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Priority data

Add priority data to your Dark Star line to get faster speeds and reliable service during times of congestion. This article explains what priority data is and how it works.

Data priority explained​

Network priority determines how your data traffic is handled during times of network congestion. Think of it like lanes on a highway: priority data gets you in the faster lane when traffic gets heavy.

What is network priority?​

Every cellular carrier manages network traffic using a system called QCI (Quality Class Identifier). This system assigns different priority levels to different types of data. When a cell tower gets busy, the network gives preference to higher-priority data to keep things moving smoothly.

When priority matters:

  • Crowded events (concerts, sports games, festivals)
  • Dense urban areas during peak hours
  • Popular locations with lots of users

When priority doesn't matter:

Network priority only comes into play when the tower you're connected to is congested. Most of the time, you won't notice any difference between priority and standard data.

Priority (QCI) levels for each network​

Here's a summary of QCI levels for each of our networks.

Dark Star​

QCI levelDescriptionOur plans at that level
QCI 8High priorityUnlimited Premium
Unlimited Flex w/ priority add-on
By-the-gig plans w/ priority add-on
QCI 9Standard priorityUnlimited Starter
Unlimited Flex without priority add-on
By-the-gig plans without priority add-on

Warp​

QCI levelDescriptionOur plans at that level
QCI 8High priorityUnlimited Premium
QCI 9Standard priorityUnlimited Starter
Unlimited Flex
By-the-gig plans

Light Speed​

We only offer one standard priority level, QCI 7, for Light Speed plans.

Priority on Multi-Network lines​

Multi-Network lines (secondary lines or backup lines) receive the following data priorities depending on network:

  • On Dark Star: QCI 9
  • On Warp: QCI 9
  • On Light Speed: QCI 7

Adding priority data to a Dark Star line​

note

Using our app, you can add priority data to your Dark Star line starting from the next billing cycle. If you need to add priority data in the middle of your cycle, you can contact us.

  1. Go to your Lines dashboard.
  2. Select the Dark Star line you want to add priority data to.
  3. Under Line Settings, select Line Management and then Change Plan.
  4. Choose any your plan and select Continue.
  5. Select the Prioritized Data add-on to add it to your plan.
  6. Select Save Changes to confirm the change.

Adding priority data to a Dark Star line in a by-the-gig plan​

  1. Sign in to the US Mobile website dashboard.
    note

    For by-the-gig lines, you can only get the priority data add-on from the website for now. You'll be able to add it from the mobile app soon.

  2. Select My Pools on the left sidebar.
  3. Select the pool you want to add your line to, or create a new one.
  4. Select Add Line at the top right.
  5. Select Choose US Mobile line to expand it.
  6. Select whether you want to switch the line to the pool Immediately or at the End of cycle.
  7. Select your Dark Star line and scroll down.
  8. Select Choose add-ons to expand it.
  9. Select the Prioritized Data add-on.
  10. Choose your payment method and select Add your new lines.

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