There's a lot to like about the carrier once known as MetroPCS. It's a great budget-friendly alternative to T-Mobile!
By Ryan HainesPublished on May 22, 2022
If you love almost everything about T-Mobile, it might be worth giving Metro a try. Of course, the two carriers have their slight differences, so you’ll want to do some homework before you sign up. We’ll walk you through the ins and outs of Metro by T-Mobile so you can make the best decision possible.
As a subsidiary, Metro only offers prepaid options. We’ll highlight each of its plans, and we’ll also touch on a few of the best phones you can try. You’re likely already determined to switch carriers, so we’ll compare a few top MVNOs to help you decide. Ready to learn about T-Mobile’s little sibling? Let’s get to it.
The carrier now known as Metro by T-Mobile began its life in 1994 as General Wireless. By the time it merged with T-Mobile and rebranded, Metro had amassed nine million subscribers and the fifth-largest US network. Although it’s now wholly-owned, Metro is not truly considered an MVNO as it had its own network before the merger. It now exists as a division of T-Mobile rather than a separate entity.
Because Metro is a division of T-Mobile, it’s not easy to track down at the Better Business Bureau. However, its headquarters location carries an A-rating and just over a one-star customer rating. Metro by T-Mobile has closed 2,800 customer complaints in the past three years.
One of the best perks to come from the T-Mobile merger is the incredible 5G access afforded to Metro customers. They can access the entire nationwide network, and the areas that don’t have 5G coverage are likely to have a 4G connection. The network extends throughout the United States and into southern Canada. You can check out the entire map right here.
If you’re ready to make the switch, you’ve got four plans to choose from. The first two plans offer limited data and some restricted features, but the unlimited options inch close to post-paid levels of service. It’s up to you to decide which perks you want, but check out our table for a quick breakdown: