Choosing the right cellular plan can feel overwhelming with so many providers and options available. If you’re in the market to Compare Cellular Plans, particularly for robust data and strong network performance, the T-Mobile Go5G plan is a noteworthy contender. It stands out by offering substantial value, especially for users who prioritize fast speeds and ample data for streaming and downloading.
For those whose primary need is a fast and reliable network connection for heavy data usage, the T-Mobile Go5G plan warrants serious consideration. While it might not be the most prominently featured plan on T-Mobile’s website initially, requiring a click on “See More Plans,” it often presents a better value proposition compared to similar offerings from AT&T and Verizon. T-Mobile’s ongoing 5G rollout has significantly enhanced its already robust network, delivering improved performance across an expanding geographical area.
Go5G: A Price-Competitive Unlimited Data Plan
When comparing cellular plans based on cost, the Go5G plan emerges as a strong competitor in the unlimited data category. For $75 per month, subscribers get unlimited on-device data, including a generous 100 GB of premium data. After surpassing this threshold, T-Mobile reserves the right to temporarily reduce speeds during peak network congestion. This data allowance is more generous than AT&T’s comparable plan, which offers 75 GB of priority data for a higher monthly cost. Verizon’s closest plan, while offering unlimited priority data, also comes with a steeper price tag. Crucially, T-Mobile’s advertised price is transparent, incorporating taxes and fees that are often added separately by competitors. For multi-line accounts, the savings increase: two lines are priced at $65 each, and four lines at $35 each. The plan includes 15 GB of mobile hotspot data, which is ample for occasional tethering needs, although less than some pricier competitor plans offer.
Exploring Cheaper T-Mobile Alternatives
When you compare cellular plans within T-Mobile’s own offerings, you’ll find options like the Magenta plan, previously recommended for its balance of features and price. Although still available, the Magenta plan, priced $5 less than Go5G, also provides 100 GB of priority data but with a smaller 5 GB hotspot allocation. However, it’s worth noting that T-Mobile now requires customers to contact them via phone or chat to subscribe to this plan, often an indicator of a plan nearing discontinuation, making Go5G a more future-proof choice.
For customers aged 55 and over, T-Mobile provides substantial discounts, making it an even more appealing option when you compare cellular plans. These discounts significantly reduce the cost of the Go5G plan to $60 for a single line and $45 per line for two lines. For three or four lines, the price is $55 per line. If you qualify for this age-based discount, switching to T-Mobile, especially the Go5G plan, can yield significant savings, although it’s advisable to proactively inquire about these discounts as T-Mobile may not always automatically apply them.
T-Mobile’s 5G Network Leadership
Data allowances are only meaningful when paired with a network capable of delivering fast and consistent speeds. T-Mobile’s network has advanced to the forefront, largely due to its deployment of 5G technology. T-Mobile’s mid-band spectrum, branded as Ultra Capacity 5G, delivers impressive speeds with broader coverage compared to the C-band and millimeter-wave 5G networks used by AT&T and Verizon, which are either slower or have very limited range. While T-Mobile also utilizes low-band 5G for wider coverage, it’s the mid-band spectrum that provides the most noticeable speed advantage, surpassing competitors in many areas.
Third-party testing and independent evaluations consistently highlight T-Mobile’s 5G network superiority.
Opensignal’s July 2024 crowdsourced 5G tests revealed T-Mobile’s download speeds to be over 50% faster than Verizon and AT&T’s averages. Furthermore, T-Mobile’s 5G availability was significantly higher, accessible nearly 68% of the time, compared to AT&T’s almost 12% and Verizon’s nearly 8%. Ookla Speedtest data from Q4 2023 corroborated these findings, showing T-Mobile leading in median download speeds overall and specifically for 5G connections.
| Average 5G download | 5G availability |
|---|---|
| T-Mobile | 226.7 Mbps |
| Verizon | 150.5 Mbps |
| AT&T | 142.1 Mbps |
Opensignal’s July 2024 report demonstrated T-Mobile’s 5G network’s speed and availability advantage over competitors.
PCMag recognized T-Mobile as the fastest mobile network in both 2021 and 2022, the last year they conducted drive testing. RootMetrics’ State of the Mobile Union report for the first half of 2024 also confirmed T-Mobile’s lead in median download speeds, double that of Verizon and AT&T. However, RootMetrics awarded overall top honors to Verizon for broader coverage outside urban centers, with AT&T closely following.
Although AT&T and Verizon have expanded their C-band 5G coverage since 2022, T-Mobile’s initial lead and continued network enhancements have allowed it to maintain a performance advantage in 5G speeds and availability for a larger portion of its user base.
Go5G: Ideal for International Travelers
For those who frequently travel internationally, comparing cellular plans reveals another advantage of Go5G: its robust international roaming benefits. The plan includes 5 GB of high-speed data roaming in 11 European countries where Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile’s parent company, operates. In other international locations, users still benefit from free texting and a reduced calling rate of 25 cents per minute, along with data roaming at 128 kbps. While this data speed is slower, it is sufficient for basic tasks like email and light browsing. Furthermore, Go5G provides seamless usage in Canada and Mexico without extra roaming charges for up to 10 GB of data per month, even at 5G speeds. Travel perks extend to in-flight connectivity, with an hour of free Wi-Fi on select airlines (Alaska, American, Delta, and United) and four full-flight Wi-Fi passes annually.
Go5G Versus Go5G Plus and Other Options
T-Mobile also offers higher-tier unlimited plans like Go5G Plus and Go5G Next. Go5G Plus, priced at $90 for a single line, $75 per line for two, and $55 per line for four, increases the hotspot data to 50 GB and international high-speed roaming to 5 GB in over 200 countries. It also includes full-flight Wi-Fi on partner airlines and entertainment perks like Apple TV+ and Netflix (standard with ads). For frequent travelers and streaming enthusiasts already paying for these services, Go5G Plus could offer cost savings. The Go5G Next plan, at $100 for a single line, caters to phone upgrade enthusiasts with an annual phone upgrade option. T-Mobile’s 55+ discounts apply to these plans as well, reducing costs further. However, for most users comparing cellular plans, the standard Go5G plan provides the optimal balance of features and value.
Acknowledging Potential Drawbacks
While Go5G offers compelling advantages, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks when you compare cellular plans.
Rural Coverage Limitations: T-Mobile’s rural coverage, while improved, still lags behind AT&T and Verizon in some areas. If you frequently travel to remote areas, AT&T or Verizon might offer more consistent coverage. Assess your typical travel patterns to determine if T-Mobile’s rural limitations could be a significant issue.
International Roaming and Phone Locking: While Go5G’s international roaming is cost-effective, phones purchased from T-Mobile on installment plans may be locked until paid off, potentially incurring international roaming charges if you travel before fulfilling the payment terms.
Data Breach History: T-Mobile has experienced data breaches, including a significant one in August 2022 affecting millions of customers. While the telecom industry generally faces data security challenges, T-Mobile’s history in this area is a factor to consider for privacy-conscious users.
Customer Service Practices: T-Mobile, despite its “Un-carrier” branding, has faced criticism for practices like raising rates on older plans and limiting autopay discounts. It’s advisable to carefully review monthly statements and customer notifications, as with any carrier, to stay informed about plan changes and potential issues.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice When You Compare Cellular Plans
When you compare cellular plans, T-Mobile’s Go5G plan stands out as a strong contender, particularly for its combination of competitive pricing, extensive 5G coverage, and valuable international roaming benefits. It’s especially well-suited for data-heavy users, 5G network enthusiasts, and international travelers. While rural coverage limitations and past data breaches are factors to consider, T-Mobile’s Go5G plan offers a compelling package for a large segment of mobile users seeking a high-performance and feature-rich cellular experience. Ultimately, the best cellular plan depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider your data usage, coverage requirements, travel habits, and budget to determine if T-Mobile Go5G aligns with your specific needs when you compare cellular plans.
