You are right, and I know AT&T is not the cheapest, but I am forced to use it for the time being. There are a number of reasons why one would need to stick with one operator or the other.
What I question is the fact that I have no control on incoming SMS, and still I get charged for them.
Most of the 4-5 digit numbers mention the STOP options, but I get messages from 10-digit numbers like the following:
"Tracie! Breaking report: This fruit burns up to 10lbs of fat in 14 days! Enjoy this special update here al49.xyz/ketonews"
The same message, a different number every time. Basically everyone in the US is forced to have unlimited text and calls in order not to pay for incoming marketing, how fair is this?