Best Tech of 2012

Verizon & AT&T Shared Data Plans

Verizon's Share Everything and AT&T's Mobile Share shared data plans arrived in 2012 making it easier for families to get everyone on the plan with a smartphone without breaking the bank.

This allows users to add tablets and even 4G LTE cameras to their Verizon and AT&T plans without a huge bump in the monthly bill. The plans include unlimited minutes and texts, removing the need to monitor who everyone on a family plan is calling.

Read: AT&T Mobile Share Saves Big

Both Share Everything and Mobile Share include the personal hotspot feature for all phones, allowing each user to connect other WiFi devices without an extra fee. On Verizon, the iPad and iPad mini also include the personal hotspot option without an added fee.

This is an end to unlimited data for new plans on Verizon and  AT&T, but for many users and families the new shared data plans offer more value than an unlimited plan could.