So, after using leaving the incredible coverage and mediocre data performance of AT&T, I have decided to switch to T-Mobile. After using their LTE network, I can honestly say, that is consistent. Speeds with a decent signal have been over 10 Mbps, even during peak times. The area that I have done most of the speeds was in Washington DC and it's spread out suburbs of Arlington and Fairfax county Virginia. These speeds have been good, but if you intend on using T-Mobile, get an AWS capable handset.
When I originally switched over from AT&T to T-Mobile, I was confident in the 1900 MHZ rollout with the AWS LTE. But, I quickly learned that AT&T is the exact opposite of T-Mobile, AT&T has great coverage with mediocre data performance, however T-Mobile has great data performance with mediocre coverage. This is due to the fact that T-Mobile uses 1900 MHZ and AWS for their network, while AT&T uses 700 MHZ for LTE, 850 MHZ for voice and data, 1900 MHZ for voice and data, and AWS for voice and data in some markets. But, don't confuse this as me bashing either carrier, if you want coverage, go with AT&T, if you want data performance, go with T-Mobile.
But as I said before, you need AWS for HSPA(+) on T-Mobile for data. There is no getting around that, the 1900 MHZ rollout seems stopped in it's tracks and not every AWS/PCS cell has LTE. T-Mobile does have a frightening amount of LTE dead zones in residential parts of the city. Not suburbs, the residential sides. Normally, if you had an AWS handset, you would go down to HSPA(+) (Most likely DC-HSPA+) and not onto the ancient EDGE network. But, if you look at T-Mobile coverage maps, the pinkest areas are LTE/HSPA(+) and the darker pink areas are EDGE. T-Mobile does not show the frequency band of their HSPA(+) network on their coverage maps, and places such as Carmel, NY are excellent examples of non existent LTE coverage (Obviously, if it's nearest major city is 1 hr away), but still, the area is 100% AWS for HSPA(+). So, even if you don't travel, you may want to consider picking up an AWS handset and putting your T-Mobile SIM in it.
