I’ve had lots of questions about the hotspot usage on the new Unlimited Premium plan on Dark Star, Well US Mobile just updated their fair usage policy and I will copy and paste it below so everyone can see the specifics on the policy.
Prohibited Uses – The following uses of hotspot data are strictly disallowed:
1. Replacing Home Internet – Using the hotspot as a substitute for a dedicated home internet connection, including, but not limited to:
Relying solely on the hotspot for household internet needs instead of subscribing to a residential broadband service.
Routinely using the hotspot for high-bandwidth activities that are typical of home internet usage, such as:
Streaming high-definition content on a TV, gaming console, or other non-mobile devices.
Downloading large files (multi-gigabyte games, software, or videos) when home Wi-Fi is available.
Use as an internet connection in a mobile home or RV will be considered home internet replacement and is disallowed.
2. Continuous or Always-On Connectivity – The hotspot may not be used as an ongoing, always-active internet connection, including but not limited to:
Using the hotspot as a primary internet source for work, gaming, or streaming on a daily basis.
Keeping the hotspot connected for extended, uninterrupted periods.
Example: A user who works remotely and continuously relies on the hotspot for their entire workday or as their sole internet source, even outside a fixed home/location, is in violation.
3. Reselling or Sharing the Connection – Users may not:
Provide or sell hotspot access to third parties.
Share the connection in a way that mimics an ISP (e.g., a home network setup distributing the hotspot connection to multiple users for prolonged use).
4. Unauthorized Devices – The plan is strictly limited to mobile phones and tablets. Use on any other devices, including but not limited to, the following devices is prohibited:
Routers, modems, or any network extension devices.
IoT (Internet of Things) devices, including smart home hubs, security cameras, or cloud-based virtual machines.
Any non-mobile device designed to function as a permanent internet connection.
Hotspot Abuse Indicators & Enforcement
US Mobile actively monitors network usage to prevent abuse. The following patterns may trigger potential enforcement actions and/or a manual review:
1. Excessive Hotspot Usage Patterns
The majority of a user’s data consumption is via hotspot, with little to no direct phone usage.
The user exceeds 200 GB of hotspot usage within a billing cycle or 25 GB in a single day.
The user consistently uses more hotspot data than regular mobile data over consecutive days.
2. Unauthorized Device Usage
Any activity detected from non-permitted devices (e.g., routers, modems, IoT devices).
3. Continuous and Uninterrupted Hotspot Usage
The hotspot remains active for long, uninterrupted durations, indicating that it is functioning as a replacement for traditional home or business internet.
The above patterns are not exhaustive; additional patterns or meta-data that US Mobile determines are indicative of abuse may also trigger enforcement actions and a manual review.
Enforcement Actions:
If US Mobile observes any of the above patterns or a potential violation of these terms, the following actions may be taken until a manual review is completed:
Throttling – Reducing hotspot speeds after a threshold is exceeded.
Temporary Suspension – Hotspot access may be disabled temporarily.
Termination of Service – Repeated violations or extreme abuse may result in account suspension or termination.
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