I recently poked my head into the rabbit hole of data privacy and after realizing my abysmal password habits and the fact that I have not been further than a mile from my phone once in about 5 years, I am considering getting an unlocked Pixel 7 with GOS. I've read through some previous discussions and FAQ about phone carriers but am still left a bit confused.
To clarify, I'm not interested in being off the grid or avoiding any bureaus, simply giving big tech as little as possible and ramp up security on accounts, and devices. I do have a T-Mobile plan with unlimited data and would not make the switch if I would not have access to unlimited data (carrier is trivial).
With that said, what is the extent of data that phone carriers (primarily T-Mobile) can receive from a Pixel with stock GOS settings? Do they have access to calls and texts on the default GOS messenger? Is there any difference in being on a T-Mobile plan (and getting a sim card that way) or purchasing a sim card with cash, other than divulging payment info/account info? Is coarse location data shared no matter what when LTE is active? Do VPNs effect carrier's ability to get data at all? Does choice of carrier matter if it is using T-Mobile cell towers / infrastructure, do they get access to that data on top of the carrier?
And finally, what are some of the best choices of phone carriers with unlimited data plans out right now?