To end all this, the regular internet package is edge access only, while the smartphone plans have fast edge or 3G. Some non smartphones can also access 3G, but qualify for the regular internet because of their low data usage, and are usually branded phones.

The real secret is that if you have an unlocked phone, just walk in, pay a plan's first month bill, and go home. Once you're on for 24 months, you can get a loyalty plan that gives you unlimited voice for $55 a month for one line, $95 for two, and adding data for both is just $70, making it $125 for one or $165 for two lines with unlimited messages and data.

They don't heavily enforce data caps unless the network is congested, and it never is, but its 5GB I think. TMobile is very open and lenient on data. I've used their data cards for torrenting and P2P, and it never caused an issue.