Do T-mobile phones work with Metro?
By
HuutiMoney
This blog post will provide you with detailed information about T-mobile phones on Metro. It covers topics like the eligibility criteria to unlock T-mobile phones, the procedure of unlocking T-mobile phones, and the steps to switch to Metropcs.
Do T-mobile phones work with Metro?
Yes, you can use a T-mobile phone on Metro, provided that the phone is unlocked. Both Metro PCS and T-mobile use the same network and operate at the same frequency. So ideally, you can use a T-mobile phone on Metro without affecting the speed and quality of service.
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.
Key features of T-mobile
- Monthly installment plans are offered for T Mobile phones.
- More priority is always given to the T-Mobile subscribers on the network over other subscribers. This is a prime important factor in case of network congestion.
- T mobile offers some better additional options, for example, international talk and data add-ons.
- T mobile network provider has an excellent customer service record.
- Some extra perks are offered only for T-Mobile subscribers.
A brief history of Metropcs
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.
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.
Is T-mobile GSM or CDMA?
T-mobiles is a GSM network carrier and not a CDMA network carrier. So basically GSM stands for global system for mobile, and it is second-generation cellular technology. T-mobile is a GSM network carrier used for mobile voice and data services. So, CDMA stands for code division multiple access.
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.
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.
Is it worth using a T-mobile phone with Metro?
- 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.
Eligibility criteria to unlock T-mobile phone
One can unlock T-mobile phone devices, provided that the following criteria are satisfied.
- The cell phone must be sold by T-mobile.
- The cell phone should not be reported as blocked or lost.
- An account concerned with the device must be active.
- Depending upon prepaid or postpaid plans, the device should satisfy all necessary unlock requirements.
- You cannot unlock more than two lines in a year.
- All your bills must be clear.
How to Unlock a T-mobile device?
To unlock a T-mobile phone, you need to enter an unlock code.
The following steps are used to unlock the T-mobile device.
- First, check whether your cell phone is eligible for unlocking.
- Make a request to customer care for unlock code.
- Insert a blocked SIM and switch on the device.
- Press the select key and enter unlock code.
Unlock using Mobile Device Unlock App
T-mobile has already installed the “DEVICE UNLOCK APP”.
Following steps are used to unlock the T-mobile device using per installed app.
- Select the ‘make’ of mobile phone which is locked to T-mobile and then use “ Device Unlock App Service”.
- You will receive an email that will inform you that the “IMEI” number of your phone is registered on the T-mobile server for unlocking.
- Insert a new SIM card and select the “permanent unlock” option on the device unlock app.
- A pictorial representation to unlock a T-mobile device is as follows:
Unlocking T-Mobile device for Military Personnel:
- For T-Mobile customers in the Military, the device will be unlocked on request if the person is relocated outside T-mobile coverage.
- This unlocking service is applicable even if the device is in the locking period after the activation.
How to use T-Mobile Unlock Service?
Outside of T-Mobile service to unlock your phone, there are different paid services to unlock it for you.
If you do not meet the T-mobile family mobile service’s carrier eligibility criteria, you can go for these paid unlock services. Though these services are legal gray area.
These services are hassle-free, you just need to provide them with your IMEI number (International mobile equipment identifier). You can get it by using the following steps.
- iPhone – Settings > General > About then finding the “IMEI” number.
- Android – Settings > About Phone > Status then finding the “IMEI” number.
How can you unlock an iPhone on T-Mobile?
- First, check whether you have satisfied all eligibility criteria.
- Then contact T-Mobile customer support to submit a form for unlocking your device.
- Once you unlock your Device, T-Mobile’s site provides a guide for using your phone with other network carriers.
- First, check whether you are connected to the internet or T- mobile network.
- Go to your setting App and follow the following steps on your device.
For Samsung phones
- Tap Connections
- Go to More Connection Settings
- Select the Unlock option.
For One Plus mobile
- First Tap Wi-Fi and internet
- Then select SIM and network
- Finally, select the Advanced option or Network Unlock option.
For LG phones
- First tap Network and internet.
- Then select Mobile networks.
- Finally, select the Network Unlock option and then click on select Continue.
For the T-Mobile Revelry phone
- First tap the Network & Internet option
- Then go for Mobile network
- Finally, select the Advanced option and then the Network Unlock option.
An important step is that, on any device, select the Permanent Unlock option to unlock your phone and then restart the device.
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 coverage network 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.
Below are other T-Mobile articles you may be interested in:
Is T-mobile unlimited data really unlimited?
Is T-mobile and Verizon the same company?
Is T-mobile cheaper than AT&T?
Conclusion:
This blog post addressed the topic, “Do T-mobile phones work with Metro?”. We understood that T-mobile phones can be used with Metro. This article outlined the key features of Metro, metro plans, and network coverage. It also outlined the detailed procedure of using T- mobile phones with Metro.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Do T-mobile phones work with Metro?
Can you use T-mobile phones on other networks?
Yes, you can. If the T-Mobile phone is unlocked and compatible then it should work with Metro. Most latest phones from T mobile are compatible but you must check the compatibility with the carrier before purchasing.
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 it worth switching from T-Mobile to Metro?
If you are keen about your budget and least bothered about network congestion, then you should give priority to the Metro PCS.
What are the key features of Metro?
- 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.
What are the porting instructions?
If you want to switch from T-Mobile to Metro, initially you need to call T-Mobile customer service. Request them to release your phone number for port out. This is required to minimize the delays in the porting process.
What are the eligibility criteria to unlock a T-Mobile phone?
One can unlock T-Mobile phone devices, provided that the following criteria are satisfied.
● The cell phone must have been purchased from T-Mobile.
● The cell phone should not be reported as blocked or lost.
● An account concerned with the Device must be active.
● Depending upon prepaid or postpaid plans, the Device should satisfy all necessary unlock requirements.
References:
7 Things to Know About Metro by T-Mobile Beth Marcinko | December 5th, 2020
Michael Timmermann | October 4th, 2019
Metro by T-Mobile: Everything you need to know By John Callaham
January 30, 2019
Metro by T-Mobile Cell Phone Review and Plan By Jillian Goltzman
April 28, 2021
T-Mobile, support devices, T-Mobile Device unlock app
How to unlock a phone from T-Mobile to change carriers or travel abroad with your phone, RON LYONS, JR, AUG 19, 2021,
How do I unlock my T-Mobile phone?, By Chris Holmes, 13 January 2020