So I am considering buying the T-Mobile version for the 200MB per month free.
It's only a matter of time before the other carriers have to react. Will they match the T-Mo voice\free data\free intl roaming deals that are now out there? No, but they're going to have to come up with something to prevent the bleed that this is causing.
T-Mo is a viable competitor now. For phone service? Maybe, just depends where you live. For me, it's not perfect as in-building coverage needs work, and LTE needs to be a little more reliable to make the switch.
But for many of my friends, the movement is gaining speed... many say "I can deal with the pitfalls in exchange for the price and value-adds that T-Mo offers" and are switching.
I did deactivate my AT&T iPad... got the T-Mo 200mb plan, as they have the flexibility to use it for casual use, then buy a day pass as needed. I really like that flexibility. That cost ATT a subscriber right there.
The T-Mo deal is huge when you think about it. If you want to justify the $129 cellular model premium, T-Mo is your deal... for a light user the plan is fantastic, and the $$$ you save on the monthly plan pays off that $129 real quick