You need a specific phone to get good service with T-Mobile outside the major metro areas. I believe the phone needs to be able to use band 12 and not all phones can. This is why some T-Moblie users are having issues in rural areas, We have terrible coverage with Verizon in some rural areas and had terrible coverage with AT&T in some rural areas. T-Mobile is expanding and leading the pack in offers and services. We are now seriously considering making the switch. The only thing holding us back is that we don't do any streaming so some costs benefits aren't worth it for now. Chuck