Well it has been three months since I dumped AT&T for Republic Wireless and I'm happy to report that the world has not come to an end. The sun still shines and I'm just as moderately attractive as I ever was. Weird, right?
I want to inform those who are considering cost-cutting choices such as this that it's just fine on the other side. Pick the next item on your list you have been meaning to optimize and get to work on it today.
There is no downside.