待翻譯：I ditched T-Mobile for Mint and found 3 major drawbacks of smaller carriers - and their workarounds

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Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.A few weeks ago, I shared my journey of switching over to Mint Mobile, after being a T-Mobile customer for more than a decade. As you may have guessed, the move was easy to justify, with mounting price increases and forced plan upgrades being the main reasons.I'm also saving more than $100 per month now, so that's nice. But going from a big household name such as T-Mobile to a smaller brand like Mint has taught me a thing or two about the downsides of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), too.Also: I ditched T-Mobile for Mint after 10 years of service - now I'm saving $120/monthThey're mostly tolerable, with some unique fixes and lifestyle changes that I've picked up over the past few months. So if you're on the verge of making the switch yourself, here's a breakdown of some of the most common limitations I've faced, and how I'm dealing with them.1. Data deprioritization is real, but free solutions exist I'd like to think that the phrase "you get what you pay for" was coined by the overlords who run major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, because data deprioritization, or the queuing of network bandwidth in congested areas, is very real.An example of this was when I attended a Bruno Mars concert just the other night. In high-traffic areas like MetLife Stadium on a Saturday night, customers with higher Quality of Service Class Identifiers (QCI), such as those with premium 5G plans on T-Mobile, will receive priority for available bandwidth.Those at the bottom of this QCI queue, such as MVNO customers like myself, are not as lucky. The delay in my phone uploading Raye's opening act to my group chat made it very clear where I sat that night within the hierarchy of mobile data speeds.Also: I compared 5G network signals of Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T at a stadium - here's the verdictThe alternatives here are twofold: you can either force your phone to limit its data connectivity to LTE (instead of 5G) or, with a VPN enabled, tap into public Wi-Fi. In some cases, running on 4G/LTE may be faster than 5G, as most MNOs have tailored their services toward the latter.In public areas, such as bars, gyms, and airports, the Wi-Fi may offer better, more reliable connectivity than your provider's. Just be cautious of accessing sensitive financial or work accounts, and use a trusted VPN if possible.2. Keep an eye on your hotspotWhen switching from an MNO to an MVNO, it's easy to forget that you likely no longer have the freedom of unlimited (or 60GB, in my case) hotspotting. I learned this the hard way when I had a home internet outage last week and realized how quickly my monthly data allowance on Mint was being drained.By early afternoon, my connected laptop, with its dozens of active (and often forgotten) Chrome tabs and a video call, had used up two of the five gigabytes of monthly data. If you're a remote worker or frequently find yourself tapping into your phone's hotspot, consider upgrading to a more substantial monthly data plan when switching to an MVNO. In the case of Mint, I realized that paying the extra $5 per month for 10 GB of additional data might actually be worthwhile.I'd also advise setting a metered connection for your hotspot network on your Mac or PC. That signals to your computer to limit general data usage and various background activities, such as pausing cloud synchronization and app updates.3. Get familiar with international eSIMs - they're worth itThe few times that I've traveled internationally, I remember the relief of still having unlimited (though slower) data with T-Mobile. That was the case when I flew to Spain and Portugal for my honeymoon last year, and I was able to book taxis and download important flight documents, even when the local Wi-Fi was unstable.Also: New study reveals best mobile carrier - ranks internet providers, tooRoaming with an MVNO is a little less luxurious. With Mint, you'll have to pay for a single- or multi-day data pass, typically ranging from 1GB ($5) to 10GB ($20). Keep in mind that you'll likely be using GPS navigation, searching on Google more than ever, and uploading photos and videos while traveling, so you'll want to keep track of how much data you're consuming throughout the day(s).In most cases, it may make more financial sense to invest in an international eSIM when traveling, such as Airalo or Holafly. They're often cheaper and better optimized for the destinations you're traveling to. For example, Mint typically doesn't have the necessary roaming profiles for cruise ships and ferries.Bottom line: Pick and chooseThe beauty of an MVNO, as I've learned, is that while you start with a minimal data setup, you have the freedom to add and remove benefits as you see fit. What's most important is knowing the limitations and being prepared for moments when you may need to spend a little more to overcome them.