Metro by T-Mobile

Overview

Metro by T-Mobile

former names	General Wireless, Inc. MetroPCS Communications, Inc.
type	Division
traded as	(2007-2012)
fate	Acquired by T-Mobile USA
industry	Wireless telecommunications
founded	1994
founders	Malcolm Lorang Roger Linquist
hq location city	Richardson, Texas
hq location country	United States
area served	United States
key people	Thomas C. Keys (president) Maria Yniga Inaque Ynez B. Zobel De Ayala
services	Mobile communications
parent	T-Mobile US (2012-present)
website	https://metrobyt-mobile.com
footnotes	‡R1R‡

Metro by T-Mobile, formerly known as MetroPCS, is an American prepaid wireless service provider and brand owned by T-Mobile US. It previously operated the fifth largest mobile telecommunications network in the United States using code-division multiple access (CDMA). In 2013, the carrier engaged in a reverse merger with T-Mobile US; post-merger, its services were merged under T-Mobile's UMTS and LTE network.[2] Metro by T-Mobile competes primarily against AT&T's Cricket Wireless, EchoStar's Boost Mobile and Verizon's Visible as part of the wireless service provider brands. Metro by T-Mobile had twenty million subscribers as of 2021.[3]

History

Early history

Criticism

Network quality

In November 2010, Kevin Tofel noted that although the LTE network was based on 4G technology, the infrastructure MetroPCS is using keeps speeds in the range of older 3G networks. Tofel measured data speeds far slower than T-Mobile's HSPA+ network but considered that users with only basic data requirements would find the no-contract deal refreshing. Referencing Tofel's review, Corvida Raven of Laptop Mag concluded that MetroPCS "probably isn't using the best LTE technology."[34]

In February 2011, Farhad Manjoo of Slate panned the service by suggesting that MetroPCS was able to roll out 4G coverage sooner and cheaper than its competitors by offering only the Samsung Craft, a feature phone with sub-standard internet capabilities, as its launch device. Due to the quality of the device (described as being "designed not just to frustrate users but to get us to swear off ever using any phone again"), the network, and MetroPCS's decision to block video streaming services aside from YouTube under its "unlimited web" plan, Manjoo considered it a device designed to disappoint users excited for 4G.[35]

However, in a 2019 study by J.D. Power, Metro by T-Mobile ranked highest among non-contract full-service carriers.[36]

Marketing

MetroPCS attracted criticism in 2010 for an advertising campaign featuring two Indian characters, Ranjit and Chad (the former being played by veteran Indian actor Anjul Nigam), hosting a phone-in show titled Tech & Talk. Their content was believed to be stereotypical and offensive.[37][38]

Following the T-Mobile merger, MetroPCS introduced a campaign to highlight its inclusion of all related taxes and fees in advertised prices. The campaign was ridiculed by many people who interpreted an unintended double meaning in the slogan "Period Power", referring to the menstrual cycle.[39]

Cybersecurity incidents

In November 2015, a MetroPCS payment system vulnerability was identified by security researchers Eric Taylor and Blake Welsh. The flaw in the company’s online payment portal allowed anyone with knowledge of a customer’s phone number to view sensitive account details, including the subscriber’s home address, phone model and serial number, and billing plan. The issue was reported responsibly to MetroPCS and was subsequently patched.[40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47]

Metro by T-Mobile

History

Early history

Merger with T-Mobile

Rebranding

Corporate affairs

Products

Advertising

Criticism

Network quality

Marketing

Cybersecurity incidents

Awards

See also

External links

References