MetroPCS
Manufacturer: MetroPCS Wireless, Inc. Part number: MetroPCS
- CNET Editor rating: Not yet rated
- Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 75 reviews
- More product information:
- Editors' take
- User reviews
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- MetroPCS offers a basic phone selection, but its service plans come with few restrictions.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Buy |  | See Site | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 11/07/2009 |
CNET editors' take
MetroPCS price range: $20.00
- Reviewed by: Kent German
- Reviewed on: 06/07/2007
- Updated on:06/16/2009
The bottom line: MetroPCS offers a basic phone selection, but its service plans come with few restrictions.
Editors' 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. For more carrier information, please see CNET's Quick Guide.
Serving 6 million customers in select markets in Georgia, Florida, Texas, Michigan, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Nevada 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. Its handset roster tends toward no-frills models, but it does offer smartphone and touchscreen handsets. Available features include e-mail, messaging, wireless Internet, 3G, ush-to-talk 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.
- 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: 6 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: Yes
- Streaming video service: No
- Music download service: No
- Push-to-talk: Yes
- Prepaid plans: No
- Family plans: No
User reviews
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Love the plan, service is terrible
by AuntieJan on April 12, 2008
Pros: Convenient, economical
Cons: Horrible customer service
Summary: This is a great service and I hope they will work on their customer support, it is very, very bad. I have been a Metro PCS customer for 2 years ...
Summary: This is a great service and I hope they will work on their customer support, it is very, very bad. I have been a Metro PCS customer for 2 years and every time I've had to call them I get a headache.
First, you have to figure out how to get past the irritating voice computer, once you've done that, it's hit and miss to get someone that actually knows what they are doing.
I plan on keeping the service for now, but as my business grows I may be forced to change providers because I just can't deal with the lack of support.
Metro, get your act together!6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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You can probably do better.
by glitchkillgasmx on July 2, 2008
Pros: Truly unlimited calling and texting for a good price.
Cons: Very limited coverage area, spotty quality, and a poor excuse for customer service.
Summary: If you live in one of the few coverage areas, don't plan to travel with your phone, and have no reason to call customer service, then MetroPCS is probably ...
Summary: If you live in one of the few coverage areas, don't plan to travel with your phone, and have no reason to call customer service, then MetroPCS is probably a good choice for you. I must admit, they mean it when they say unlimited. Unlimited calling and messaging (whether text, picture, etc.) is always standard and for a great price. The true downfall of this service (which is otherwise a great idea) is how limited it can be.
If you constantly travel or go out of town, there's a huge chance that your phone will be useless. A year and a half ago I lived near Tampa, FL where service is available. I took a trip to a Students of German convention which was held in Daytona. The last place I was able to use my phone was Orlando. For three days, I was unable to call back home or receive calls from my teacher who was leading the trip. I believe that Daytona has now been added to the coverage area, but at the time I was very disappointed. When I did get service, the call quality had a tendency to be very poor.
Also, good luck trying to get cool stuff for your phone. I tried continuously to buy a ringtone for my phone, but they made it nearly impossible for me. The customer service is outstandingly bad.
This service has an opportunity to be a great carrier, but until they can do some housecleaning, this may not be the company for you. However, if you plan to stay in the same area (assuming it's available) and don't mind paying a bit extra for a phone, this could very well be what you're looking for.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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METRO PCS= METRO PIECE OF ****
by PLAYAGRL on November 25, 2008
Pros: NOT REALLY NOTHING
Cons: CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCKS, CAN'T GET ANYONE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS INCLUDING MANAGEMENT,
Summary: DON'T LET YOUR PHONE GET TURNED OFF DUE TO NON PAYMENT, YOU WILL END UP PAYING FOR 2 MONTHS OF SERVICE TO USE THE PHONE. THEY SAY IT COST ...
Summary: DON'T LET YOUR PHONE GET TURNED OFF DUE TO NON PAYMENT, YOU WILL END UP PAYING FOR 2 MONTHS OF SERVICE TO USE THE PHONE. THEY SAY IT COST TO TURN THE PHONE BACK ON BECAUSE THATS THE PRICE TO KEEP YOUR NUMBER WHICH IS 1 MONTH AND THEN IN ABOUT A COUPLE OF DAYS YOUR BILL IS DUE AGAIN, SO IN AVERAGE A 45.00 MONTH BILL WILL COST YOU OVER 100.00 IF YOUR PHONE GETS DISCONNECTED..
5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good for the money
by suenan99 on December 14, 2008
Pros: No contract, no surprise charges, tallk, or text all day, and now a family plan for up to 4 phones, for $100. Husband traveled to Texas, and was still going strong. No additional charges to pay...What a deal
Cons: Phone selection is limited
Summary: If you are a someone who calls or texts alot throughout the day on a daily basis, then this is the plan for you. No nonsense, no frills type of ...
Summary: If you are a someone who calls or texts alot throughout the day on a daily basis, then this is the plan for you. No nonsense, no frills type of cell phone user, this is the plan for you. Although companies like Verizon, Sprint and AT&T do offer a better variety of phones as far as selection for free, or reduced price, in the long run you pay triple or quadruple that for service in a year. At metro.. I pay $200 for a samsung messenger, and have a bill of 85.00 a month..that is for 2 phones, unlimited text and calls. At Sprint..Yes I got a free phone but my bill ranged from anywhere from $60.00 (a good month) to $120 a month....RIDICULOUS! $960 a year sounds much better the $1440 plus...... I am never surprised when I receive my bill or left in shock for days on end. Customer service could use some assistance, phone selection could use some upgrading, but overall I am satisfied.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent Service and Experience
by spry981 on March 6, 2008
Pros: Free Long Distance; Free SMS; CHEAP Web
Cons: CDMA; Roaming Fees; No Windows Mobile Phones
Summary: IMHO, MetroPCS is the best cellular provider I have had, to date. I have previously used Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Cingular.
The great thing about MetroPCS is there is no ...Summary: IMHO, MetroPCS is the best cellular provider I have had, to date. I have previously used Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Cingular.
The great thing about MetroPCS is there is no contract, and no per-minute fees. You pay a flat rate each month, and get unlimited talk time and unlimited long distance.
Adding SMS and image email is $5. Adding web browsing is another $5 (yeap, and no per minute/hour fee, either).
The only reason I won't give a 10 is that MetroPCS doesn't support any smart phones. There is a hack for one of the windows mobile phones, though. The phones MetroPCS offers are good quality and comparable to other carriers.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Horrible service, horrendous customer service
by erikaalexa on April 7, 2009
Pros: It was nearby, other than that so far the WORST cell phone company I have dealt with, and I've had Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon.
Cons: A friend signed up with them, and had a hard time getting the phone to work, so he asked me to try to fix it. I tried calling 611 from the phone, and almost had a breakdown trying to deal with them. See below for my horror story...
Summary: I would stay away from Metro PCS. A friend signed up with them in 82 St. in Jackson Heights, and they didn't even connect his phone properly. He was ...
Summary: I would stay away from Metro PCS. A friend signed up with them in 82 St. in Jackson Heights, and they didn't even connect his phone properly. He was able to make calls from the phone, but was receiving phone calls on his old cell phone after switching his number from AT&T to Metro. I called customer service for him from the phone, OMG WHAT A HORRENDOUS EXPERIENCE. The recording asked me what I needed, and I said technical support. It didn't understand what I wanted. So I said operator. That led to twenty minutes of "I understand you want to speak with an agent. Let me see if I can help you first..." No amount of cursing, pushing buttons, or yelling operator and agent over and over again would transfer me to a real person. I finally had to say that I wanted to activate a phone to get somewhere. Then the live person first told me that I needed to activate the phone. The connection was horrible and I could barely hear the person. He then said he would try re-activating the phone to see if that would help. He put me on hold for ten minutes, then came back and said he was having technical difficulties and to keep holding. Five minutes later I gave up and hung up. A company that has such horrible customer service is not worth the money, especially when the commercials say $40 a month for services, but taxes and fees bump that up to $67 a month...way more expensive than any other company. AVOID THEM LIKE THE PLAGUE!!!
3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Basic but exceptional service in what is offered.
by Oxfordian on February 13, 2009
Pros: MetroPCS offers excellent coverage and call quality through California. The network does not appear overcrowded and I experience dropped calls very rarely, usually due to relay issues while driving. The price is unrivaled. Good international rates.
Cons: The data network is older and quite slow. Tethering options for mobile laptop connectivity are not offered. Macintosh iSync compatible phones are rare, and the network is not GSM so your ability to bring your own phone is severely limited.
Summary: MetroPCS does not offer much but they excel in what they do offer. If you are looking for an unlimited prepaid service which is priced substantially below the price of ...
Summary: MetroPCS does not offer much but they excel in what they do offer. If you are looking for an unlimited prepaid service which is priced substantially below the price of a contract plan, you may wish to consider this unique product.
I was wrong in my projections, smartphones are now available! The Blackberry 8300 series was just introduced for Metro. I am upgrading from my RAZR as soon as possible. Their unsubsidized price is $449, much lower than that of other carriers. With this important addition, I upgrade my star rating.
I use a Motorola RAZR V3s in conjunction with Metro?s service in the San Francisco Bay Area for roughly six months. I have found the call quality to be clear and consistent throughout the area and much of the state, far better than any other provider I have ever used. Only rarely is a call dropped, and it is usually when I am either driving or entering a subway station where the call must be forwarded to a smaller antenna on the platform, which doesn?t seem to connect with the surface antenna system.
The text messaging service is very reliable and is able to send international SMS at a reasonably competent level. International texting (unlimited, of course) is included with the $45 per month plan and I have tested it with most British carriers. It usually works quickly and reliable but some O2 customers are unable to send replies to MetroPCS.
This talk of international usage brings me to another point, international rates. The international calling rates on MetroPCS are among the best in the industry but they made substantial changes to the way in which international calls are dialed. A few months ago the network was configured such that you prepaid international long distance credit and simply dialed the numbers right out of your address book, as if you were calling via international direct dial. The only difference is that Metro charges ONLY 2 CENTS per minute to call England, a steal compared to all other mobile carriers in the US. This feature ended though, much to my dismay. The rate is still the same very competitive rate but it requires the user to dial a calling card number, and then enter the phone number, which is inconvenient. Many of my international contact also reported that their phones were unable to identify my number when routed through the new system. If I could change one thing about the service, I would bring back the MetroConnect international calling system.
The last bit about international functionality is that of international roaming, there isn?t any. Enough said, that?s why I didn?t give 4 stars. Even if there was, the CDMA network issue would offer only limited functionality in a few countries.
Given that the network is CDMA, the user must rely on MertoPCS for all phone choices. They can flash phones to operate on the network but the options are not nearly as extensive as if the network was GSM. If this were so, any smartphone would be compatible but instead, there are no options beyond very basic phones which Metro supports, there it is rumored some smartphones can be hacked to work on Metro.
The negative things being mentioned, I will now accentuate what I love about this service. They don?t sell you more than you need and then force you to keep buying it for two years. When you subscribe to a major provider, you pay for very extensive coverage that you probably won?t use. Instead of using this model, Metro has included coverage only in major metropolitan areas of the country (as the name implies though roaming is available via Verizon) and you pay half as much as the unlimited rates of the competition. For all of this unlimited service, there is no contract and phone prices are reasonable. Though the plans have only basic services (no laptop tethering or 3G speeds,) the services they offer are very reliable and the call quality is amazing for a mobile provider. I live within two blocks of a tower (hard not to do in the city) and the quality is as good as a landline. Likewise, the voice features such as the voicemail system and conference calling system are quite solid and of course... unlimited.
The customer service is very good relative to other carriers I have used. When you need tech support, you are usually on hold for a maximum of 5 minutes, if at all. It is refreshing to get an agent after two rings instead of two hours!
Overall, MetroPCS offers the consumer an excellent service with no strings attached. You pay for unlimited calling, texting, and MetroWeb. This is exactly what you will get, it is delivered competently, consistently, and at an excellent value. Just don?t expect to see an iPhone or Blackberry on Metro anytime soon...
Updated on Mar 14, 2009
Updated on Mar 31, 2009I just traveled to the east coast with my phone. The recently unveiled New York City network seemed quite solid but the Metro network in Philadelphia was not nearly of the same quality standard that I find in California. I used my phone mostly in the UPenn and South Street area. UPenn had average reception whilst South Street was appalling. Travel talk features worked well at the new, reduced rate of just 19 cents per minute.
Updated on Aug 7, 2009I complained about the discontinuation of MetroConnect international calling features in my original review. I must add that Metro has now updated their international calling solutions and offer unlimited international calling to most countries and telephone numbers for just $5 per month. Though it should be noted that in countries where a surcharge is assessed to call mobile lines, such as the UK, this service applies only to landlines.
If you are like me and call mostly mobile phones, you should check to see if your international calls are covered under the feature or not. You can check this on Metro's website as they have a number lookup tool that will tell you if a particular number is eligible for unlimited international calling.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Returning the phone and cancelling service...
by ToyotaGuyoffBoston on June 11, 2009
Pros: Great plan price, $50 for unlimited everything is amazing. I purchased the Samsung Finesse. I LOVE THIS PHONE!! Really pissed that I have to return it.
Cons: Horrible coverage. Really poor customer service.
Summary: I live in a high traffic urban area and when I got the phone activated I got absolutely NO SIGNAL. The original CSR couldn't even complete activation due to ...
Summary: I live in a high traffic urban area and when I got the phone activated I got absolutely NO SIGNAL. The original CSR couldn't even complete activation due to lack of signal. I went for a drive around my area to try and find a signal. I passed several cell towers and still nothing. I drove through AYER, GROTON, HARVARD, LANCASTER and LITTLETON(got 1 bar). These are towns right on the 495 corridor and certainly should have coverage. When I called MetroPCS this morning a different CSR informed that my main usage area has weak to no coverage.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Poor Customer Service
by Nabreen1 on March 13, 2009
Pros: Good for unlimited calling.
Cons: My check cleared for my Feb payment, my phone was disconnected anyway, they say they can't find the payment even though it cleared my bank. I was forced to make another payment on the phone and now they say I owe again. No reguard for prior payment.
Summary: I would like to change service providers but can not at this time. The poor custoimer service and lack of orginazion leads me to believe that I will never get ...
Summary: I would like to change service providers but can not at this time. The poor custoimer service and lack of orginazion leads me to believe that I will never get any response to the many calls I made to figure out the issue. They won't speak to my bank and won't deal with the first payment I made. Now my March 09 payment is due and will be disconnected tomorrow because they arn't going to honor that I made two payments in Feb 09. My bank shows that the check has cleared and so i know they recieved the payment. I plan on continueing to post on the internet until they get it together!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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You get what you pay for...
by nuts2fat on November 22, 2008
Pros: A great concept for service.
Cons: Not much more then a great concept, the service was horrible and the "customer service" was worse.
Summary: It's not all it's made out to be. I couldn't get reception in my own house or inside buildings that were within the coverage area. The "customer ...
Summary: It's not all it's made out to be. I couldn't get reception in my own house or inside buildings that were within the coverage area. The "customer service" is a joke, a bunch of people giving you the run around not knowing who does what and hanging up on you, I even had one person tell me there was no corporate phone number I could call to report the idiots. They gave me a refund...a month and a half after I canceled my service. Bottom line is just stay away from it, no wonder they're service is so cheap.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Manufacturer info
- MetroPCS Wireless, Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse MetroPCS Wireless, Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.metropcs.com/
- Address:
PO Box 601119, Dallas, TX 75360
