I have to get off of Straight Talk and their awful speeds. Calling and texting is fine but the data is throttled horribly down to less than 1 mbps. Any suggestions? I can't go with T-Mobile because I know their speeds are awful where I live (Princeton central NJ area).
What about prepaid AT&T?
You're going to find the best deals on an MVNO, which is just a company like StraightTalk that uses one (or more) of the Big Four's networks to provide their service. You can find a great list of them on Wikipedia (sort them by "Wireless technology" and look at the GSM ones):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_US_MVNO
I'm currently with H2O Wireless on their Minute Plan (I don't use a lot of minutes/texts and I'm mostly on WiFi), but I switched my parents over to their $30 unlimited plan (unlimited talk + text, no data or MMS). They offer other plans with data as well (they use AT&T). If you're looking for pay-per-minute/text/MB, the newly-rebranded Ptel (PlatinumTel) has the best rates, but they use T-Mobile.
Once you've picked the company you would like to use, purchase a SIM on eBay and cut it to a micro SIM (very easy to do; use the template here), then activate it on their website.
Good luck, and I hope this helps! :laugh:
Out of curiosity, is there a MVNO that uses multiple gsm networks at the same time to provide coverage (say at&t and tmobile)? I have the tmobile $30 prepaid plan but in some areas at&t provides coverage where tmobile doesn't. So it would be great if a MVNO provided coverage at the same time on both networks.
$65/mo for 1 GB is too little. I'll need at least 2 GB.
Jungsoo said:
$65/mo for 1 GB is too little. I'll need at least 2 GB.
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Click to collapse
I'd recommend the tmobile $30 prepaid 4g plan. It gives you 100 voice minutes, unlimited text, and 5gb of 4g speed data (then you get throttled). The 100 min of voice is a bit disappointing in my opinion but I make it work by routing most of my calls over data.
Looks like you didn't even read my post.
Jungsoo said:
I have to get off of Straight Talk and their awful speeds. Calling and texting is fine but the data is throttled horribly down to less than 1 mbps. Any suggestions? I can't go with T-Mobile because I know their speeds are awful where I live (Princeton central NJ area).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solavei! $49 unlimited talk,text, data! And you get the 42 MBPS T-Mobile network!
Ptel $40 unlimited
lazer155 said:
Out of curiosity, is there a MVNO that uses multiple gsm networks at the same time to provide coverage (say at&t and tmobile)? I have the tmobile $30 prepaid plan but in some areas at&t provides coverage where tmobile doesn't. So it would be great if a MVNO provided coverage at the same time on both networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solavei offers free roaming when off t-mobile, I think it's at&t. It's included in the 49 unlimited plan. it's what clinched it for me.
https://support.solavei.com/docs/DOC-1256
edit: they do warn against excessive roaming.
H2O Wireless/Black Wireless and Red Pocket are you only other (AT&T MVNO) options. All the rest use T-Mobile which will give you the same speed issues in general.
http://www.solavei.com/benjaminbribies
Heres the link for more info on Solavei! If you have any questions you can as me too!
I personally use Simple Mobile with my Nexus. Its Unlimited Everything (text, talk, data) for $40(+tax)/mo.
If you want 4g the price bumps up by $10 I think, but it's worth it right? Also the first 250MB on the default ($40/mo) plan runs at 4g speeds, then they throttle you back down to 3g speeds.
I been a customer for a few months now, I love the data speeds when I'm not around any wifi connection.
P.S. Simple Mobile is based off of T-Mobile.
eservant said:
Solavei offers free roaming when off t-mobile, I think it's at&t. It's included in the 49 unlimited plan. it's what clinched it for me.
https://support.solavei.com/docs/DOC-1256
edit: they do warn against excessive roaming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this mean I wouldn't be able to use the ATT service too much?
Does H2O throttle data?
Jungsoo said:
Does this mean I wouldn't be able to use the ATT service too much?
Also is H2O Wireless using the ATT network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! When there's no T-Mobile coverage you will roam on at&t network! Other MVNO don't provide roaming or call forwarding!
Jungsoo said:
Does this mean I wouldn't be able to use the ATT service too much?
Does H2O throttle data?
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Click to collapse
If you live outside the coverage area they will dissuade you from joining at that time, If my primary residence is in the coverage area,
I wouldn't worry to much. But you can always talk that over with someone, before you signup. I made sure I understood their terms of service.
I signed up because everything was clearly defined, and for the roaming, which not to many prepaids allow.
So if I'm understanding correctly, H2O uses services from both tmo and att, but they don't like me using the att covered areas.
famoustito said:
http://www.solavei.com/benjaminbribies
Heres the link for more info on Solavei! If you have any questions you can as me too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jeez he said T-Mobile sucks in his area what part of that don't you understand.
Jungsoo said:
So if I'm understanding correctly, H2O uses services from both tmo and att, but they don't like me using the att covered areas.
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Click to collapse
No h20 Is att only. The only companies that do both is patent co of st and net10 from what I remember. Seriously did you click the link of wiki someone posted on first page. Just look who carries att since you said tmo stinks in your area. Then goo too their website and Get best plan for you.
Sent from galaxy tab.
H2O is looking good. Can anyone post a speedtest for me?
Related
I know this is not a tmobile forum, but then you Vibrant guys are like my real brothers since I use a i9000 Galaxy S with 3g in my part of the world.
I know that 3g for me is out of question due to different bands. I did my homework on that, but then what about Edge data connection atleast. As i studied the tmobile site, it looks like getting Edge connection (unlimited) is also difficult just because I dont have a credit history in US so cant get those EM or EM+ plans i guess.
I have come in and out of US many many times but was always on prepaid tmobile sims and never really wanted data as such. But with an android phone and using 3g for many months, I just dont think i can live without data connection. I know about flexpay and thats what I used last time. But now on tmobile prepaid section i dont see flexpay at all. I see Even More (not for me due to contract) and Even More + which is without contract - but I guess it still needs a credit check?? Also they will force me to buy a vibrant i guess for EM+ plan which I cant since I have my shinny i9000 with me .
So please brothers, any suggestions that you can give. I have lots of experience with tmobile reps and they just dont know much, many a times (my opinion). Hence wanted to ask here.
So summarizing:
I come with work visa with valid SS, pay taxes and all that, and no credit history. (<- is that bad??). How can I get an unlimited data plan with my talk plan. EM+ ? Flexpay ? (not sure if its still there).
The plan that I have in mind was : 500 Minutes Talk + Unlimited Text + Unlimited Web: 59.99$ EM+ but without creditcheck so I guess thats FlexPay.
Googling around, I saw EM+ flexpay pages of tmobile website but they are not selectable or show up in normal plan selection at all.
Looking forward for help.
I promise that if you ever come to my part of world, I will work with you to keep your data connection ON on your Vibrant. I will not be able to give you "H" but surely an "E"
Thanks guys in advance.
Actually, 3G worked for me on [email protected] with the international Galaxy S. The speeds were comparable with what I was getting on my old iPhone in HSDPA mode. The download speeds were better than what I am getting on T-Mobile in my area.
Not sure if AT&T let's you buy monthly plans though.
When I was in the UK a year ago with my G1, I believe I was able to get onto T-Mobile's 3G with no issue using a pre-paid UK T-Mobile sim. You may want to try to use T-Mo and AT&T pre-pay sims first and see what you can get and who is faster in your area before you get a plan. AT&T has better nationwide coverage and generally faster 3G speeds, but if you live in an area where T-Mobile has updated their towers to HSPA+, then they'll be the faster carrier for GSM phones.
Go with MySimpleMobile (http://mysimplemobile.com). They are a prepaid service with no contracts: $60 unlimited talk/text/web per month. They use T-Mobile's network so you will get 3G.
Oh and they allow for unlimited international texts at no extra charge; this may be useful for you since you are coming from overseas and will probably have friends and family you want to text.
DarkAgent said:
Go with MySimpleMobile (http://mysimplemobile.com). They are a prepaid service with no contracts: $60 unlimited talk/text/web per month. They use T-Mobile's network so you will get 3G.
Oh and they allow for unlimited international texts at no extra charge; this may be useful for you since you are coming from overseas and will probably have friends and family you want to text.
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Click to collapse
Thanks a lot DarkAgent. Looks like this was custom made for me international texting is good but mostly wont be using it if I have unlimited web since I can hop on to gtalk and take it from there. But nice service though. Thanks for the information.
Not sure about 3G since they have mentioned that your phone shoudl support 1700mhz band to be able to use 3g. So there goes my 3g I guess since I have 900/1900/2100 bands UMTS. But edge is still okay, though I will have to find another way to do VOIP.
DarkAgent said:
Go with MySimpleMobile (http://mysimplemobile.com). They are a prepaid service with no contracts: $60 unlimited talk/text/web per month. They use T-Mobile's network so you will get 3G.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, with the international Galaxy you will not get 3G on T-Mobile's network, only on AT&T's.
You will get edge, although it is pretty painful, IMO.
But there is WiFi in a lot of places -- check your mail in most coffee shops for free
Oh. I wasnt aware the int version didnt support tmo 3G
Oh well, I am here now. Just wanted to share.
Mysimplemobile isn't that good. They don't do unlimited so much as they advertise.
Just went to Tmobile and did their even more plus plan with flexipay. They don't show flexpay on website but they very much have it.
You can avoid the control charge if you give the card on file.
I am one happy camper.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
I currently have HTC HD2 running on Android. I am currently on AT&T and I am thinking about getting the T-Mobile $50 unlimited talk/text/data plan.
The first 100MB are full speed. My question is, after I use up the first 100MB of full speed data, what speed will I be getting? Will it be 3G or EDGE? Or will it be slower than edge?
What if I get AT&T's unlimited data for non-smartphones? AT&T can't detect my HD2, so I will be able to add this plan. But what will be the data speed I will be getting? Is it 3G, EDGE, or slower than EDGE?
What if I get AT&T's $50 Monthly Unlimited GoPhone Prepaid plan? They won't be able to detect my HD2 as a smartphone, so will I be able to use their unlimited data? What will be the speed of the data plan?
If there is an occasion where I remove my SIM card from the HD2 and put into an iPhone, will AT&T automatically detect it and remove me from the unlimited data plan?
Zythyr said:
I currently have HTC HD2 running on Android. I am currently on AT&T and I am thinking about getting the T-Mobile $50 unlimited talk/text/data plan.
1. The first 100MB are full speed. My question is, after I use up the first 100MB of full speed data, what speed will I be getting? Will it be 3G or EDGE? Or will it be slower than edge?
2. What if I get AT&T's unlimited data for non-smartphones? AT&T can't detect my HD2, so I will be able to add this plan. But what will be the data speed I will be getting? Is it 3G, EDGE, or slower than EDGE?
3. What if I get AT&T's $50 Monthly Unlimited GoPhone Prepaid plan? They won't be able to detect my HD2 as a smartphone, so will I be able to use their unlimited data? What will be the speed of the data plan?
4. If there is an occasion where I remove my SIM card from the HD2 and put into an iPhone, will AT&T automatically detect it and remove me from the unlimited data plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I don't know which version of the HD2 you have, but if it is currently getting 3G on AT&T, then it won't get 3G on T-Mobile. You would need the T-Mobile version of the HD2 for that. T-Mobile throttles speeds back one tier from what you pay for when you hit the soft cap. For example, if you pay for the 3G/4G service, you will get throttled back to EDGE. It will still show a 3G or HSPA connection, but the speeds will be down to somewhere around 100kbps down and 70kbps up. If you don't get 3G with them anyway, then you won't see any difference at all.
2. AT&T does not have any unlimited plans anymore. Even if you get a data plan with them, they can absolutely detect the IMEI number even on non-AT&T devices. They will send you a free text telling you that you need to be on a smartphone data plan. If you ignore the text, within a couple of days, you will have the lowest plan of $15 data for 200MB added to your account.
3. Again, they can detect the type of device you are using and will add an appropriate plan to your account for your device. Data speeds depend on the coverage area and the device you are using. Only the Telstra HD2 is able to get 3G on AT&T. The European and T-Mobile ones will only ever get EDGE speeds.
4. This is the same as what I described above. Once you start using the iPhone, it will be detected and your plan will be adjusted accordingly, whether you allow them to do so or not.
You will get much better customer service and data consistency on T-Mobile in most cases. Their plans are also WAY cheaper on T-Mobile. Depending on which HD2 you actually have, your data speeds will vary in comparison to AT&T. I, personally, have been a contract-free customer with T-Mobile for a very long time. I still pay $50 for 1000 minutes a month, which is unlimited for me, unlimited texts, and unlimited data. I'm grandfathered in, so I also do not have a soft cap on my data connection, nor do I have to pay for tethering.
When all is said and done, the best thing about T-Mobile is that it isn't AT&T.
You can still trick AT&T into getting an unlimited plan if you use phones they don't know the IMEI of, or if you activate the account with an iPhone 2G.
synaesthetic said:
You can still trick AT&T into getting an unlimited plan if you use phones they don't know the IMEI of, or if you activate the account with an iPhone 2G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMEI's are very easy for carriers to look up. It does not only apply to devices they carry. This is a common myth. Once they see the IMEI of a smartphone, whether it is theirs or not, you get stuck with the smartphone data plan. It makes no difference. IMEI's are easily available and carriers have a database of which devices they belong to.
does ATT have a list of smartphone that requires data plan, anyone knows?
[email protected] said:
does ATT have a list of smartphone that requires data plan, anyone knows?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All AT&T smartphone-type devices require data plans. To my knowledge, there are no exceptions.
cajunflavoredbob said:
All AT&T smartphone-type devices require data plans. To my knowledge, there are no exceptions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so if I have a t_mobile smartphone and willing to stayat edge speed, I should be okay? thanks
[email protected] said:
so if I have a t_mobile smartphone and willing to stayat edge speed, I should be okay? thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are going to tack on a smartphone data plan, but yes, you can use it on their network after you get a SIM from them.
I agree with about 90% of what cajunflavoredbob replied.
Tmobile HD2 = Tmobile USA 3G or 4G (HSPA+)
HTC HD2 (Non-Branded) = AT&T 3G or Other providers 3G or HSPA+
When it comes to the plan type:
Tmobile Prepaid 4G (Month to Month) = $50 Unlimited Everything (1st 100MB is 4G)
My friend just got this plan and using it on Tmobile HD2.
I will check with him and report back once I have him do a few major download to pass the 100MB cap & a few speed test.
AT&T GoPhone Prepaid = $50 Unlimited Everything (No 3G for Smartphones)
Just got this like yesterday and tested on 3G iPhone.
3G iPhone data connection got blocked immediately after about 1 minute or usage.
However, if I switch back to the 3G Samsung SGH-A717, I was able to browse around and use 3G data on AT&T.
Therefore, I'm pretty sure AT&T system is scanning IMEI in real-time like cajunflavoredbob replied.
But I'm not sure about the Non-Branded HTC HD2 using 3G data on AT&T. Sorry but I do not have a Non-Branded HTC HD2 to test with. I'm currently activating prepaid services for people and will keep my eyes and ears open for you guys.
Personally, I'm pretty sure Non-Branded HTC HD2 WILL WORK & WILL PICK UP AT&T 3G because AT&T system WILL NOT RECOGNIZE the device & will treated as Non-Smartphone device.
That's all I found out for now. I will update once I do a few speed test here & there.
dtkool said:
I agree with about 90% of what cajunflavoredbob replied.
Tmobile HD2 = Tmobile USA 3G or 4G (HSPA+)
HTC HD2 (Non-Branded) = AT&T 3G or Other providers 3G or HSPA+
When it comes to the plan type:
Tmobile Prepaid 4G (Month to Month) = $50 Unlimited Everything (1st 100MB is 4G)
My friend just got this plan and using it on Tmobile HD2.
I will check with him and report back once I have him do a few major download to pass the 100MB cap & a few speed test.
AT&T GoPhone Prepaid = $50 Unlimited Everything (No 3G for Smartphones)
Just got this like yesterday and tested on 3G iPhone.
3G iPhone data connection got blocked immediately after about 1 minute or usage.
However, if I switch back to the 3G Samsung SGH-A717, I was able to browse around and use 3G data on AT&T.
Therefore, I'm pretty sure AT&T system is scanning IMEI in real-time like cajunflavoredbob replied.
But I'm not sure about the Non-Branded HTC HD2 using 3G data on AT&T. Sorry but I do not have a Non-Branded HTC HD2 to test with. I'm currently activating prepaid services for people and will keep my eyes and ears open for you guys.
Personally, I'm pretty sure Non-Branded HTC HD2 WILL WORK & WILL PICK UP AT&T 3G because AT&T system WILL NOT RECOGNIZE the device & will treated as Non-Smartphone device.
That's all I found out for now. I will update once I do a few speed test here & there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unbranded HD2 will NOT get 3G on AT&T. The only version of the HD2 that will get AT&T 3G is the Telstra version. It will be not be "blocked" from the Internet service, but it will cause them to activate an appropriate monthly charge to your account. In the case of a prepaid plan, they will mostly likely block you completely when you use a smartphone device. This isn't me guessing at it, this is fact. If you try to use a smartphone, even if it is not an AT&T branded phone, on their network, they CAN and WILL update your account accordingly.
cajunflavoredbob said:
The unbranded HD2 will NOT get 3G on AT&T. The only version of the HD2 that will get AT&T 3G is the Telstra version. It will be not be "blocked" from the Internet service, but it will cause them to activate an appropriate monthly charge to your account. In the case of a prepaid plan, they will mostly likely block you completely when you use a smartphone device. This isn't me guessing at it, this is fact. If you try to use a smartphone, even if it is not an AT&T branded phone, on their network, they CAN and WILL update your account accordingly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. It is prepaid. They cannot make changes to your account on prepaid. They can only block the internet. On postpaid, they won't know. Lots of people are using unbranded phones on the postpaid featurephone data plan. This has been happening for a while.
2. Non-branded ATT smartphones work on the prepaid $50 plan. Been tested and reported on. People are using the Samsung Galaxy S2 on there even. Although, speeds may be throttled.
Yes, there are databases of devices available. ATT doesn't care or look at them though.
So, OP. If you do get a ATT 3g HD2, you can use it on the prepaid or postpaid plan. Prepaid might be throttled, but you won't know for sure until you try it. If you use the t-mobile version you will only get edge speeds.
I am getting mixed answers here and confused. Based on my reserach from other websites including HowardForums, it is my understanding that if I have a TMOUS HD2 and use it on AT&T $50 Prepaid plan, I will be able to use unlimited data but on EDGE speed. 3G speed won't work because TMOUS HD2 is not compatible with AT&T's 3G broadcast frequency. In addition, if I were on the ATT $50 prepiad plan and put the SIM card into an iPhone, the data will not work at all (not even EDGE), however AT&T will NOT automatically add the cheapest data plan to my account since I am using the iPhone.
Please correct me if I am wrong about my understanding above...
Zythyr said:
I am getting mixed answers here and confused. Based on my reserach from other websites including HowardForums, it is my understanding that if I have a TMOUS HD2 and use it on AT&T $50 Prepaid plan, I will be able to use unlimited data but on EDGE speed. 3G speed won't work because TMOUS HD2 is not compatible with AT&T's 3G broadcast frequency. In addition, if I were on the ATT $50 prepiad plan and put the SIM card into an iPhone, the data will not work at all (not even EDGE), however AT&T will NOT automatically add the cheapest data plan to my account since I am using the iPhone.
Please correct me if I am wrong about my understanding above...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For a prepaid account, yes, all of what you said above is true.
Zythyr said:
I am getting mixed answers here and confused. Based on my reserach from other websites including HowardForums, it is my understanding that if I have a TMOUS HD2 and use it on AT&T $50 Prepaid plan, I will be able to use unlimited data but on EDGE speed. 3G speed won't work because TMOUS HD2 is not compatible with AT&T's 3G broadcast frequency. In addition, if I were on the ATT $50 prepiad plan and put the SIM card into an iPhone, the data will not work at all (not even EDGE), however AT&T will NOT automatically add the cheapest data plan to my account since I am using the iPhone.
Please correct me if I am wrong about my understanding above...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. If you use unbranded/non-ATT phones. The internet will also work, although may be throttled. Most ATT phones will have the internet blocked, unless you pay extra for it.
If I get T-Mobile's $70 unlimited talk text and high speed data plan, will my I get throttled? Will I be getting 3G speeds for a long for the whole month or will it get throttled down to GPRS ?
Zythyr said:
If I get T-Mobile's $70 unlimited talk text and high speed data plan, will my I get throttled? Will I be getting 3G speeds for a long for the whole month or will it get throttled down to GPRS ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile doesn't pull that same shady crap like AT&T does. You are allowed to use any phone you want on their network without having to worry about your speeds or data plan changing. I'm using a T-mobile branded HD2 on a plan I've had with them for years. My plan is still the same $50 I was paying when I first ran away from AT&T. I've never once been forced to change my plan for anything. I think you'll find that T-Mobile is a MUCH more friendly and open atmosphere than AT&T. Once you've dealt with them for a while, you'll understand why nearly every T-Mobile customer hates the proposed AT&T takeover. Most of us switched to T-Mobile to get away from AT&T's nearly evil practices. Also, you will only get 3G speeds on T-Mobile if your HD2 is T-Mobile branded. You do not have to pay extra for 3G or "4G" speeds with them. Their unlimited data plans do get throttled when you hit 5GB of data, but most users will never get that far. If you have a link to the plan details you are referring to, I can give you a much better run down of what to expect.
EDIT: Here's another cool thing about being on T-Mobile - they actually care about making you happy as a customer. Yesterday, I got a coupon in the mail with my statement. It was for 50% off any accessories in their stores. That isn't to say that I'm going to use it, since I don't shop in their stores, but it is still a nice gesture. There is also another separate piece of mail heading out to current customers that is a $25 gift card for use in any of their stores. This type of thing is pretty typical of them. So, let's break it down then, shall we?
With T-mobile, you get faster data, better customer service, reliable call connections, cheaper bills, and all of this with a company that isn't AT&T.
Zythyr said:
If I get T-Mobile's $70 unlimited talk text and high speed data plan, will my I get throttled? Will I be getting 3G speeds for a long for the whole month or will it get throttled down to GPRS ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you talking about the $70 prepaid plan? That plan has a 5gb cap, then it is throttled. The 5GB of data are unthrottled and can do "4g" speeds if you have a "4g" phone.
The postpaid service lets you pick some MB, 2GB, 5GB, or 10GB then throttled.
If you get the prepaid plan. You can buy the refill cards online like at callingmart.com They have monthly coupons by e-mail for 10% off. This brings the monthly total to about $63/month.
ImDonly1 said:
Are you talking about the $70 prepaid plan? That plan has a 5gb cap, then it is throttled. The 5GB of data are unthrottled and can do "4g" speeds if you have a "4g" phone.
The postpaid service lets you pick some MB, 2GB, 5GB, or 10GB then throttled.
If you get the prepaid plan. You can buy the refill cards online like at callingmart.com They have monthly coupons by e-mail for 10% off. This brings the monthly total to about $63/month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So after 5GB, they will throttle it? What are the speeds after throttling? Does it go down to EDGE or GPRS?
Zythyr said:
So after 5GB, they will throttle it? What are the speeds after throttling? Does it go down to EDGE or GPRS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About 80-100KBps, or roughly EDGE speeds.
slow as dog ****
i past my 5gb the other day and i can tell you now its slow as dog ****,i use my htc sensation to tether my laptop i forgot not to be downloading movies stupid me now when on xda from laptop the pictures in threads that people post take all day to display i will never past my 5gb again
I am from Israel and I am coming to the States on the next Monday. I need a sim with unlimited data, and about 100 minutes of talk and some messages.. I also need wifi tethring option to tether my tablet and laptop. I cant decide which carrier to choose. T mobile daily plan sounds nice but there are others like h2o, net10... Any suggestions?
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 2
I would get the T-Mobile $30 unlimited data and texting with 100 minutes. The $3 a day plan is also a good option if you're going to use under 200MB a day.
All the plans AT&T MVNO's(H2o, Red Pocket, etc) have low data allowances and cost more than T-Mobile.
AT&T has 250 minutes and unlimited texting for $25 a month. You can add data for $25 a GB.
bar_rodoy said:
I am from Israel and I am coming to the States on the next Monday. I need a sim with unlimited data, and about 100 minutes of talk and some messages.. I also need wifi tethring option to tether my tablet and laptop. I cant decide which carrier to choose. T mobile daily plan sounds nice but there are others like h2o, net10... Any suggestions?
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should make sure your phone supports the AWS band (also known as band IV) for 3G before going on T-Mobile or band II or V for AT&T 3G.
T-Mobile checks UA string to detect tethering, so you will need to spoof it in your browser settings to get around it. Not sure about AT&T or any MVNO, however.
Would strongly suggest T-Mobile if your phone supports it and you plan to stay in a metro area. Otherwise, go with an AT&T MVNO.
While I have not had any experience with T-Mobile, all of my past experience with AT&T has been horrid. I would not recommend them for prepaid or postpaid usage
Rikairchy said:
While I have not had any experience with T-Mobile, all of my past experience with AT&T has been horrid. I would not recommend them for prepaid or postpaid usage
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As much as I would agree (I hate calling people who I know are on AT&T because the calls drop frequently), T-Mobile's 3G coverage is much smaller than AT&T's 3G coverage - leaving AT&T as the only GSM option in some areas. That said, if you spend most of your time in or around major cities, T-Mobile is superior both on performance and price.
I have LG P500, it has quad band and tri band.. should it work with T Mobile? I will be in major cities like NYC, Philly, DC...
bar_rodoy said:
I have LG P500, it has quad band and tri band.. should it work with T Mobile? I will be in major cities like NYC, Philly, DC...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't be able to get 3G from any US carrier with that phone. It supports 900 / 2100 for 3G and none of the networks over here support those 3G frequencies.
You'll be on 2G no matter which carrier you choose.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
Mr.Mischief said:
You won't be able to get 3G from any US carrier with that phone. It supports 900 / 2100 for 3G and none of the networks over here support those 3G frequencies.
You'll be on 2G no matter which carrier you choose.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I know, T mobile uses 2100 MHZ...
By the way, how about Motorola Milestone 2?
bar_rodoy said:
From what I know, T mobile uses 2100 MHZ...
By the way, how about Motorola Milestone 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. T-Mobile uses 1700/2100 together. You can't just use 2100 on T-Mobile.
The international Milestone has the same bands as your P500. The US Milestone supports AT&T 3G.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
Mr.Mischief said:
I would get the T-Mobile $30 unlimited data and texting with 100 minutes. The $3 a day plan is also a good option if you're going to use under 200MB a day.
All the plans AT&T MVNO's(H2o, Red Pocket, etc) have low data allowances and cost more than T-Mobile.
AT&T has 250 minutes and unlimited texting for $25 a month. You can add data for $25 a GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem with the T-Mobile $30 unlimited data (up to 5Gb) plan is you won't be able to use any data on Edge and they don't really have 4G anywhere unless your phone does WCDMA on 1700Mhz then it will work at T-Mobile stores but that's all. You will need a newer Samsung Galaxy S2 or S3 phone to take advantage of 3G service on T-Mobile.
stevec5000 said:
The problem with the T-Mobile $30 unlimited data (up to 5Gb) plan is you won't be able to use any data on Edge and they don't really have 4G anywhere unless your phone does WCDMA on 1700Mhz then it will work at T-Mobile stores but that's all. You will need a newer Samsung Galaxy S2 or S3 phone to take advantage of 3G service on T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When the OP made the thread and mentioned T-Mobile, I figured he had a T-Mobile compatible phone. If you reqd the post above, you'd see I pointed out that T-Mobile 3G/4G wouldn't work on his phone.
But, don't have to be at a T-Mobile store to get 4G. That's absurd. Also, there's no need for a new T-Mobile phone to get fast data, any T-Mobile 3G phone will work.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Mr.Mischief said:
When the OP made the thread and mentioned T-Mobile, I figured he had a T-Mobile compatible phone. If you reqd the post above, you'd see I pointed out that T-Mobile 3G/4G wouldn't work on his phone.
But, don't have to be at a T-Mobile store to get 4G. That's absurd. Also, there's no need for a new T-Mobile phone to get fast data, any T-Mobile 3G phone will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree, it may sound absurd until you realize they don't really have any 4G network anyplace but they need service inside the stores so they can display the phones working. In the Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale areas the only place you can get 4G on T-Mobil is in or near the T-Mobil stores where they have a 5 bar signal. They claim they aren't using an amp or anything but if you leave the store and go down the street a few blocks there's no signal and it's not available anywhere else.
As for saying "any T-Mobile 3G phone will work" you know they haven't sold 3G phones since 2010, right? None of the new Samsung 4G phones can get 3G either, at least none of the ones I looked at in the store could get it since they don't have an option for HSPA or HSPA+, just GSM and WCDMA with nothing in between.
stevec5000 said:
I disagree, it may sound absurd until you realize they don't really have any 4G network anyplace but they need service inside the stores so they can display the phones working. In the Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale areas the only place you can get 4G on T-Mobil is in or near the T-Mobil stores where they have a 5 bar signal. They claim they aren't using an amp or anything but if you leave the store and go down the street a few blocks there's no signal and it's not available anywhere else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tinfoil hat much? Nuff said.
I get T-Mobile 4G all over Alabama, miles away from the T-Mobile store. I also travel yearly to TN, LA, MI, and GA, and I get T-Mobile 4G in those states as well.
stevec5000 said:
As for saying "any T-Mobile 3G phone will work" you know they haven't sold 3G phones since 2010, right? None of the new Samsung 4G phones can get 3G either, at least none of the ones I looked at in the store could get it since they don't have an option for HSPA or HSPA+, just GSM and WCDMA with nothing in between.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All T-Mobile smartphones phones are capable of 3G. You confusing T-Mobile 4G with LTE. T-Mobile doesn't have LTE, and their 4G network is nothing more than fast 3G. The icon in the corner of your screen might only show 4G, but there are many instances where it's actually getting 3G I get 3G with my Galaxy Nexus on T-Mobile.
You really need to do some serious research.
Lets try and keep this on topic of the thread bout sim card and not go off about how good the actual networks are etc.
The fact of the matter is, you'll only get 3G/4G (HSPA+) on AT&T and AT&T MNVO's. If OP needs fast data, I'd recommend a Straight Talk AT&T-Compatible SIM from http://straighttalk.com. It's $50 for a month of unlimited everything (just don't go too crazy with data). When you fill in the APN, ignore any proxy fields except for "MMS Proxy".
Product F(RED) said:
The fact of the matter is, you'll only get 3G/4G (HSPA+) on AT&T and AT&T MNVO's. If OP needs fast data, I'd recommend a Straight Talk AT&T-Compatible SIM from http://straighttalk.com. It's $50 for a month of unlimited everything (just don't go too crazy with data). When you fill in the APN, ignore any proxy fields except for "MMS Proxy".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
His phone runs on 900MHz and 2100MHz, doesn't AT&T 3G run on 850MHz and 1900MHz?
Oh wow, he has some funky frequencies. He'll need a different phone for 3G/4G on any network then. Basic functions and EDGE should work though.
Hello, while being mindful of Nexus 4's LTE status, I would like to debate on what carrier is the best for general/specific purposes.
For data heavy but light on talk, it's renown that the T-Mobile $30 unlimited data/text plan with 100 minutes is the best value in that regards.
However, for someone like me who has two people on the line (my mom only uses talk, where I am more text/data heavy but still use some talk) I am curious about Straight Talk and Walmart's Family Mobile (both offered via Walmart)
My current plan is Walmart's Family Mobile at $45 / mo. + $35 line (ex. tax) which provides unlimited talk, text and 250 MB of data with options of $10 for an extra 1 GB, $20 for 3 GB or $40 for 8 GB. This is all 3g... but speeds are pretty horrible. It ranges from 0.26 to 0.8 Mbps.
Has anybody used Family Mobile and Straight Talk or another carrier that believe they have a better deal?
Thanks!
Straight talk AT&T > Tmobile since you can actually get coverage...
AshtonTS said:
Straight talk AT&T > Tmobile since you can actually get coverage...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got plenty of coverage here with ST T-Mo. Able to pull 15 Mbps down on their DC-HSPA+ 42 network in South Florida. It is awesome.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
So let me get this straight...
I pay $45 + $35 / mo. and only get 250 Mb. So with Straight Talk... I get better coverage, 2 GB of unthrottled data (vs. 250 MB) for $10 more?
How much does it cost for additional data?
Thank you so much for the replies.
SacTu said:
So let me get this straight...
I pay $45 + $35 / mo. and only get 250 Mb. So with Straight Talk... I get better coverage, 2 GB of unthrottled data (vs. 250 MB) for $10 more?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. The world of MVNOs (companies using the main carriers' networks) is a brilliant one. The saving grace of American telecom (outside of the $30 T-Mobile plan you mentioned).
Sent from my Nexus 4
1. How much does additional data cost on Straight Talk?
Also, when selecting Straight Talk's "Please choose the type of phone you have"
"Phone is CDMA..."
"Unlocked GSM Phone"
"AT&T Compatible Phone"
"T-Mobile Compatible Phone"
2. Is it better to pick Unlocked, AT&T, T-Mobile or does it not matter as they both use the same frequency and will allow you to switch between one tower or the other depending on better service?
3. I'm guessing Straight Talk doesn't have any additional line services, so I'll have to buy two separate ones for me and my mom?
Sorry for all the questions, hopefully I'll be able to relay these answers to future people as I am forever in your debt.
SacTu said:
1. How much does additional data cost on Straight Talk?
Also, when selecting Straight Talk's "Please choose the type of phone you have"
"Phone is CDMA..."
"Unlocked GSM Phone"
"AT&T Compatible Phone"
"T-Mobile Compatible Phone"
2. Is it better to pick Unlocked, AT&T, T-Mobile or does it not matter as they both use the same frequency and will allow you to switch between one tower or the other depending on better service?
3. I'm guessing Straight Talk doesn't have any additional line services, so I'll have to buy two separate ones for me and my mom?
Sorry for all the questions, hopefully I'll be able to relay these answers to future people as I am forever in your debt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When starting a Straight Talk plan, it actually DOES matter what you select here. If you choose AT&T compatible, then you will use the AT&T network. If you choose T-Mobile, then you use the T-Mobile Network. If I recall correctly, simply choosing "Unlocked GSM phone," will give you an AT&T compatible SIM.
There are benefits of each network. AT&T generally has better coverage, but instead of deploying DC-HSPA+ 42mbps, they opted for LTE. The Straight Talk MVNO does not currently have access to LTE (last time I checked).
T-Mobile, on the other hand, may not have as great of coverage but, if you happen to have good coverage, you could have access to their HSPA+ 42 speeds.
Their have also been reports of users getting throttled at different points depending on what network they chose with Straight Talk.
depends on the coverage in your area. Straight talk ATT in my area has great coverage but data speed is slow. tmobile runs fast like most advertised here but its spotty in a lot of places i travel to. since u can purchase a tmobile sim for $30 you wont lose much to test it out.
1. Pick at&t micro SIM.
2. See #1. No switching between at&t and T-Mobile since they mostly use different frequencies and prepaid MVNO don't data roam.
3. Yes.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Straight talk has a 100mb per day limit as well..... Go above it several times and they reserve the right to outright just kill service. Something to keep in mind.
I've been pleasantly surprised by tmo coverage in Indianapolis. I thought I was going to see a bunch of dead spots. I've only seen one. Out of the city may be different.
How do you go about getting the T-Mobile $30 a month plan without having to actually buy a phone from them/Walmart? I don't see this option anywhere
facetubespam said:
How do you go about getting the T-Mobile $30 a month plan without having to actually buy a phone from them/Walmart? I don't see this option anywhere
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tmobile offers a microSIM activation kit on their website, and once you get it you can activate it online
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium
ST Tmo is hard to beat IMO, in your situation though I'd go $45 ST plan + pageplus for your mom.
AshtonTS said:
Straight talk AT&T > Tmobile since you can actually get coverage...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get the same coverage but better call quality with Tmo.
I'm on the $30 tmo plan and it is pretty awesome. Coverage in the wild is slim to none, but in metro areas the speeds are excellent and I don't ever find myself wishing for LTE.
Getting the plan is a little tricky, as tmo won't sell it to you in the store. But you can activate it online (ironically enough.. inside their store too) or through walmart website.
If you can get coverage, T-Mobile is the best one in the US. I'm pulling 22Mbps here in Tampa, it's insane.
Pheno.menon said:
I'm on the $30 tmo plan and it is pretty awesome. Coverage in the wild is slim to none, but in metro areas the speeds are excellent and I don't ever find myself wishing for LTE.
Getting the plan is a little tricky, as tmo won't sell it to you in the store. But you can activate it online (ironically enough.. inside their store too) or through walmart website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nevermind i found the answer to my question.
svengalis said:
I know the $30 plan is only available to new customers. I am already on tmobile now with a g2x, would i be able to get on the $30 plan with the Nexus 4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but you would have to get a new number
If you want to keep your number, you need to port over to google voice and then activate the account with the plan and port the number from GV into the account with the $30 plan
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium
gagdude said:
Yes, but you would have to get a new number
If you want to keep your number, you need to port over to google voice and then activate the account with the plan and port the number from GV into the account with the $30 plan
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay thank you!
gagdude said:
Tmobile offers a microSIM activation kit on their website, and once you get it you can activate it online
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
I want to try out how T-Mobile's service fares here vs my current AT&T which is serving me very well, but always looking to maximize the N4
I am currently on net10 and noticed that during peak hours my data is almost non existant. I learned that att mvno dont have priority on the network so I think that might explain why despite having full bars my data speeds are horrible during peak hours of the day. I heard that Tmobile doesnt deprioritize mvno so I was thinking of trying Solavei. I already have the sim card and free service for a month. I am just worried about coverage on tmobile's network. So my first question is how are people fairing with tmobile or solavei? I know tmobile is working on their network has anyone seen improvements in coverage? Also I was wondering if people are having the same issue with straight talk on the Att side during peak hours in large populated areas? I live in the bay area but i noticed the same speed issues over the holidays when I was in Memphis, Tn with net10.
IM loving it! i work in the bay area and get great speeds here! and at home also which is in fresno! coverage has gotten allot better and its only getting better! if i were you i would join before the 31st cause you get the free month of service and free sim card... if you want to join hit me up [email protected]...
asqwrd said:
I am currently on net10 and noticed that during peak hours my data is almost non existant. I learned that att mvno dont have priority on the network so I think that might explain why despite having full bars my data speeds are horrible during peak hours of the day. I heard that Tmobile doesnt deprioritize mvno so I was thinking of trying Solavei. I already have the sim card and free service for a month. I am just worried about coverage on tmobile's network. So my first question is how are people fairing with tmobile or solavei? I know tmobile is working on their network has anyone seen improvements in coverage? Also I was wondering if people are having the same issue with straight talk on the Att side during peak hours in large populated areas? I live in the bay area but i noticed the same speed issues over the holidays when I was in Memphis, Tn with net10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tmo/solavei coverage ain't bad if you live in a big city or populated area. once you leave the city it usually craps down to edge or you lose signal altogether. but when your getting good signal the data is pretty fast, and no they don't prioritize, you'll get the same speeds on any tmo mvno as actual tmo. only thing I hate about T-Mobile is the indoor signal strength sux. but seeing as how I just got throttled down to .23 mb/s by st at&t halfway thru my billing cycle, I'll be switching back to tmo (solavei actually) next month
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
lowrider262 said:
tmo/solavei coverage ain't bad if you live in a big city or populated area. once you leave the city it usually craps down to edge or you lose signal altogether. but when your getting good signal the data is pretty fast, and no they don't prioritize, you'll get the same speeds on any tmo mvno as actual tmo. only thing I hate about T-Mobile is the indoor signal strength sux. but seeing as how I just got throttled down to .23 mb/s by st at&t halfway thru my billing cycle, I'll be switching back to tmo (solavei actually) next month
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
were you having data issues during peaks hours where you couldnt use data or it was really slow? Also how long ago did you have tmobile im waiting on my sim from solavei but i have been trying to gauge how much of an improvement tmobile has made on their network as far as coverage. Seems like its not much based on research no one has out right said they are experiencing better coverage
Use T-Mobile's coverage map on their website.
asqwrd said:
were you having data issues during peaks hours where you couldnt use data or it was really slow? Also how long ago did you have tmobile im waiting on my sim from solavei but i have been trying to gauge how much of an improvement tmobile has made on their network as far as coverage. Seems like its not much based on research no one has out right said they are experiencing better coverage
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no my data was fine during peak hours on tmobile. I was on tmo up until the 9th of this month then I switched to st at&t
xdviper said:
Use T-Mobile's coverage map on their website.
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Click to collapse
I have used the coverage map but user experience is better than looking at a map. Those maps arent always accurate and i feel sometimes the carriers embellish a little bit about their actual coverage. I guess ill just have to wait and see when the sim comes
asqwrd said:
I have used the coverage map but user experience is better than looking at a map. Those maps arent always accurate and i feel sometimes the carriers embellish a little bit about their actual coverage. I guess ill just have to wait and see when the sim comes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bump
I use att.mvno with H2O Wireless and don't get no peak slowdowns AFAIK. I don't stream videos and in general i view mobile sites rather than full sites as well so maybe that's part of why i don't notice much of a difference. Then again certain parts of AT&T's network are slammed, doesn't matter if it's prepaid of full post paid contract plans.
asqwrd said:
I have used the coverage map but user experience is better than looking at a map. Those maps arent always accurate and i feel sometimes the carriers embellish a little bit about their actual coverage. I guess ill just have to wait and see when the sim comes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This may sound weird, but I've found T-Mobile's coverage map to be superbly accurate. It's inside buildings where it gets hazy.
To the OP, Straight Talk and Net10 use the same service ..just Net10 charges $5 more for it.
You go with these for the unlimited talk or data? Which is more important? If you can live with 100anytime mins try T-Mobile prepaid they have a 100 anytime min, unlimited text and 5GB of 4G speed then throttled but still unlimited, for $30/month.
Sent from my Nexus 4 16GB using Tapatalk 2
I have been with Tmo for 9 years and 3 months ago cancelled and started a Solavei plan on the Tmo network. I went from a $180/month to $110/month month (2 phones). 4gb (per month) 3G/4G before throttle to 2G was the selling point for me. Tmobile is great if you don't travel out of cities/off the interstate. I've never had problems even when I traveled for my job 100% across America, but I was in cities and rarely went to rural/redneck areas.
The only downside (if its a downside) is that the Solavei website is fairly stripped of information about your phone plan. You really just log in and pay your bill (or setup auto-pay). There is no statistics (minutes/data/call log/etc...) like Tmobile had so you will have to use apps to track that stuff. I re-Rom a lot so it is tough for me to track statistics smoothly but this is really trivial and not a big deal.
The data being used on Straight Talk with TMob is a hairy one..on HowardForums some say they get capped at 4gb then some say at 7-10gb, but supposedly tmob is cracking down on the mnvos for data usage..
Atat on the other hand will straight up kick your ass off data completely on mvnos. But tmobiles own prepaid offerings aren't bad and you know what they say is what you'll get. And the T-Mobile my account info app on the play store works for their prepaid.
Sent from my Nexus 4 16GB using Tapatalk 2
ztmike said:
To the OP, Straight Talk and Net10 use the same service ..just Net10 charges $5 more for it.
You go with these for the unlimited talk or data? Which is more important? If you can live with 100anytime mins try T-Mobile prepaid they have a 100 anytime min, unlimited text and 5GB of 4G speed then throttled but still unlimited, for $30/month.
Sent from my Nexus 4 16GB using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI - Straight Talk operates on both AT&T and T-Mobile and even Verizon in some places. You can get SIMs for either service depending on your phone (excepting Nexus and other unlocked devices where you can use both - even swap around if you want to).
ztmike said:
To the OP, Straight Talk and Net10 use the same service ..just Net10 charges $5 more for it.
You go with these for the unlimited talk or data? Which is more important? If you can live with 100anytime mins try T-Mobile prepaid they have a 100 anytime min, unlimited text and 5GB of 4G speed then throttled but still unlimited, for $30/month.
Sent from my Nexus 4 16GB using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wanted to try Solavei because I heard it has data roaming while T-mobile prepaid doesnt. I figured that would help a little with coverage for data also 100 mins is too little for me I can run through that easily in a day( I work remotely from home 2 days out of the week so meetings can run over)
Thanks for the reply patiently waiting on the sim card hopefully I get good results on tmobile i just think Net10 and I guess Straightalk are pointless if i cant use data well during certain times of the day despite having full bars. It happened to me on too many occasions this past month in two different cities.
I've been using Straight Talk (with ATT Sim) for about a month and haven't run into any issues with using data throughout the day. I haven't reached the throttle point yet though.. Speeds with ATT are consistently 3mbit (yes, a lot slower then TMobile, but better coverage).
madferretx said:
I've been using Straight Talk (with ATT Sim) for about a month and haven't run into any issues with using data throughout the day. I haven't reached the throttle point yet though.. Speeds with ATT are consistently 3mbit (yes, a lot slower then TMobile, but better coverage).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you live in the bay area or similar place with a lot of people?
Don't do Solavei. I had it for a few days and data is very jumpy. I'm right outside of Dallas and my speeds were worse than Metro PCS. I think at one point it got down to 100-200 kbps. Way worse. And when I tried to set up my APN settings to get MMS and Solavei Web to work when only one or the other was working I went through two customer service reps and they didn't know what the hell they were doing. I got a refund and just went with a tmobile contract plan where I'm getting unlimited everything with no caps for $64 a month. I hate caps. Just stay away from Solavei.
Had AT&T ST, now T-Mobile prepaid, switching to Solavei soon.
For me on AT&T my phone gets decent reception in buildings, but T-mobile's HSPA+ is very fast outside big corporate buildings, which I prefer actually for streaming media. T-Mobile prepaid doesn't offer conditional call forwarding, so that's the main reason I'm switching to Solavei since I can't use Google Voice as my voicemail without that feature. AFAIK they are the only T-Mobile MVNO that offers it.
Did a bunch of reading.
I use/need:
1. ~800 minutes
2. ~1.5GB of data (was using 500MB on sprint, assume I'll use more on faster network)
3. Mostly urban, rarely rural. Willing to forego data when out in the wilderness
4. Google Voicemail
5. Would like to be less than $50/mo and/or 'contract free' (don't want to pay phone subsidy when I own my phone)
T-mobile $30 prepaid plan: Ruled out by 1.
Straight Talk - T-Mobile SIM: Ruled out by 4.
T-mobile $60 prepaid plan: Ruled out by 5. ($10/mo+ * 24 = a new nexus phone)
AT&T $65 plan: Ruled out by 2, 5.
Looks like my options are:
A: Solavei - T-Mobile Network
Pros:
1. Faster when data works
2. Same priority as T-mobile customers
3. 4GB on 4G data before throttle
4. Voice+Data roaming
5. Possible to save $20/mo if I refer 3 subscribers and they're sure to use my referral code (I already have 2 possible)
6. Seems to be better in congested areas (from visually reviewing data on rootmetrics)
Cons:
1. $ more than ST
2. Smaller overall network
3. Weaker building penetration
4. Expects me to become a network marketer to save, new users most likely won't properly attribute my referral
5. If you do sign up 3 referrals, you're basically on-contract and won't want to leave because of the savings, even if quality starts to suffers
B: Straight Talk - AT&T Network
Pros:
1. $5-8 less than Solavei
2. Bigger overall network = better voice+data coverage
3. Better building penetration
4. Easy to switch
Cons:
1. Slower data
2. Random throttling. Is it 70MB/day? Is it 2GB/mo? What is it? You'll end up asking: "WHY DID YOU THROTTLE ME?" They'll end up saying: "Dunno, see if it's faster next month. Everything is fine on our end."
3. Lower priority voice+data in congested areas/times. Network is getting beat up by iPhones+iPads.
4. No data or voice roaming
I looked at:
http://www.airportal.de/
http://www.rootmetrics.com/
I've read several reports of poor T-mobile service in Buffalo, NY, but the fresh maps (-90 days) on these sites say otherwise. Willing to try magenta first, then fall back to random throttling and low priority on ST-ATT.