MetroPCS
Encyclopedia
MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS), formerly known as General Wireless, Inc., is an American mobile phone service provider. It operates the fifth largest mobile telecommunications network in the US, with 8.9 million subscribers as of May 2011. The company, a Delaware corporation
, is headquartered in Richardson, Texas.
MetroPCS uses CDMA
technology to offer service in addition to its 4G network using LTE technology
.
and Malcolm Lorang, both of whom were previously executives with wireless provider PageMart Wireless. The company changed its name to MetroPCS Communications, Inc. in 1998 to reflect the company’s goal of providing affordable, unlimited wireless services in major metropolitan areas across the country for consumers traditionally underserved by existing wireless carriers.
MetroPCS covers approximately 90 percent of the U.S. population (in excess of 280 million people) through Metro USA nationwide service, launched in 2010 and free to subscribers. Unlimited talk, text and Web service with Metro USA coverage is available for all existing and new subscribers on the Wireless for All and 4G service plans.
MetroPCS has stores in 19 metropolitan markets and surrounding areas including New York City/Northern New Jersey, Atlanta, Bakersfield, Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, Philadelphia, Riverside, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Bernardino, San Jose, Shreveport, and Tampa.
's Kevin Tofel noted that although the LTE network is 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, Laptop Magazine's Corvida Raven concluded that MetroPCS "probably isn’t using the best LTE technology."
CNET reviewed the Samsung Craft in October 2010 and said : "The Samsung Craft is one of MetroPCS' most advanced feature phones, and its 4G capabilities are an added draw for those in the carrier's LTE markets. The Samsung Craft is the first 4G-enabled phone for MetroPCS...It has a bright, crisp AMOLED display and it supports 32GB expandable memory and HD video playback". Its overall rating was 3 1/2 stars (Very Good) out of 5 stars. . While on the other hand a February 2011 article on Slate.com suggested that MetroPCS was able to roll out 4G coverage sooner and cheaper than its competitors because only one handset (as of the time of the article) was able to access its 4G network, and that the device's Internet capabilities were substandard. The article described the Samsung Craft as "The worst cell phone on Earth". The review also noted that MetroPCS's "unlimited web" data plan does not include most web video.
MetroPCS's TV commercial series features two Indians "Ranjit" and "Chad" who make fun of American popular culture, which received mixed reviews. Many Indians and Americans found it to be in bad taste and offensive, or even racist.
Delaware corporation
The Delaware General Corporation Law is the statute governing corporate law in the state of Delaware. Delaware is well known as a corporate haven. Over 50% of U.S...
, is headquartered in Richardson, Texas.
MetroPCS uses CDMA
Code division multiple access
Code division multiple access is a channel access method used by various radio communication technologies. It should not be confused with the mobile phone standards called cdmaOne, CDMA2000 and WCDMA , which are often referred to as simply CDMA, and use CDMA as an underlying channel access...
technology to offer service in addition to its 4G network using LTE technology
3GPP Long Term Evolution
3GPP Long Term Evolution, usually referred to as LTE, is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data terminals. It is based on the GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA network technologies, increasing the capacity and speed using new modulation techniques...
.
History
MetroPCS was established in 1994 as General Wireless, Inc., by Roger D. LinquistRoger D. Linquist
Roger D. Linquist founded MetroPCS in 1994 and is the current Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer.He works in the Metro headquarters in Richardson, TX...
and Malcolm Lorang, both of whom were previously executives with wireless provider PageMart Wireless. The company changed its name to MetroPCS Communications, Inc. in 1998 to reflect the company’s goal of providing affordable, unlimited wireless services in major metropolitan areas across the country for consumers traditionally underserved by existing wireless carriers.
Rate Plans
MetroPCS offers unlimited talk, text, and Web service and 411 directory assistance services on four flat-rate plans priced at $40, $45, $50, and $60 - additional options and features vary depending on the rate plan.MetroPCS covers approximately 90 percent of the U.S. population (in excess of 280 million people) through Metro USA nationwide service, launched in 2010 and free to subscribers. Unlimited talk, text and Web service with Metro USA coverage is available for all existing and new subscribers on the Wireless for All and 4G service plans.
MetroPCS has stores in 19 metropolitan markets and surrounding areas including New York City/Northern New Jersey, Atlanta, Bakersfield, Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, Philadelphia, Riverside, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Bernardino, San Jose, Shreveport, and Tampa.
Reception and criticism
GigaOMGigaOM
GigaOM is a Web 2.0 blog started by Om Malik and published by Giga Omni Media, Inc. in San Francisco, California. According to the company website it has a monthly global audience of 500,000. It is among the top 50 blogs worldwide by Technorati Rank, and is listed on CNet's Blog 100 list...
's Kevin Tofel noted that although the LTE network is 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, Laptop Magazine's Corvida Raven concluded that MetroPCS "probably isn’t using the best LTE technology."
CNET reviewed the Samsung Craft in October 2010 and said : "The Samsung Craft is one of MetroPCS' most advanced feature phones, and its 4G capabilities are an added draw for those in the carrier's LTE markets. The Samsung Craft is the first 4G-enabled phone for MetroPCS...It has a bright, crisp AMOLED display and it supports 32GB expandable memory and HD video playback". Its overall rating was 3 1/2 stars (Very Good) out of 5 stars. . While on the other hand a February 2011 article on Slate.com suggested that MetroPCS was able to roll out 4G coverage sooner and cheaper than its competitors because only one handset (as of the time of the article) was able to access its 4G network, and that the device's Internet capabilities were substandard. The article described the Samsung Craft as "The worst cell phone on Earth". The review also noted that MetroPCS's "unlimited web" data plan does not include most web video.
MetroPCS's TV commercial series features two Indians "Ranjit" and "Chad" who make fun of American popular culture, which received mixed reviews. Many Indians and Americans found it to be in bad taste and offensive, or even racist.
See also
- List of mobile operators in the U.S.