Metro PCS vs T-Mobile

The LG Optimus M Android phone from Metro PCS

The other day a friend and I were talking about his wireless service with T-Mobile. He told me that he pays about $68 per month for his service.  It includes unlimited local calling and unlimited nationwide long distance.  However, his service doesn't include text messaging, picture messaging, or wireless internet.  I told my friend that he could receive these extra services unlimited for $45 per month, taxes and fees included with Metro PCS.  His response was that he didn't like Metro PCS, because you get too many dropped calls with their network.


Well, to this I say that you get dropped calls with any wireless carrier.  I used to have wireless service with AT&T and I had dropped calls with them, and AT&T has a larger network than Metro PCS.  Yes, it's true that Metro PCS drops calls from time to time, but my experience is that it doesn't happen enough to be a major nuisance.  I don't hear any difference in call quality between AT&T and Metro PCS, either.    

I'll admit that larger carriers like AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint PCS, and T-Mobile have superior wireless internet because they use the 3G, 4G, and/or Edge networks.  This is very helpful if you do alot of video or music downloads.  Or if you are a person that travels a lot or conducts business in a mobile fashion.  If you need fast, reliable internet service wherever you go, then it may be worth it. However, I don't think that the higher prices that the average consumer pays for 4G wireless services is justified.


Metro PCS internet is annoyingly slow at times, but I can deal with it. Wi-fi internet is much faster than the internet provided through Metro PCS.  I usually try to purchase smartphones that are wi-fi enabled.   In this way, I can use the free wi-fi available in places like the public library, hotels, or at Barnes and Noble. I also have a wi-fi router at my home. So, therefore, I don't have an urgent need for fast wireless internet on my smartphone.  

To the credit of larger carriers, their networks are available and provide greater calling coverage in more countries, than smaller carriers, like Metro PCS.  Also, carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-mobile, have a wider variety of cutting edge phones than Metro PCS.  As many of you may know, iphone service is available only through Verizon and AT&T.  

I sure hope that my friend gets with the program and gets with Metro PCS.


Update August 2011:  My friend still has wireless service with T-Mobile and I still have wireless service with Metro PCS. Since I originally made this post, my friend upgraded his wireless service with internet (data) and unlimited text and picture messaging.  He pays about $79.99 per month for the services with T-mobile.  We both have almost the same Android smartphone, the LG Optimus.  I am really impressed with the internet speed and quality that my friend gets with T-mobile.  He is able to watch videos with ease.  When I try and watch Youtube videos on my LG Optimus M, the videos buffer up on me.  But that is pretty much expected, because Metro PCS is my wireless data provider.

There are some cheaper alternatives for people who want faster internet service and an unlimited data plan.  Virgin Mobile Wireless offers economical plans starting at $35 and this includes 300 minutes per month and unlimited 3G internet access.  This company provides their services through the Sprint network, though.  I think that there may be a time when I might consider switching my cellphone service over to Virgin Mobile Wireless. 


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