Ok, I just got off the phone with TMo, and had my plan switched to the $24/mo "smartphone" plan. Now the "epc.tmobile.com" APN works for me, and it has me "closer" to my true location. Internet2.voicestream.com APN also works, but again, it puts me out in Kansas.

Ping times on speedtest.net are still really high at ~240ms for either APN. Best DL speeds for me (here near Baltimore) are ~800Kb, for both APNs. I was originally on the TMo "Shadow" web (I know, I know), and was told that it was "limited", but again, I was able to hit 3Mb down in Philly.

FWIW, I was also told that, "the Internet2 APN was less used, and is probably the 'newer' one". I'm going to go outside to see if that helps with reception as I had trouble inside at my dad's in Philly. I still have full bars inside my house but you never know.

Based on what I'm seeing, there is no reason at all to get the more expensive plan (other than adhering to TMo policy ). No noticable difference in page browsing, but ping times are actually "worse"...was getting ~150ms on cheaper plan.