T-Mobile Review: T-Mobile Deserves More Consideration

Most of the conveniences of the modern life are brought about by mobile functionality. If we are to compare lifestyles between the earlier and the latter half of the 90′s, one of the main and the largest difference is the functionalities given by the internet. And if we compare the lifestyle between the latter half of the 90′s to today’s lifestyle, the main and biggest difference would be mobile internet connectivity.

 Smart phones owe most of their popularity to mobile internet connection. This has allowed the phones to do a wide range of intelligent and smart functions such as high speed satellite navigation, internet browsing, video streaming, online gaming, weather forecasting, instant messaging, Voice Over Internet Protocol, internet video calling, social networking, and many more. Some of these features are the highlights of the century and we owe being able to use these features almost anywhere (or at all) to smart phones.

However convenient, modern lifestyle is not for everybody as almost every convenience that it brings about requires a fair amount of cash in exchange. This has made large telephone companies such as AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint even larger. Because of the brand and advertisements, most people would go for any of the three when getting a smart phone subscription without considering smaller networks. Because of this, many are unaware that some networks offer the cheapest deals and rivals, if not utterly defeats, the features that larger networks have.

 One of the greatest dark horse among networks carriers and one of the network carriers that are usually taken out of the equation is T-Mobile. Originally based in Europe, T-Mobile ventured business in the United States in hopes to expand its territory. The venture was not quite a success, but it was not a failure either. As of 2011, T-Mobile has ranked as the fourth largest wireless provider in the US. However, it is still ways behind Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon. T-Mobile is a perfect case-in-point of our topic as I think it offers the best deals that you can get in the country.

For us to have a comprehensive view of what T-Mobile has to offer, we will be looking at the common criteria that affect the subscribers’ user experience. These criteria are features, phone selection, coverage, customer service, and affordability. To start with our T-Mobile review, we will be discussing what it has to offer and what is so unique about it in the features criteria.  

Many would have you believe that Sprint offers the most affordable unlimited Sprint network data plans around at $99 per month. T-Mobile, however, begs to disagree. This network carrier offers unlimited data on T-mobile network that starts at $79; this already includes 2GB of high speed data, which usually comes at the value of $30. Surprisingly, T-Mobile also boasts having the largest 4G network available, which we will discuss in more detail at the ‘coverage’ category. These features make T-Mobile ideal from casual to heavy internet surfing and high speed video streaming. In terms of features, I will be giving T-Mobile 4 out of 5.  

Compared to AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon, T-Mobile is at a disadvantage when it comes to quantity as it has fewer selections of phones. However, if you are looking after high end or versatile phones, T-Mobile has almost everything that you can want except for the iPhone. T-Mobile offers a huge selection of 4G smart phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S2, Nokia Lumia 710, Blackberry Bold 9700 etc. Like AT&T, T-Mobile also has a selection of reliable refurbished phones that are available for a bargain. This is a great choice for those who are on a tight budget or for just about anybody who is not turned off at the word ‘refurbished.’ Because of this, T-Mobile is getting 4 out of 5.  

When it comes to cellular signal coverage, T-Mobile is at par with the best. In terms of GSM and 3G coverage, it covers 97% of the USA. And if you are talking about the latest 4G LTE signals that can transmit data 10 times faster than 3G, then you can never go wrong with T-Mobile as it is second to none in this area. T-Mobile offers the widest range of 4G LTE coverage that leaves the competition eating dust. By how far, you ask? T-Mobile covers as much as five times as AT&T’s 4G LTE signals. This warrants AT&T 5 out of 5 in this area.  

If we base our opinion on forums and reports by some subscribers, we can assume that customer service is not T-Mobile’s best perks. Some customers reports T-Mobile customer service representatives giving wrong information even on common topics such as restriction codes, phone contracts, and so on. Although not deliberately, these sorts of hassles can cause a lot of inconvenience, stress, and time on the receiving end. Thus, we cannot recommend T-Mobile in terms of customer services. However, these observations are second hand and we suggest not taking our word for it. Try calling T-Mobile services hotline and judge the matter for yourself as there are a lot of isolated cases when it comes to the matter of customer service affairs.

 T-Mobile’s regular individual plans are one of the most affordable that you can find in the market. It offers the most features for the least amount of cash. For only $59, you can have unlimited talk time and text messages; $10 less than what AT&T and Verizon offers. When it comes to unlimited data bundles, you can have unlimited internet on T-Mobile network and social network starting at $79. This already includes 2 GB of high speed data which means you can enjoy regular file downloads and occasional video streaming. At its peak, T-Mobile can offer generic unlimited data offers with 10 GB of high speed data. You may be glad to know that the 10GB of high speed data alone is already worth $80 to $100 on other networks. With T-Mobile promotion code, this rate can further be lowered. This deserves a score of 4 out of 5.