Niche question.
I am an Air user on FirstNet.
My SO is a 16 Pro user on FirstNet.
T-Mobile has the best coverage in our home, but FirstNet's is still serviceable here. Verizon is a non-starter here.
Am aware of the RootMetrics reports and geographic spread of FirstNet, by design, versus T-Mobile's ever-improving but not-yet-the-same coverage.
Am aware of the 5G Ookla reports.
Part of me somehow thinks I should still switch over to T-Mobile because:
1. Two different carriers between my SO and I (redundancy);
2. Cheaper/included international coverage for the handful of international trips/year;
3. Nebulous benefit of 5G SA (AT&T proper has, but FirstNet doesn't yet) and 5G Advanced as a moderate, not power, user;
4. Included broader/better backup satellite coverage.
Holding me back:
1. Momentum, as a long-time FirstNet user;
2. T-Mobile's spottier rural coverage in travels;
3. Slightly less densified / penetrating coverage, noticed whilst dual-simming with my phone in my pocket driving or at work sites indoors.
Non-issues:
1. Network prioritization (am prioritized on T-Mobile via either T-Priority or their deployment of WPS on in-network traffic for those familiar);
2. Cost, as difference is nominal after benefits.
Miscellaneous: I would swap to the 17 Pro or Pro Max if I knew for sure, in reliable testing, that the antenna design and x80 modem actually conveyed better RF performance than the Air's traditional frame antenna bands and C1X modem as one might think.
Curious what others think or would do.
TIA.
I am an Air user on FirstNet.
My SO is a 16 Pro user on FirstNet.
T-Mobile has the best coverage in our home, but FirstNet's is still serviceable here. Verizon is a non-starter here.
Am aware of the RootMetrics reports and geographic spread of FirstNet, by design, versus T-Mobile's ever-improving but not-yet-the-same coverage.
Am aware of the 5G Ookla reports.
Part of me somehow thinks I should still switch over to T-Mobile because:
1. Two different carriers between my SO and I (redundancy);
2. Cheaper/included international coverage for the handful of international trips/year;
3. Nebulous benefit of 5G SA (AT&T proper has, but FirstNet doesn't yet) and 5G Advanced as a moderate, not power, user;
4. Included broader/better backup satellite coverage.
Holding me back:
1. Momentum, as a long-time FirstNet user;
2. T-Mobile's spottier rural coverage in travels;
3. Slightly less densified / penetrating coverage, noticed whilst dual-simming with my phone in my pocket driving or at work sites indoors.
Non-issues:
1. Network prioritization (am prioritized on T-Mobile via either T-Priority or their deployment of WPS on in-network traffic for those familiar);
2. Cost, as difference is nominal after benefits.
Miscellaneous: I would swap to the 17 Pro or Pro Max if I knew for sure, in reliable testing, that the antenna design and x80 modem actually conveyed better RF performance than the Air's traditional frame antenna bands and C1X modem as one might think.
Curious what others think or would do.
TIA.