I finally unlocked my iPhone last night and switched back to T-Mobile. Here’s a comparison of the plans I was under from both carriers:
AT&T
450 minutes for $40
MediaMax Unlimited $20
1500 text messages $10
T-Mobile
1000 minutes for $40
T-Mobile Total Internet $20 (includes free Hotspots Wi-Fi access)
400 text messages $5
A few notes:
SMS: A big sore spot for me was that AT&T’s SMS plans go in $10 increments: 200 free, 1500 for $10, unlimited for $20. I use more than 200 SMS, but way less than 1500 and making me pay $10 extra annoyed me.
T-Mobile goes in $5 increments: 400 for $5, 1000 for $10, unlimited for $15. Unless you text less than 200 times a month, I think this is a better breakdown for most people.
Data: T-Mobile is way better here, since as of September 12 they lowered their T-Mobile Total Internet price from $29.99 to $19.99, so you get unlimited data and free access to their Hotspots.
Voice: I was grandfathered into the 1000 minute plan, but if you sign up new you will probably have to get the 650 plus nights and weekends plan. Still better than AT&T.
T-Mobile has been dropping prices and introducing interesting new features to try to stay competitive, and that’s what the free market is all about. Exclusivity contracts are bullshit.
