- Lots of free phones for switchers
- Good family plan discounts
- Includes weekly perks/freebies like free cup of coffee at Dunkin Donuts
- Free Amazon Prime Subscription and Google One on select plans
- Expensive for single line customers that don't need unlimited data
- Could be charged $20 to switch phones
- Does not cater to low-usage customers
Since 2013, I’ve been researching, reviewing, and writing about the wireless industry through BestMVNO with a focus on MVNOs.
In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know about Metro by T-Mobile before you subscribe. I’ll review each of their phone plans with you, and go over any gotchas that they might have. I want you to learn the ins and outs of Metro by T-Mobile so that you can make an informed decision on if this is the best place for you to spend your money.
Metro by T-Mobile Phone Plans
Last Updated: Sep 26, 2024Single Line Monthly Prepaid Plans
Prepaid Family Plans
Data Only Plans
How Metro by T-Mobile Plans Work
MetroPCS originally launched in 1994 as General Wireless INC, which was a company whose purpose was to bid on, and acquire and operate broadband PCS licenses ((source)).
General Wireless INC changed its name to MetroPCS INC in 1999 ((Bloomberg)) and the company provided cellular service as a CDMA network.
In 2007 MetroPCS became a publicly traded company when it launched its IPO. ((Reuters))
In 2010 MetroPCS made history by becoming the first carrier in the USA to offer service on an LTE network with an LTE handset ((Gigaom)).
Shortly thereafter, in 2012, the company reached a deal with T-Mobile to merge to help T-Mobile better compete with other national providers. In 2015 MetroPCS’s legacy CDMA network was fully shutdown and replaced by T-Mobile’s LTE network. Today MetroPCS operates as a no contract prepaid provider that is still owned by T-Mobile.
In October of 2018 MetroPCS was rebranded to Metro By T-Mobile. Also in October, the company became the first prepaid brand to commit to launching 5G wireless service.
Network speeds are generally equivalent to T-Mobile’s. However, during times of network congestion data speeds may slow down compared to other customers on T-Mobile plans.
Metro by T-Mobile offers phone plans, and data-only plans for home internet, hotspots, tablets, smartwatches, and Chromebooks. To subscribe to a data-only plan from Metro you must also have a phone plan from them.
Metro’s Flex phone plans allow current Metro by T-Mobile subscribers to get the same deals on phones as new customers as long as they stay on their Flex plans for at least 12 months and trade-in their old phones. Some customers may need to stay on their plans longer than 12 months to get deals on even more devices. Unfortunately, if you get a discounted phone as a new customer or new line and want to switch to a cheaper plan, you will be charged $50 if you downgrade your plan within your first six months of active service. If you switch plans after six months, there is no fee to do so.
Supported Phones And BYOD Devices
The company sells and supports a variety of phones from high end iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices to budget offerings from many of the top brands. Customers can bring their own phones to the network as long as they are compatible with T-Mobile and are out of contract, paid off in full, and not reported lost or stolen. A majority of phones that work with AT&T will also work as long as the phone has been unlocked. Universally unlocked phones from manufacturers such as Motorola and Samsung are also compatible.
Where To Buy Service Plans And SIM Cards
Metro By T-Mobile cell phone plans and SIM cards can be purchased online directly through Metro By T-Mobile, from independent dealers and are available from various brick and mortar retail stores.
Year Founded: 1994
Metro by T-Mobile Contact Information
Website: https://www.metrobyt-mobile.com/2250 Lakeside Blvd
Richardson, TX 75082
United States
Youtube
Tik Tok
Phone Unlock Policy
Metro By T-Mobile will unlock your Metro By T-Mobile purchased phone, as long as it been used on the network for at least 12 months.
Beware of Metro PCS. After 18 months with Metro PCS, I just ditched them for another MVNO. Metro PCS claims to offer no-contract, prepaid service. However, Metro PCS will lock you into a due date, and you are bound to it. Let’s say one pays for the $30/month service, and the date is January 1st. That person has a reasonable (and I’m pretty sure a legal one) expectation that Metro PCS will provide 30 days of service. After all, said person just shelled out $30 to Metro PCS for the advertised month of service. Now when February 1st rolls around, said person doesn’t pay for another month, yet. (It’s easy enough to do, especially if one rarely makes/receives calls, but rather mostly uses WiFi, which facilitates email, internet access, and messaging/calls via various apps). Then on February 5th,said person makes a $30 payment on Metro PCS website. And so, one would expect 30 days of service, and the next payment (to “Avoid service interruption”) would be on March 5th. Because, after all, there is no contract. And this was the case with 2 previous MVNOs, both of which provided 30 days of service and then just adjusted the date for next payment. But NOT Metro PCS. Your payment will not result in 30 days of service. Metro PCS expects payment on the “Due date” and as such, even though one has paid for 30 days service, Metro PCS will only provide service from February 5th to March 1st. For me, it’s not about money, it’s the principal. What Metro PCS does is not legal. I’ve read comments posted by Metro PCS customers on other websites, (e.g. consumer affairs, ripoff report, BBB) that have posted the same complaint. Also, it’s near impossible to speak with a customer service person. The automated phone system is setup to make it very difficult to speak with a person. I had to look up Metro PCS corporate information, and call numbers in the directory until i was able to speak with a person. I DO NOT recommend metro PCS!