Latest news with #Welcome
Business Insider
4 hours ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Verizon review: A stellar option for families and friend groups with four or more lines
In the spectrum of US carrier choices, Verizon sits firmly in the same field as AT&T and T-Mobile as a premium major carrier operating its own network. As such, Verizon offers postpaid plans that come with none of the compromises from even the best cheap cell phone plans and more affordable prepaid plans from mobile-virtual-network-operators (MVNOs), like Mint Mobile, Tello, US Mobile, and even its subsidiary, Visible. To be sure, Verizon also offers prepaid plans, but they're awful value compared to the prepaid MVNO plans, including Visible. Indeed, major carriers are mostly known for their postpaid plans. Still, Verizon may not be for everyone from a value standpoint for those with three or fewer lines. Whether you choose Verizon should also depend on whether its network has coverage for your particular area and needs. After years of personal use, testing, and comparing against major carriers and MVNOs, I can safely say that my experience with Verizon's coverage, plans, and data speeds has been excellent. Specifically, Verizon's Unlimited Plus plan earns the top spot in our best cell phone plan and best unlimited data plans guide. Plan offerings and flexibility Verizon offers three premium-level postpaid plans and three budget-conscious prepaid plans. As things stand, the myPlan postpaid plans all come with a three-year price-lock guarantee (excluding taxes and fees) - not that you need us to tell you, given how much the Pete Davidson ads for it have been running lately. Lines Unlimited Welcome Unlimited Plus Unlimited Ultimate 1 $65 $80 $90 2 $55 per line $70 per line $80 per line 3 $40 per line $55 per line $65 per line 4 $30 per line $45 per line $55 per line Right off the bat, check out Visible instead if you're looking for fewer than four-line plans, or you're considering Verizon's prepaid plans for a lower monthly bill. Visible is a Verizon subsidiary that runs on the major carrier's network and offers significantly more value. Focusing now on Verizon's three postpaid plans, they all offer truly unlimited data and access to all of Verizon's 5G networks, including basic 5G (low and mid-band) and mmWave 5G, which Verizon markets as "5G Ultra Wideband." Unlike T-Mobile, each line can opt for a different plan, so you're not all stuck with the highest cost if only one of you needs the Ultimate version. Just note that Verizon's Unlimited Welcome plan offers 5G Ultra Wideband access at a limited 25 Mbps data speed. This is plenty for regular browsing and can handle streaming nicely, too. But if you're regularly downloading larger files away from WiFi, it'll take much longer than the more expensive plans. Only the mid-range Unlimited Plus and high-end Unlimited Ultimate plans include mobile hotspot and discounts on separate device plans (for smartwatches and tablets). Unlimited Plus comes with 30GB of hotspot data. Unlimited Ultimate has some small print worth noting regarding its inclusion of "unlimited mobile hotspot data," as there's a caveat that speeds are reduced to 6 Mbps once you go past 200GB of hotspot data. That's a large chunk of data, but if you're regularly working away from WiFi and do a lot of video calls, download large files, or want to stream video content, you might hit a cap. 6 Mbps after that is a huge reduction, but still enough for browsing the web, Zoom calls might get a bit choppy though. They all offer discounts for Verizon Home Internet customers (like Fios). With Verizon's current structure, you could pay as little as $35 monthly for Verizon's 300 Mbps Fios service, or $75 monthly for gigabit speeds combined with autopay and paperless billing discounts. They also all include bring-your-own-device (BYOD) discounts with increasing discount amounts for higher-tier plans. Verizon Mobile Plans Verizon's prepaid and postpaid plans include various options for unlimited data with premium features like prioritized high-speed data, extensive mobile hot spot data, and discounts for adjacent services that may justify the cost of a major carrier. Check price at Verizon One of Verizon's major draws is its perks, which include discounts on popular third-party services like the Disney Plus Bundle, a Netflix and Max combo, Apple One, Apple Music Family, and YouTube Premium. These perks will increase your monthly Verizon bill, as you pay for those services through Verizon. However, they reduce the cost of subscribing to those services. You can use these perks to reduce the cost of existing subscriptions, which can be a little confusing to manage via Verizon, as you need to transfer your subscription accounts to your Verizon account, but the option is there. Data speeds Verizon's advertised data speeds range between 11 Mbps, the slowest speed on its LTE network, and 634 Mbps, the highest speed on its 5G Ultra Wideband network. Verizon's basic 5G data speeds are advertised between 35 and 143 Mbps. Suffice to say that data speeds shouldn't be an issue for most people for almost any task, from basic web browsing and basic apps to streaming video and scrolling down media-rich social media apps. Speeds and coverage vary greatly depending on your location, whether at home, work, or in your hometown. We rarely faced any issues with Verizon's data speeds for data-heavy tasks, even with one or two bars of signal. The only time I faced issues was in area pockets known to have poor Verizon coverage, which I get to below. Coverage Verizon is known for its expansive and balanced coverage in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Still, there are areas where other carriers, like T-Mobile or AT&T, have better coverage. Our overall experience with Verizon has been very good, and it covers areas we frequent well. However, we can't possibly tell you if Verizon has good coverage for you. Your best bet is to ask neighbors, friends, family, and even social media what network they use and whether they're happy with it. While Verizon's coverage map can give you an idea, it's not always accurate — even if it shows your area has coverage, it doesn't reflect whether it supports sufficient data speeds. For example, I live in a specific pocket of a sprawling Connecticut mid-country suburb, and I face coverage issues with all carriers, including Verizon (I recognize the irony for a reporter like myself writing carrier reviews). While I can get two bars of Verizon LTE coverage at home, video streaming on data is impossible, and phone calls are just about acceptable. I am strongly reliant on WiFi for internet and WiFi calling at home. Screenshot of Verizon's coverage map. Indeed, I can forget about the lightest data usage at home, inside, or outside. Even sending data-based texts like iMessages or WhatsApp (not SMS texts) requires me to stand on a low wall outside the house, reaching for the sky with my phone, when there's an internet outage. Verizon will sometimes offer a promotion for a free network extender (usually $250). I've used a similar variant to the current model in the past, and while it provides a strong LTE signal for phone calls, texts, and data, it's reliant on an internet connection. That's not helpful to anyone if your ISP is facing an internet outage. The range extender I used in the past also required to be installed near a window so it could get a GPS connection, which isn't ideal depending on the location of your router. Overall, I don't recommend the network extender, especially at $250. On the flipside, Verizon has coverage in a remote area of the Adirondacks region in upstate NY I visit annually, which is one of the reasons I picked Verizon over others. Indeed, I can stream videos on Verizon's networks in this remote region. To be sure, this kind of experience can be had with any carrier, so as I mentioned earlier, it's best to find out whether Verizon works well for people in the areas you often visit. Customer support You can reach Verizon customer support via online chat, text message, at a first-party or authorized physical location, and over the phone. Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider Verizon's customer support is typical for a large company — remote support options usually start with automated or AI assistance, but you can say or type "representative" to get a real human being. It depends on the day, but it can take anywhere from less than a minute to "a while" to reach a human. Verizon offers a call-back feature that lets you hang up and keep your place in line, and a customer service representative will call you back when it's your turn. I've had all my minor issues in recent memory addressed, and it can take five minutes (after reaching a human) to a couple of hours, depending on the issue, day, or representative. Overall, I have been happy with Verizon's support. Should you sign up for Verizon? Anyone living in and visiting places with good Verizon coverage will be happy with its data speeds and overall experience. However, it might not offer the best value for every type of user or account. Verizon offers the best value for customers with four lines or more, making it a great option for families and friend groups. If you have fewer than four lines, you should check out Verizon's subsidiary, Visible. Our guide provides a detailed Visible vs. Verizon comparison. There's only one good reason to opt for a Verizon prepaid plan: the potential to get better support from a human being, whether on the phone, online, or at a physical location. Otherwise, Visible's prepaid plans offer significantly better value. Verizon offers the best perks in the industry with its discounts for popular third-party services. However, don't base your decision on perks alone. Rather, you should primarily pick a carrier based on coverage. Does Verizon have a senior plan? Yes and no. Verizon offers plans for seniors 55 or older who live in Florida only. These plans include unlimited talk, text, and deprioritized data. They also include a mobile hotspot, but at an unusably slow 600 Kbps (too slow to be of any use). In most cases, we'd rather recommend Verizon's Unlimited Welcome for seniors. For a single line, its $62 monthly cost is marginally less than Verizon's base $65 Unlimited Welcome plan. For two lines at $42 each a month, you could argue it's worth going for compared to the Unlimited Welcome's $55 a month per line for two lines. Either way, we'd rather recommend Verizon over Visible or other MVNOs for seniors due to Verizon's superior support options and availability. If T-Mobile is an option, we'd rather recommend the top pick in our best cell phone plans for seniors guide, T-Mobile's Essentials Choice 55 Plan for $45 a month for a single line or $60 total a month for two lines. Which is better, Verizon or AT&T? This is a question of coverage for your specific area and places you visit — I've personally experienced better coverage and data speeds with Verizon in the Northeast, but it might be different for you. If Verizon and AT&T both offer the coverage you need, however, Verizon has an edge for its perks. T-Mobile review to see if they're a better match for you. Verizon Unlimited Plus Plan Verizon's Unlimited Plus plan offers unlimited 'premium data,' so you don't have to worry about data caps or slower speeds when the network is congested. Other carriers also offer this in some of their plans, but Verizon has the best overall coverage, includes excellent perks, and it's not even the carrier's most expensive option. Check price at Verizon
Pink Villa
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Director Ahmed Khan breaks silence on Welcome to the Jungle's financial troubles: 'Coordinating dates of 36 actors is no small task'
Welcome To The Jungle is a massive Bollywood comedy with 36 prominent actors. It has faced multiple delays in its shooting schedule. Director Ahmed Khan recently explained the real reasons behind the hold-up. He also cleared up rumors about the alleged money problems. The film, led by stars like Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Anil Kapoor, and others, is the third part of the popular Welcome series. It was set for a Christmas 2024 release but now, even a Christmas 2025 release is unsure. Director Ahmed Khan Gives A Clarification On The Multiple Shoot Delays Of Welcome To The Jungle The delay happened because the team couldn't shoot in Kashmir as planned. They were supposed to film there in June 2025, but unexpected issues forced them to cancel. Ahmed Khan said finding a new location that looks similar to Kashmir is tough, and coordinating the schedules of 36 actors is a huge challenge. He explained that getting everyone together at the same time takes a lot of effort, which is why the shoot has been postponed. The team is now working hard to find a new place to film and reschedule the actors' dates. Ahmed Khan Reveals If Financial Troubles Are A Reason For The Shoot Coming To A Hault There were rumors that the movie was delayed because of financial troubles. Some reports even claimed that actors were leaving the project due to unpaid fees. However, Ahmed Khan denied these claims. He said he doesn't handle the money side of things, as that's the job of producer Firoz Nadiadwala. The Baaghi 3 director made it clear that the delay is only because of the location issue and the difficulty of managing such a large cast, not because of any financial problems. Welcome To The Jungle has already completed around 70 percent of its shooting. The film also features a mix of well-known actors like Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, and others, along with comedians like Johnny Lever and Rajpal Yadav. The excitement is already very high. Welcome To The Jungle Was Announced For A Christmas 2024 Release Ahmed Khan Is Confident; He Asks Fans To Ignore Any Rumours The Welcome series is known for its funny storylines and entertaining characters, and this third installment is expected to deliver the same. Ahmed Khan is confident that the team will overcome the challenges. He said they are fully committed to making the film and are working on a new plan to finish the remaining scenes. The director also asked fans to ignore the rumors and stay excited for the movie. With such a big cast and the success of the earlier Welcome films, there's no doubt that Welcome To The Jungle will take a massive start at the box office. Update On The Shoot Schedule Of Welcome To The Jungle The team is now focused on finding a new filming location and getting the actors' schedules aligned. While no new shooting date has been confirmed, Ahmed Khan assured fans that Welcome To The Jungle is still on track to be a major Bollywood release. Fans of the franchise can look forward to more updates as the team works to complete this star-studded project. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates on Ahmed Khan and Welcome To The Jungle.
India Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Ahmed Khan cites Pahalgam Attack, Kashmir schedule for Welcome to the Jungle delay
'Welcome to The Jungle' director Ahmed Khan clarified what has been causing a delay in the film's shooting schedule. In an interview recently, the choreographer-turned-director shared that they had to reschedule shooting following the tragic Pahalgam attack in May, and that led to a lot of spoke to Bollywood Hungama and said they were supposed to begin their third shoot scheduled for June, but couldn't return to Kashmir. "We have already shot two lengthy schedules. We were supposed to shoot in Kashmir in June for a third, long schedule. That would have brought us close to completing the film. But then the Pahalgam tragedy happened. The Kashmir schedule had to be cancelled," he 51-year-old mentioned that they are now scouting for a similar location, but scheduling the dates for 36 actors again would take time. "It could be any similar hinterland. We may shoot in Kullu or Himachal Pradesh. But going back to Kashmir is not feasible. We have to plan the schedule from scratch in another location. Coordinating the dates of thirty-six actors again is no small task. We're working on it," he asked to comment on the reports suggesting the shooting of the film was halted due to financial issues, Khan shared that only the producers have the answers to that. "I have no idea about that. All financial matters are handled by the producer, Firoz Nadiadwala," he concluded. advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Team Ahmed Khan (@khan_ahmedasas)Earlier, various reports cited financial issues as the reason behind the delay in the shoot. Rumours also suggested actors backing out of the film in the absence of any new structure for the film is slated to hit the screens on December 26 this year. It is the third part in the popular 'Welcome' franchise. The film is headlined by Akshay Kumar, and features an elaborate cast, including Paresh Rawal, Sanjay Dutt, Raveena Tandon, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Jackie Shroff, Lara Dutta, Rajpal Yadav, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Johny Lever, and Suniel Shetty, among others. IN THIS STORY#Akshay Kumar
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
42 beneficiaries receive welfare aid from Lanang MP
Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee, chairman of Malaysia Red Crescent Sibu Chapter, receives his organisation's aid from Lau. SIBU (June 19): A total 42 individuals received welfare assistance from Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker and Lanang MP Alice Lau, during a community aid presentation ceremony here recently. The event also saw the distribution of Minor Rural Project (MRP) funds to 49 organisations across the constituency. The welfare aid covered a range of support categories including dialysis treatment, educational assistance, medical aid, death benefits, and newborn support under the Lanang constituency. Lau expressed her hope that the aid would benefit the targeted recipients and encouraged collective efforts to build a caring and inclusive society. 'Individuals requiring long-term treatment such as dialysis or cancer care may apply for assistance from my service centre,' said Lau. She also highlighted the continuation of the 'Welcome, Lanang New Born' programme, which was first introduced in September last year. Under the initiative, babies born on or after September 16, 2024, are eligible for newborn benefits – provided that at least one biological parent is a registered voter in Lanang. To apply, parents must submit copies of their identity cards and the newborn's birth certificate to Pusat Khidmat P211 Lanang within 90 days of the child's birth. Lau reminded all grant recipients – particularly organisations – that transparency is essential when using public funds. She urged all beneficiaries to submit proper reports after utilising the grants or hosting funded activities. 'If the organisations receive the grants but fail to submit reports, they will be blacklisted by the relevant authorities. This may result in future applications being rejected,' she noted. Constituents seeking assistance for medical aid, disaster relief, education, or other services may visit Pusat Khidmat P211 Lanang located at No. 2, Lorong Lanang 82, during office hours. Alice Lau Lanang lead Sibu welfare assistance
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Welcome To The Jungle Update: Akshay Kumars Film Shoot Halted Not Over Financial Dues, But Due To THIS Reason
New Delhi: Akshay Kumar's Welcome to the Jungle has been creating buzz on social media amid reports that the shoot of the multi-starrer comedy was halted due to financial issues. Earlier, it was claimed that non-payment of dues to actors had led to a production standstill. The film shoot was halted last month. Now, a fresh updates have emerged regarding the shoot of the film, which marks the third installment of the popular Welcome franchise. Why Akshay Kumar's Film Shoot Is Halted? Akshay kumar-led The Welcome to the Jungle film shoot has been halted due to different reasons. A source close to the film confirmed to Indian Express SCREEN that the shoot of the third installment of the popular Welcome franchise, has been halted due to a location you read it right, squashing the rumours about unexpected financial hurdles. The film supposed to have its next schedule in Kashmir. A source close to the film's production has now shared, '70% of the shoot of Welcome to the Jungle is already done. The remaining 30% was to be scheduled in Kashmir, but because of the unfortunate Pahalgam attack, the plan got pushed.' Welcome to the Jungle Shoot Updates In an fresh updates, Sharing the insights about the shoot for Akshay Kumar starrer the source further added, 'The entire schedule was locked, which included helicopters, over 250 horses with horsemen, and 1200 junior artists. But, everything is on track, all 34 actors are excited and set to commence the last marathon schedule. This schedule will begin post-rains at a different location.' About Welcome to the Jungle Welcome to the Jungle, directed by Ahmed Khan, features an ensemble cast of 34 actors led by Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Raveena Tandon, and Disha Patani, Lara Dutta and Rajpal Yadav among others. The film is being produced by Firoz Nadiadwala. The film was officially announced in 2023. Welcome to the Jungle was scheduled to be released on Christmas 2025, but Later the release got postponed.
