Well, the timing is perfect. I was actually debating a shift to T-Mobile for this very reason. This effectively ends that, and I'll call tomorrow to switch our four lines over.
Funny, just last week the wireless carrier annual reviews came out. T-Mobile ranked same quality as Verizon. Now Verizon can no longer say they have the best network which has always been thier argument for charging more and not having unlimited data. I was with Verizon for 13 years, and finally took the big jump to try t-Mobile 3 years ago. I have not regretted that choice, though the first year was rough with dropped calls. T-Mobile has made HUGE improvements in thier network over the past 2-3 years and now they are fighting Verizon for that #1 spot. Verizon knows this which explains this big change BACK to unlimited. However, I will stay with T-Mobile, why...
1. T-Mobile has had WIFI-Calling for years. This was a big help when they had dropped call problems and not so great service availability. If I had no bars, I just connect to WIFI and I had service. But it goes further....
2. T-Mobile was the fist to offer worldwide free WIFI calling back to North America and FREE unlimited 2G/3G data in most countries (Paris, Turkey, Italy, Mexico, Canada to name a few I have been to and used it). And for most needs 2G/3G is good enough to do what you need. If you wanted faster speed you can pay for a 4G 500MB pass. But I raraley needed that.
3. When you don't have WIFI outside USA, 20 cents flat rate per minute. A 5 minute call cost you $1....Trust me, I was nervous using my phone because I thought there would be hidden cost. But I came back home, got the bill. As promised....
4. T-Mobile started with 5GB Hotspot, then moved to 7GB, Now they are at 10GB for the past 1 year. BUT....They have a hidden hotspot option they don't speak publicly about YET.....If you call, and have the T-Mobile ONE plan.....You can pay an extra $20 per month and get UNLIMITED Hotspot. And the rep told there is a plan for 2017 where they may offer unlimited hotspot for hotspot devices so you can FIRE your ISP and use T-Mobile at home or anywhere you want it.
5. T-Mobile reminds me of what Verizon was up until my 10th year with them. But I watched as customer service went downhill. I had to call and beg, argue, complain and threaten to leave to get them to give me extra data allowance, free stuff to justify the high cost they changed. I had to keep old phones and avoid upgrades to keep my unlimited data. Verizon became a JOB that you began to hate. I have not called T-Mobile more than 1 time per year to order a new iPhone 7. I just pay my bill which has unlimited EVERYTHING...Verizon was like Comcast, the once per month 2 hour call to try and save a few dollars.
6. As of 1 year ago. Dropped calls and service problems are virtually GONE. When T-Mobile activated Band 12 and AWS spectrum. Thier service got MUCH better. I find the cell towers are now more stable and better than WIFI calling. Sometimes I turn off my WIFI to use the cell tower because its more stable. Funny how it was the opposite story during my first year with them.
I think Verizon is too late with the change. If they would have done this 2 years ago, MAYBE I switch back.....But today....
1. They have the same network quality as T-Mobile. T-Mobile is GSM based which works better in other countries and is faster for data in other countries. Most countries have not moved to LTE, they are using advanced 4G (They call it 4.5G). Its fast.
2. T-Mobiles offers more features and plan benifits such as the items I listed above.
3. T-Mobile seems determined to shake up the market and also looking to make service and features better.They even offer you free stuff on Tuesdays. Verizon doesn't care about us, this change is only them responding to loss of market share and not being able to claim thier network is the best any longer.
Sorry, I am staying with T-Mobile. I can see no reason to move back. And, if T-Mobile decides to merge or acquire Dish Network and/or Sprint....Things will only get better!!!
