MetroPCS Reviewed
Serving 4 million customers in select markets in Georgia, Florida, Texas,
Michigan, and California, Dallas-based MetroPCS is a CDMA carrier
that offers unlimited minutes as a feature of all its calling plans. Also, it
doesn't require a contract from any customer, and it doesn't place restrictions
on the time of day you call. Yet there is a trade-off, as many basic services
like voice mail and caller ID can cost extra. Like other regional carriers, MetroPCS
coverage roams onto other carrier networks outside its home area. As such,
its suited best for users who make most calls locally. Its handset roster tends
toward no-frills models, and it does not carry smartphones. Available
features include e-mail, text and multimedia messaging, instant messaging,
wireless Internet, and a mobile mapping service from MapQuest.
Things you should know:
- As a CDMA carrier international coverage is limited.
- Most plans include free long distance and unlimited
text messaging.
- There is no activation fee and the first month of
service is free for all customers.
- Unlimited directory assistance is available for en
extra fee.
- Carries mostly Motorola phones but also includes select
models from Nokia, Samsung, UTStarcom and
Kyocera. Smart phones are not available.
- Because MetroPCS does not require contracts its phones
are more expensive than with other carriers.
- Roaming outside the carrier's native coverage area may
cost extra but you can buy prepaid roaming minutes at a discount with the
TravelTalk program.
- Not all plans include free voicemail, call waiting or
caller ID. Also, other services like 3-way calling and call forwarding are
extra depending on the plan.
- The MetroWeb service offers unlimited wireless Web
access for a flat monthly fee.
Fast facts:
- Subscribers: 4 million
- Coverage: Metro PCS' native coverage is limited to urban areas
in five states. As with all carriers, reception will vary due to location.
- Technology: CDMA; 1xRTT
- 3G
Network: No
- Streaming
video service: No
- Music
download service: No
- PTT (Push-To-Talk):
No
- Analog
Roaming: Yes
- Prepaid
Plans: No
- Family
Plans: No
|
AT&T |
T-Mobile |
Sprint Nextel |
Verizon Wireless |
|
|
Coverage map |
AT&T
coverage map |
T-Mobile
coverage map |
Sprint
Nextel coverage map |
Verizon
Wireless coverage map |
|
Technology |
GSM;
GPRS; EDGE |
GSM;
GPRS: EDGE |
CDMA;
1xRTT; iDEN |
CDMA;
1xRTT |
|
3G network |
Yes,
UMTS, EV-DO |
No
(coming in 2007) |
Yes,
EV-DO |
Yes,
EV-DO |
|
Data plans |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Streaming video network |
Yes,
AT&T Video |
No |
Yes,
Sprint Power Vision |
Yes,
Verizon V Cast |
|
Music download service |
Yes,
AT&T Music |
No |
Yes,
Sprint Music Store |
Yes,
V Cast Wireless Music |
|
Push-to-Talk |
Available,
depending on phone model |
No |
Available,
depending on phone model |
Available,
depending on phone model |
|
Analog roaming |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Prepay plans |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
|
Family plans |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
U.S.
Cellular |
Alltel |
MetroPCS |
|
|
Coverage map |
U.S.
Cellular coverage map |
Alltel
coverage map |
MetroPCS
coverage map |
|
Technology |
CDMA;
1xRTT |
CDMA;
1xRTT |
CDMA;
1xRTT |
|
3G network |
No |
Yes,
EV-DO |
No |
|
Data plans |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Streaming video network |
No |
Yes |
No |
|
Music download service |
No |
No |
No |
|
Push-to-Talk |
Available,
depending on phone model |
Available,
depending on phone model |
No |
|
Analog roaming |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Prepay plans |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Family plans |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
