True value for the money! Here is the breakdown:
- N9 wanted and purchased in cash, so no contract would cut it for me.
- Simple Mobile $40 plan all unlimited, and data at "3G" speed, clocks at about 200-300kbps DL. Enough for all my needs. Bonus: No taxes, no fees, no b/s, $40=$40.
- Data connection is stable, which was not the thing with T-Mobile prepaid service that I had to reboot my phone at least once, and email background sync would often fail so I don't even get email notifications.
- FREE unlimited international SMS. - This was a [oh, s**t!] great surprise.
- NO short numbers SMS support, so forget about your Zipcar reminders and many other great services provided via short numbers. - This was also a surprise; a sad one.
- U.S. based customer service provided by real humans speaking real American English and not following scripted guides (which was not my TMO case before). On the downside they are always overloaded with long wait times and frequently not even putting you in cue. Best time to call about 6AM EST ;-/
- You can port your number in under a day. Had the service for two month now, after about two years on TMO prepaid 10c/min, $30 and $50 plans.