Will a 5GB data plan be enough for active trading?

Discussion in 'Data Sets and Feeds' started by wartrace, Feb 16, 2009.

  1. I have a similar problem in MY single-wide. What aggravates me about the VZ modem and SW is the time to restart after a dropout. Have to unplug the modem. Kill the SW. Plug in the modem. Start the SW. Wait for connection. Maybe a minute. Only reason I am keeping the VZ and not going back to T is that the bandwidth is blazing.

    Oh, and I have to use my cablemodem to download porno videos because of the usage limit, haha!
     
    #11     Feb 16, 2009
  2. I see some potential variables here; do you use tick or second charts? They take lots more data than minute charts. And what number of symbols do you watch in streaming real time quotes at a time?
    I started using Verizon data card services, and moved to Sprint when Verizon did the 5 GB deal to their unlimited data access customers. Now Sprint has done the same thing. I think all 3 major data card providers, Verizon, Sprint, ATT all unfortunately now have this 5 GB limit.
    With satellite you probably are already used to some greater than cable data lag; reliability may be so so depending where you are relative to nearest tower and how busy the area is. My Sprint cards drop off randomly, not too often but they do it. Also, is this just for trading use? You will find if you are data card only, as I often am, that surfing, program updates, internet radio all can help use up your data limit. I have bumped the 5gb limit and throttled myself down, or postponed downloads until the next month to avoid the overage situation. If it's all you can get, it's way better than dial up, but it sure isn't high speed cable.
     
    #12     Feb 16, 2009
  3. Excellent points. My fastest chart is one second, and I am significantly under each month. Looking at the stats for this AM, my max VZ download rate was 1.5 MB/sec, not shabby for wireless. T never even came close to that.
     
    #13     Feb 16, 2009
  4. Redneck

    Redneck

    4 charts 1 S&P, 3 of stock different time frames but none less than 1 min

    Level II w/ T&S

    Stock watch list w 25 stocks

    All stocks 5M per day or more (think JPM last week)/ or stocks like POT/ RIMM

    I also track the 3biggies DOW, S&P, COMP, along with Oil, Vix, TRIN, and TICK

    and it's near as fast as my Desktop connected on uverse - meaning I can't tell the difference executing orders
     
    #14     Feb 16, 2009
  5. wartrace

    wartrace

    I am getting into options writing for the most part, I will just need the Internet to monitor price changes & to do research. I would really like to use vonnage with it too if possible ( I don't chat too much so it might not be a factor)

    The problem I have with it is that for every gig over the five GB limit it would cost me 51 dollars. I also have an issue with the 175 dollar "early termination fee". If I want to terminate the dang service I shouldn't have to pay extra.
     
    #15     Feb 16, 2009
  6. There are free programs out there that let you track to see how much you are using. One I use is called Bit Meter:

    http://codebox.no-ip.net/controller?page=bitmeter2

    I like it since it has a function built in where you can tell it how much bandwidth you are allotted by your ISP and it will track it and warn when you are getting close.
     
    #16     Feb 16, 2009
  7. harkm

    harkm


    I don't understand what you are saying? 800mb gives you about 6 days. I have a Sprint plan with 5gb limit and used about 200mb the first day before 1pm Central. That is just rediculous. I had a spreadsheat with about 20 stocks and some futures quotes going and Amibroker too. They need to up the limit to 10gb to make it worthwhile.
     
    #17     Feb 16, 2009
  8. wartrace

    wartrace

    Maybe they don't want anymore customers on their service? That's the only explanation I can think of. I need at LEAST 15 gb before I commit to a two year contract & I need a thirty day test drive before I would ever think of committing to them as a provider.
     
    #18     Feb 16, 2009