I've been with T-Mobile (GSM) for well over a year -- ever since a few months before the fateful HD2's release. I stood in line on release day and was so happy to receive the wonderful device (which runs Winmo 6.5.5 to 7 and Android up to 2.3 without hitch, and even runs Ubuntu sort-of well). I run the thing with a stock Desire HD ROM locked at 1.5Ghz, and it gets me through the day.
But I recently heard that T-Mobile plans to "merge" with AT&T (and by "merge," we all know Big Blue/Mama Bell is going to ravenously consume T-Mobile's flesh just prior to defecating on its lifeless corpse), and I was very frustrated. At the same time, I was also looking to upgrade the phone itself. While still runs like a champ, the qHD (3D!) screen and the promise of even more ludicrous overclocking/computer potential to come, I salivated over the 3VO like no phone before or since (I use "since" loosely since it hasn't even been released yet). What's better, since I was looking to change carriers, Sprint seemed the logical choice -- the features included in its "Everything Data" package (both individual and family varieties) utterly eclipsed its counterparts offered by T-Mobile, even though the price was a tad (or more than a tad) higher.
I'm at a crossroads here, and I'd love it if the intelligent, helpful, insightful members of this community would help me make a decision -- and in so doing, provide a valuable public service to all those facing a similar decision in the present and near future. I'll lay out what I know so far, and all I ask is that the information be verified, corrected, or superior alternatives proposed as regards either the facts stated or the conclusions therefrom drawn.
The NOW:
Obviously, if the final point there is true and I'm not overlooking any caveats, Sprint is practically a godsend for me (and heck, most anybody). I made this post because such an incredible deal is obviously too good to be true and I want to be informed here and now (to the benefit of all who are listening) what the real story is, and of any/all corrections/additions/caveats to my logic or my conclusion.
But I recently heard that T-Mobile plans to "merge" with AT&T (and by "merge," we all know Big Blue/Mama Bell is going to ravenously consume T-Mobile's flesh just prior to defecating on its lifeless corpse), and I was very frustrated. At the same time, I was also looking to upgrade the phone itself. While still runs like a champ, the qHD (3D!) screen and the promise of even more ludicrous overclocking/computer potential to come, I salivated over the 3VO like no phone before or since (I use "since" loosely since it hasn't even been released yet). What's better, since I was looking to change carriers, Sprint seemed the logical choice -- the features included in its "Everything Data" package (both individual and family varieties) utterly eclipsed its counterparts offered by T-Mobile, even though the price was a tad (or more than a tad) higher.
I'm at a crossroads here, and I'd love it if the intelligent, helpful, insightful members of this community would help me make a decision -- and in so doing, provide a valuable public service to all those facing a similar decision in the present and near future. I'll lay out what I know so far, and all I ask is that the information be verified, corrected, or superior alternatives proposed as regards either the facts stated or the conclusions therefrom drawn.
The NOW:
- I currently pay just over $100 total every month for a non-contract T-Mobile family plan with 3 members, one of whom is signed up for 200MB data. Unlimited texts, 750 shared minutes.
- I currently pay ~$40/mo for 7mbps Qwest DSL for home internet. Another member (#2) also pays $40/mo for the same DSL.
- Member #1 (me) uses Qwest DSL fairly heavily -- I use from ~5-50GB per month (yes, it's a ridiculous range).
- Member #2 barely uses her Qwest DSL (1-2GB/mo tops)
- Member #3 uses T-Mobile's 200mb data plan (email, research, chat, news, etc) on her old G1 and frequently goes a bit overboard, resulting in additional charges up to $10.
- T-Mobile's non-contract plans will no longer exist after the merge, so to upgrade phones, we are forced to pay full price (or get them used from sleazy secondhand sources). When I upgrade, I'll need to pay through the nose for a Sensation (a rough equivalent of the Evo 3D with less RAM, smaller battery, and of course no 3D camera/display). Either that or sign onto a more expensive contract with soon-to-be AT&T anyway.
- Member #1 (me) has an amazing 1st gen device, the HD2, but for the above geeky reason is looking to upgrade to a 3VO.
- Member #2 has no smartphone, but is interested in an older/entry model (or at least a significant upgrade) "one of these days."
- Member #3 has an ancient G1 and is looking to upgrade "nowish/soonish."
- I am entitled to a (permanent?) 10% Sprint discount certificate for all plans except Unlimited voice plans (I think most such discounts work in a similar fashion -- just ask Sprint, your employer, or your educational institution if you are eligible -- you may be surprised!)
- "For a limited time, move your number to Sprint and get up to a $125 service credit. Learn More" on their site.
- SAVE50 promo code
- What does this do? Does it stack? How is it used?
- The Everything Data(TM) Individual plan is listed as $62.99
- "For a limited time, pick our 450 minute plan and score an extra 300 Anytime Minutes!"
- What on earth is "Direct Connect"? Does it work with the 3VO? Something tells me it's a walkie-talkie-type relic from the Nextel era.
- The Everything Data(TM) FAMILY plan is listed as $116.99.
- Extra line (for three people) costs an additional $20 -- or is the 10% discount applied to the "updated" total as well? It looks like it's a straight "$136.98"
- I have heard rumors that there is some sort of sneaky/hidden "activation fee" and/or "premium data fee" in addition to standard state/federal taxes.
- What the heck are these, and how much are they?
- Just as often as I've heard rumors about some of these fees, I've heard (particularly for "activation fee") that it's easy to have it "waived" if you're a new customer. Is this true? What about the other fees?
- Those of you with a data plan, how much are the taxes?
- For new/upgrading customers and a 2-yr contract (not a problem for me even though I come from a non-contract policy), there is a steep discount on phones, some of which are even [apparently] "free."
- Cheap/free phone upgrade for every line (and the new phones KEEP ON A-GIVIN' for at least a year) -- save up to $300 total per person per upgrade period?! Do I have that right?
- Is it [ever] possible to get a 3G-tethering smartphone for free (for Member #2 in particular)? The cheapest one that "tethers" to a [Linux] laptop would be perfect. Recall that this member rarely uses up to 5GB/mo, but when she does she does it in bursts and expects it to be "a lot better than dial-up."
- Cheapest 4G smartphone with tether support -- Evo 4G for $150? Anything cheaper? Or should I just convince Member #3 to just get a 3VO for $50 more?
- What's the catch? Beside a 2yr contract, that is. Is there an "activation fee" or other hidden catch? See above dark bullet.
- Putting aside all initial discounts (SAVE50, $125 number porting credit, etc) and all initial fees (potential "activation" fees, setup fees, and so forth), monthly cost of under $140 dollars for this family plan gives us the following advantages OVER the current T-Mobile plan:
- Double our current shared minutes (750 -> 1500).
- Unlimited "Nights" start 2 hours earlier (7PM!!)
- Better voice coverage for everyone, according to Sprint's maps.
- Great 4G data coverage for members #1 and #3, great 3G for member #2
- Possibility to cancel our home DSL and just use Sprint's network with tethering, saving up to $80/mo from DSL
- Member #1 occasionally uses data (potentially) very heavily but plans to get a 3VO with built-in tethering included for a reason. This member (me) might not terribly mind paying a "premium data" fee, too.
- Members #2 and #3 use internet extremely lightly and would absolutely hate paying a premium data fee for lighter usage than T-mobile's 2GB plan.
- Are there ANY limiters on what the network can/can't be used for? Is it for all intents and purposes identical to DSL use (except for the higher latency/ping, but nobody here games online XD)
- What's the speed like compared to 7mbps Qwest DSL? Reports/rumors indicate that a decent/good 4G area is something like 3-6-10mbps (lowerAv-upperAv-Peak) and 3G is 0.6-1.4-3.1mbps.
- True or false? Is there a way to test my area's speeds first? I don't know anyone with Sprint and 4G in my area. I'd love if existing users could report your average speeds in addition to their "service quality"/"coverage experience" according to Sprint's map.
- FREE included Sprint NavTec GPS with all smartphones? Is that right? If so, this would be a lifesaver (and a spacesaver on the card -- I'm sick of the free but bulky HTC Locations GPS on my HD2).
- Current bill - new bill = $180 (incl DSL) - $140 = $0-$40 savings over our current plan with some great new features, phone discounts, and services.
Obviously, if the final point there is true and I'm not overlooking any caveats, Sprint is practically a godsend for me (and heck, most anybody). I made this post because such an incredible deal is obviously too good to be true and I want to be informed here and now (to the benefit of all who are listening) what the real story is, and of any/all corrections/additions/caveats to my logic or my conclusion.