If you are staying in one location you only need to care about service that works in your area. Nothing else matters. Check with your neighbors and co-workers to find which provider has the best service in your area and then let us know which ones are good. Someone might then be able to provide some additional help. Even the coverage maps on line are no good if you happen to live/work in a dead zone.
The providers will also usually let you try a device but for the pay as you go type plan you are going to need to purchase the device.