Cell Phone Data Plan Recommendation

[braingrenades]

I've only had T-Mobile my entire time I've had a cell phone (all the way back to the first day they released the original Razr). I'm recently learning the ways of the Mustache and entertaining the idea of changing carriers for my first time.  At work and home I can connect to WiFi but outside of there I do use data fairly frequently, looking up stuff on the fly especially utilizing search and GPS. My current plan at T-Mobile runs $48.99/month. Here's the breakdown:

PLAN $40 Unlimited Talk & Text with Data   $40.00
Name ID   $3.99
Visual Voicemail   Free
Data Service   2GB Data & SMHS Capped SS   $5.00

Even though I feel like I use a lot of data I typically do not even go over 1GB (the exception is when I'm traveling). I also have a few friends outside the country but am not charged if they call me (only if I call them). I'd like to keep my Galaxy Note Edge if possible. It does have a SIM card so that could make a switch easier. However if this is a deal breaker I could just try something different. 

I'm also open to negotiating with T-Mobile for a lower rate. T-Mobile use to bend over backwards for customers but after they did away with contracts customer service isn't what it use to be.  There's a good amount of talk about Republic Wireless and Project Fi on this board and I'm curious how they would compare. Please let me know what plans available in 2016 would be best for my scenario. Thanks!

[Daley]

Have you read the guide yet? Covers how to shop, reduce mobile data usage, reuse your handset, and what providers are worth checking out among other things.

[klystomane]

Do you need the calling minutes more, or the data more?

If you want lots of data, Wal-Mart has a T-Mobile card @ $30/month. I believe it comes with 100 minutes/month and 5GB of data.

If you need more minutes, the basic Project-Fi plan is $20 for unlimited minutes, $10 per 1 GB of data (pro-rated - you pay for what you use).

There are reddit threads out there that detail which "unsupported" phones work with Project-Fi. That said, the cheapest supported phone is going for about $199 right now (Nexus 5).

[braingrenades]

Thanks for the replies. If I change I think I may give Project Fi a try. I'd start on the low end for the data and just let them prorate me if I go over. They're also offering a discount of $150 off the normal price for the Nexus 5X (activation required) so I may just get that and sell my Samsung phone.

[Daley]

Thanks for the replies. If I change I think I may give Project Fi a try. I'd start on the low end for the data and just let them prorate me if I go over. They're also offering a discount of $150 off the normal price for the Nexus 5X (activation required) so I may just get that and sell my Samsung phone.

Or you could keep your existing handset, get it carrier unlocked, and use EasyGo Wireless (H2O Mobile MVNO on AT&T network) instead and get the exact same pricing on a better network that doesn't require WiFi fallback and Sprint LTE to fill in the gaps!

Seriously, research and use the resource I originally linked you before spending any money.