archaic 3g hotspot speed -- age 55+ plan

So I misplaced my t-mobile phone while traveling and had to buy a burner to get back home, find my phone, etc.

T-mo's price was so high that I walked over to a major competitor in the same mall. The sales manager tried to upsell me until I got out the door.

The recovery burner was about 40% less at the major competitor, and their age 55+ plan is about $5 more per month (month-to-month prepaid for now).

What really shocked me was the hotspot speed -- almost 600% faster (4g lte vs t-mo capped at 3g data) -- all for a few dollars more per month.

plus my t-mo needs a network extender in my home to work, but the competitor's network doesn't need it.

I was pleased with t-mo before this issue popped up, but with high priced recovery options, poor salesmanship, low speeds, and poor radio penetration it looks like I might have to switch.