individual user positions.

"Bring your own device, or BYOD, promotions that allow wireless customers to bring their existing device with them when they switch carriers have become a major trend as upgrade cycles lengthen, but they are having a negative effect on customer perception of network quality," said Peter Cunningham, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Practice Lead at J.D. Power.

"Meanwhile, unlimited data plans continue to be associated with higher network quality for the second straight year, underscoring the huge importance wireless customers have placed on unlimited data usage," Cunningham added.

The study also compared perception based on carrier, finding that Verizon Wireless ranked highest in all six regions covered in the study, with better PP100 scores than the regional averages in call quality, messaging quality and data quality.