Cheap (slow) unlimited mobile data plans in Hong Kong

Towards the beginning of 2012 the telecommunications regulator in Hong Kong told the various mobile phone operators they needed to be clearer on the definition of “unlimited” data.  As a result all the mobile phone operators have introduced data caps, or changing of network priority if you exceed a certain amount of data.Another, slightly related trend later in 2012, was the introduction of totally unlimited data plans, but at a much slower access rate by some mobile providers in Hong Kong.  The deal with these tariffs are that you get totally unlimited access, but your data speeds are limited to 384 kbps (for reference the present maximum 3G speeds on most networks is 43,008 kbps and the maximum 4G LTE speeds are 102,400 kbps).  So basically, while you are getting non capped, unlimited data, you are getting very slow data speeds.  These sorts of data speeds are fine for emailing, messaging (such as with WhatsApp, etc) and casual browsing, but probably not ideal for video / music streaming or VOIP calling.The other benefit of these tariffs are their cost.  Whilst normal 3G/4G sim only tariffs run at about HK$170 – HK$300 a month (depending on data allowance) the slower rate unlimited tariffs cost under HK$100 a month.  At present three networks provide these tariffs as sim only options: New World Mobility, SmarTone and China Mobile.  [Please note, any pricing I have stated here is inclusive of the HK$12 administrative fee].New World MobilityTariff details (in Chinese): http://www.nwmobile.com/promotion01.jhtmlThe tariff details do not mention the speeds, but from speaking to NWM staff, they have confirmed the speeds are limited to 384 kbps.  The price of the tariff is HK$72 a month with a 1 year commitment.  As NWM is part of the CSL group, SMS to customers on NWM, 1O1O and one2free are free.  You also get 1,700 inclusive minutes.SmarToneTariff details: http://www.smartone.com/jsp/mobile/prices/3G_plan/english/index.jsp#smcThe price of the tariff is HK$80 a month with a 6 month commitment.  SMS to other SmarTone customers is free.  You also get 1,700 inclusive minutes.China MobileTariff details: http://www.hk.chinamobile.com/en/services_plan/3GLite/index.htmlThe price of the tariff is HK$80 a month with a 1 year commitment.  SMS to other China Mobile customers is free for the first 10,000 messages a month.  You also get 1,700 inclusive minutes.Interestingly you can sign up to unlimited Wi-Fi with CMHK for an additional HK$12 a month for a one year commitment.  More information about CMHK’s Wi-Fi service: http://www.hk.chinamobile.com/en/data-n-vas/wifi_n_mobileServices/data-n-vas-wifi.html.  The coverage seems to suggest that CMHK is using PCCW’s Wi-Fi hotspots (and PCCW has the largest Wi-Fi network in Hong Kong).[It should be noted that CMHK does not have its own 3G network and as a result is renting 3G capacity from PCCW Mobile.Conclusion

NWM does work out the cheapest, but you are committed a 1 year contract, whilst SmarTone’s commitment is only 6 months (but at a slightly higher price).  CMHK’s tariff has the benefit of a cheap Wi-Fi bolt-on with excellent Wi-Fi coverage.