Are T-Mobile and metro the same?
By
HuutiMoney
In This blog post, we will answer the question, Are T-Mobile and metro the same?. We will cover topics like key features of Metro, Metro mobile phone plans, Network coverage, and comparison between T-Mobile and metroMetroPCS.
Are T-Mobile and metro the same?
T-Mobile and Metro are not the same. Both are owned by the same telecom industry and both use the same network. T-Mobile is a postpaid service provider and uses its towers. Metro is a prepaid mobile service provider. But the brand of the metro is owned by T- mobile and it uses T-Mobile’s towers.
A brief history of the T-mobile
T-Mobile is the 3rd-largest wireless network provider in the USA. T-Mobile is a German telecommunication industry and it has some investments in other mobile communication industries in the United States.
T-Mobile USA has a network sharing agreement with Cingular Wireless, an American mobile operator. Due to this, T- mobile has access to some top markets in the USA.
A brief history of Metro pcs
MetroPCS is simply known as Metro. It is a prepaid mobile service provider. But the brand of the metro is owned by T- mobile.
Earlier it was the 5th largest mobile network in the USA and it was using code-division multiple access (CDMA). In 2015, all customers using the MetroPCS CDMA network were migrated to their LTE network.
At that time T-Mobile had about 32 million subscribers and MetroPCS had around 9 million subscribers. In 2018, T-Mobile relaunched the new brand as Metro by T-Mobile.
When the name was changed; T- mobile subscribers had increased to 75 million and Metro’s mobile subscribers to 18 million. Nowadays Metro PCS is simply known as Metro by T-Mobile.
Metro ( formerly MetroPCS) offers almost the same features as that of T- mobile, at lower prices. It makes use of T-Mobile’s network. It is a prepaid service provider. Subscribers can avail a range of plans to match the budgets and the specific needs.
Is MetroPCS GSM or CDMA?
Metro PCS is owned by T-Mobile. It makes use of T-mobile’s network. Since T-Mobile is a GSM network carrier, Metro is also a GSM network carrier. This is a very important factor because of which one can easily switch from T-Mobile to Metro.
Key features of Metro pcs
● Many plans offered by the metro PCS are cheaper than corresponding T-Mobile plans.
● Availability of a large variety of plans at affordable prices.
● Some data-saving features prevent you from overages.
● Offers a variety of budget phones.
As far as key features are concerned, if you are keen about your budget and least bothered about network congestion, then you should give priority to the Metro PCS.
Metro plans
The range of prepaid plans is from $ 30 to $60.The following table shows a comparative analysis of different prepaid plans, offered by MetroPCS.
| Plan | Price | Text and Talk | Data | Streaming | Hotspot |
| 2GB | $30 | Unlimited | 2GB | 480p | Not included |
| 10GB | $40 | Unlimited | 10GB | 480p | Not included |
| Basic Unlimited | $50 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 480p | 5GB |
| Better Unlimited | $60 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 480p | 15GB |
Network coverage
For the 4G network, T mobile covers 62% of the country. T mobile provides a good network coverage in city areas and suburbs.
Metro PCS makes use of the network of T-Mobile. Ultimately you can avail yourself of the same advantage of network coverage as that of T- mobile subscribers. But in case of network congestion, whenever there is heavy traffic, more priority is given to the T-mobile subscribers.
Prerequisites for transferring the number from other wireless carriers to Metro
To transfer the current phone number from other wireless carriers to Metro, the following prerequisites should be satisfied.
- Gather your current network account information that includes your account number, password or PIN, and Billing zip code.
- The current phone number must be active.
- If the phone number is deactive, then it must be activated again to transfer to Metro.
- The information for port-out requests sent by Metro must match with information already stored in the system of your current network carrier.
Step to switch to Metro
- Check that your phone is unlocked and compatible with Metro.
- Select MetroPCS plan.
- Get the new SIM card and activate it.
- If you want to continue your existing phone number then inform the MetroPCS representative.
- Insert a new SIM card into your device.
Is there any initial cost to switch to Metro?
If you are switching to Metro from any other network carrier then initially you will need to pay $10 SIM card fees. Along with this, you will have to pay for the phone plan which you have selected for Metro.
Metro includes all taxes and fees in their monthly plan.
Steps to use the Metro carrier in iPhone
If you want to continue your existing phone number and you want to insert a Metro SIM card in an iPhone then the following steps are used.
- Ensure that your iPhone is unlocked.
- Check the compatibility of your phone.
- Purchase the Metro SIM card.
- Activate the SIM card online and choose the metro plan as per your requirements.
What is “Bring your phone service?”
Metro PCS has recently launched” bring your phone service “at some locations. If you have an unlocked GSM phone then you can use the Metro PCS service.
If you have an unlocked phone, you just have to purchase a metro PCS SIM card to avail of this service. You don’t have to make a contract for the entire year.
You can choose the plans every month. The plans are available at the lowest rate starting from $ 40.
You can also port your number, which means you can continue your old number with this service. But porting is possible only if you don’t have any contract with the previous service provider.
Are all iPhones compatible with MetroPCS?
The iPhones which are making use of the GSM service of T-Mobile and AT&T, are compatible with Metro PCS. This is because these iPhones use a SIM card and Metro PCS also offers a new SIM card.
But sprint and Verizon phones make use of CDMA technology. So these phones are not compatible with the” bring your phone service.” In the case of CDMA, there is no option to put a SIM card, so these phones are not compatible.
But Spring and Verizon’s iPhone 5supports both CDMA and GSM technology. So these phones are compatible.
Is it possible to use a CDMA iPhone with Metro PCS?
The network Carriers, Sprint, and Verizon make use of CDMA. Since there is no slot for GSM cards, these iPhones cannot be directly used with Metro PCS.
But you can flash the phone then it will be compatible with Metro PCS. The term flashing is related to reprogramming the phone.
It is similar to unlocking a GSM device. The flashing is used for CDMA devices. But flashing the phone is a third-party operation.
Will there be any effects on internet speeds?
For the iPhone, MetroPCS offers three different plans: $40, $50, and $60. All plans are inclusive of unlimited text, voice, and data. iPhone 5 works on 4G LTE, so you can expect 4G internet speed. But for other iPhones, internet speed will be 3g or 3G Plus.
Can I put the already activated MetroPCS SIM card in an iPhone?
If you have an already activated Metro sim card then it will work smoothly with iPhone 6, iPhone 7, and any other new iPhone models.
Contact customer care for transferring the service to your new iPhone.The older phone must be switched off during the process.
You should have an IMEI number handy to carry out the transfer process smoothly.
You can use a Wi-Fi connection during this transfer process because the data package will not work on the new iPhone.
T-Mobile vs. metro pcs
- MetroPCS offers almost the same features as that of T- mobile, at lower prices.
- It is a prepaid service provider.
- Subscribers can avail a range of plans to match the budgets and needs.
- Many plans offered by the metro PCS are cheaper than corresponding T-Mobile plans.
- Some data-saving features of Metro PCS prevent you from overages.
- Metro PCS offers a variety of budget phones. You can avail all low price metro phones that satisfy particular needs.
- Both the network providers offer extras and perks to their customers. It depends on the phone plan which you have selected.
The comparison of T-Mobile and MetroPCS is shown in the following table.
| Parameter | T-mobile | Metro PCS |
| Type of plan | Offers both prepaid and postpaid plans | Offers only prepaid plans |
| Priority at the time of network congestion | More priority | Less priority |
| Range of prepaid plans | $45 to %75 per month | $30 to $60 per month |
| Data | 4GB for 4510GB for $50Unlimited for $75 | 4GB for $3010GB for $30Unlimited for $50 |
| Customer service | Good | Lacking |
| Live chat for Customer service support | Available | Not available |
| Phone selection | Offers a wide range of the latest phones | Offers budget phones |
| Perks | Tuesday giveaways, each weekAccount credit for families using unlimited plansPerks like free Netflix subscription | Data maximizer provision |
| International services | No extra charges | Extra charges applicable |
Below are other T-Mobile articles you may be interested in:
How much does t-mobile pay sales associates
How much do T-mobile employees make?
How do I check my balance on my t mobile card?
Conclusion:
The blog gives detailed information about Metro by T-Mobile, it explained the procedure to be followed to avail this service and also gave the idea about different plans and features of MetroPCS(Metro by T-Mobile) to make decision making easier.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs ): Are T-Mobile and metro the same?
Is MetroPCS GSM or CDMA?
Metro PCS is owned by T-Mobile. It makes use of T-mobile’s network. Since T-Mobile is a GSM network carrier, Metro is also a GSM network carrier. This is an important factor because of which one can easily use t mobile sim card on Metro phones
How to check the IMEI number of iPhones?
- Go to Settings > General, then About.
Or
- On the dial pad screen, press *#06#, and you will see the IMEI.
- Some phones require you to press the send key after the code.
What is “Bring your phone service?”
Metro PCS has recently launched” bring your phone service “at some locations. If you have an unlocked GSM phone then you can use the Metro PCS service.
If you have an unlocked phone, you just have to purchase a metro PCS SIM card to avail of this service. You don’t have to make a contract for the entire year.
You can choose the plans every month. The plans are available at the lowest rate starting from $ 40.
Is it possible to use a CDMA iPhone with Metro PCS?
The network Carriers Sprint, and Verizon make use of CDMA. Since there is no slot for GSM cards, these iPhones cannot be directly used with Metro PCS.
But you can flash the phone then it will be compatible with Metro PCS. The term flashing is related to reprogramming the phone.
It is similar to unlocking a GSM device. The flashing is used for CDMA devices. But flashing the phone is a third-party operation.
Do both Metro PCS and T-mobile have the same network coverage?
Metro PCS makes use of the network of T-Mobile. Ultimately you can avail yourself of the same advantage of network coverage as that of T- mobile subscribers. But in case of network congestion, whenever there is heavy traffic, more priority is given to the T-mobile subscribers.
Is metro PCS a postpaid service?
Metro PCS is simply known as Metro.
It is a prepaid mobile service provider. But the brand of the metro is owned by T mobile.
Will T- mobile phone work on Metro PCS?
Yes, T- mobile phone works on Metro PCS but the phone should be unlocked.
References:
Things to Know About Metro by T-Mobile
MetroPCS
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