iPhone 4S: comparing Verizon, AT&T and Sprint data plans

Where is this Unicorn of a $80 plan from Sprint? They have a totally unlimited plan for $99 a 450 minute plan for $69 and a 900 minute plan for $89

holy mackerel .. $95 for 5 GB.

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This doesn't factor in Verizon's different texting plans. Not everybody needs the $20 unlimited plan, I get by just fine with the $10 for 500 with unlimited to Verizon customers. There's also the 250 plan for $5.

Good luck getting fast enough speeds on any of these networks with the 4S to meet any cap, or need Sprint's unlimited data plan.

I'm not sure that's an apples to apples comparison. The sprit plan comes with unlimited mobile to mobile on any network. If you get the $20 unlimited text plan, the At&t plan also comes with unlimited mobile to mobile on any network.

Assuming coverage is equal across the three, how is Sprint not also a better option for average users?

If you want 200MB, AT&T is cheapest... but if you want 2GB and a text package (which most will), Sprint is cheapest, and continues to be all the way up the chart. There is no situation on here (again, assuming coverage is equal and you're on an individual plan) where Verizon is the best option.

There are also the third party suppliers. An unlocked iPhone on H2O's $60 unlimited voice, text, and data plan only takes 7 months to break-even over a subsidized plan at a higher rate. One thing to consider is it is, after the initial setup, $60 a month, and that is inclusive of taxes and fees. The published prices of the other carriers and the published comparisons don't account for the taxes and fees which can add $20 or more each month to your bill. And as H2O is overlaid on the AT&T network, no worries there. You lose visual voicemail, but the savings make using the old school system worthwhile. And in addition H2O gives unlimited SMS new meaning as international SMS is included in that. And one more thing. $20 of the H2O Wireless monthly fee is credited towards international calls. And if you've ever priced an international call through the other carriers, you'll be pleasantly surprised that not only is there the allowance of 'free' calls internationally, but the charged rate is a bargain, at 1/2 the steepest AT&T discount rate, and about 1/20 the cost if you don't have (which AT&T charges another monthly fee for) an international dialing plan.

There are cheaper options for those who don't want a 2 year contract to save a little up front on the phone itself. And after the break even period it is just solid money in the bank in terms of savings...

So look around and don't assume AT&T, Verizon or Sprint are the only choices.

I love my iPhone 4S

Unless of course you have the unlimited data plan grandfathered from AT&T, which may change the outcome entirely of this comparison!