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- Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 29 reviews
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Product summary
MetroPCS offers a basic phone selection, but its service plans come with few restrictions.
Price range: $10.00
CNET editors' take
- Reviewed on: 06/07/2007
Editor's note: Because evaluating wireless coverage requires experience with the network in a wide variety of physical locations, CNET does not rate wireless carriers. We can, however, tell you everything you need to know about the major carriers. We invite your feedback and ratings in our user opinions section; the more input we get from around the U.S., the better our users can evaluate coverage at a national level.
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
- Push-to-talk: No
- Analog roaming: Yes
- Prepaid plans: No
- Family plans: No
- See more CNET content tagged:
- Wireless Inc.,
- EVDO,
- carrier,
- CDMA,
- coverage
| 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 |
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MetroPCS:
