What happens to unused data?

Question

I got my Galaxy Nexus last May, 2012. I went for the $50 device with new Verizon service sign-up. I liked the phone and the price, but I wanted to activate "tethering" to a notebook computer which I was using before starting Verizon service. If you don't have wi-fi hotspot, maybe it's because you have to order it after initiating service. I looked for the "tethering" feature when I signed-up, but didn't find it. Nevermind, I thought, I will get it later. When I ordered wi-fi hotspot later, I was sold a 3gb plan, in addition to my original 4gb plan, for total 7gb data, and for an extra $30/month cost. Okay, I was curious if I would use that much data. Last month I pushed my wireless use but just went over 4gb. I decided I don't really need 7gb data, and maybe I don't need wi-fi hotspot. I happen to have the Verizon mobile app, and looking at my data usage, I noticed a 4gb data plan with hotspot for $50. That's less than what I am paying for 7gb and I went for it. The app allows users to purchase available Verizon service features like the 4gb plan, which I did. The order got screwed-up, and I had to telephone customer service. I think I now have what I want. My issue with Verizon is it is not easy to find the best plan for my money. Why would any user purchase more data than needed? If it's true "unlimited" was canceled because hackers were re-selling excess wi-fi data, it is probably because some users were motivated by that reason. It does make one think.

Answer 1

It is also possible what you "think" you are paying for is not what Verizon is selling.
Think of it as a gym membership. You pay a monthly fee in order to use everything in that gym whether or not you actually even go 1 single time, every day or whether you only use 1 piece of equipment or 10 pieces of equipment. You don't pay for a month's membership and get to go UNTIL you have used every piece of equipment, your use of the gym expires at the end of the month whether or not you have used it at all or every day UNLESS you pay for another month. You don't get to use the gym any more next month because you did not make full use of it the previous month, you get to use it the exact same as your membership level indicates UNLESS you pay for a higher level of service.
THIS is how Verizon thinks of its service. You pay a monthly fee to have access to a set amount of data/minutes/texts. Whether or not you use that amount is up to you. If you don't use it that much, you should rethink the allowances you have set for yourself. You can change them at any time.
You can use ANY of it or you can use ALL of it, it is completely up to you. You can even incur additional fees if you go over your set usage, just like a gym where you can incur additional fees by utilizing services which are not included in your monthly membership payment.
And you are right, I can't blame a guy for hoping.