I have MINI connected w/o NAV and I frequently use the Driving Excitement, Mission Control, and MINImalysm apps, but that's about it. I don't really use anything else. I currently have an iPhone 4, but I'm due for an upgrade and I will be getting the iPhone 5 or 5s.

I currently have unlimited data for texting, email, internet, etc. and it's about 90 a month total. If I get the new iPhone through them, then I have to agree to a 2 yr contract and they no longer offer the unlimited data plan. I would have to set up a special plan for a certain amount of gigabytes or megabytes or whatever... I do use the internet on my phone a lot, but I've checked some old statements and it seems like I could stay under there parameters even though it would cost a little more. I don't stream web radio or anything and I haven't checked into Itunes radio at all. I play words with friends occasionally and a few games here and there, but nothing much. The question I have is that I know that I can't use MINI Connected with my iPod and get access to anything other than music. I have to use my iPhone for the MINI Connected apps to work. I also know that the screen can't lock for it to keep working. Is the Phone using the web constantly to operate or is it just to get started? I have a long 13 hour road trip coming up and if I'm in the car with MINI Connected up and running the entire time, is it using up all of those gigbytes, megabytes, etc?

Would it be better to stick with my current plan and just get the iPhone 5 for the regular price?

Somewhat off-topic, but I didn't know if anyone here had checked into it.