T-Mobile prepaid: hybrid PAYG and PBTD (switch back and forth)?

[J_dedicto]

PAYG = pay as you go
PBTD = pay be the day

I'm finally getting a smart phone (Nexus 4!), and I'm considering this option. The idea is to have PAYG as my default, and just switch to PBTD when I want internets but don't have wifi access. Does anyone do this? I'm curious about a few things, but am finding conflicting information.

1) How easy is switching, and how does it work? (hopefully both directions can be done on the phone, and without wifi access)

2) Does PAYG->PBTD->PAYG void gold status? If so, can maintaining a balance of $100 preserve it?

3) Anything else I should be aware of?

 

[PWC Realtor]

Was looking at the Tmo site and looks to me like pay as you go doesn't include data.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Android Central Forums

 

[J_dedicto]

Was looking at the Tmo site and looks to me like pay as you go doesn't include data.

Right. That's the point of switching to PBTD -- when data is needed.

They used to have data DayPass for $1.50 for those on PAYG, but got rid of that option when they added the PBTD option. Now you actually have to change plans back and forth, and I'm curious how smooth that is.

 

[PWC Realtor]

Right. That's the point of switching to PBTD -- when data is needed.

They used to have data DayPass for $1.50 for those on PAYG, but got rid of that option when they added the PBTD option. Now you actually have to change plans back and forth, and I'm curious how smooth that is.

How many voice minutes do you use per day or month? Only ask because your other alternative is to see if you could cycle between the different levels of PBTD (the $1 doesn't include data and the $2 includes 2g data if what you're doing doesn't require 3g)

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Android Central Forums

 

[J_dedicto]

How many voice minutes do you use per day or month? Only ask because your other alternative is to see if you could cycle between the different levels of PBTD (the $1 doesn't include data and the $2 includes 2g data if what you're doing doesn't require 3g)

I only use about $8/mo on PAYG (since I mostly use Google Voice on wifi), so my thought is that so long as I use data fewer than 7-11 times per month (depending on $2 or $3 options), I'd stay below the bar of $30. If I found myself using it that much or more, I'd just switch to the 4G monthly plan. I suspect that if I used PBTD level cycling I'd just hit that bar quicker, though it might be a good option if PAYG/PBTD cycling has issues.