Via a press release, pre-paid wireless carrier MetroPCS has announced the addition of a third city to its U.S., LTE portfolio, Detroit. “With a state-of-the-art 4G LTE network and an advanced entertainment handset with a brilliant AMOLED screen, MetroPCS’ predictable, flexible and affordable service plans provide a compelling value to consumers while meeting their growing demand to do more with video, social networking and higher speed Internet access,” quips the press release. Metro has already gone live with LTE in Las Vegas and Dallas/Fort Worth. The company’s LTE service plans are quite affordable, at just $55 and $60 — utilization of said 4G plans are obviously geographically-limited for the time being. Hit the jump for the full press release.

MetroPCS Brings First Commercial 4G LTE Services to Detroit Metropolitan Area Consumers

DALLAS, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ — MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) today introduced the first commercial 4G LTE services in Detroit, Mich., with monthly plans starting at$55, including all taxes and regulatory fees. Detroit consumers will enjoy 4G Web access along with unlimited voice and text services on the world’s first commercially available 4G LTE-enabled handset from Samsung Mobile, the Samsung Craft™.

Detroit is the third U.S. city where MetroPCS is offering commercial 4G LTE service, with additional major metropolitan areas to follow later this year and into early 2011. With a state-of-the-art 4G LTE network and an advanced entertainment handset with a brilliant AMOLED screen, MetroPCS’ predictable, flexible and affordable service plans provide a compelling value to consumers while meeting their growing demand to do more with video, social networking and higher speed Internet access.

“MetroPCS is taking Wireless for All® to the next level with unlimited, affordable LTE service,” said Roger D. Linquist, president, CEO and chairman of MetroPCS. “Expanding our 4G LTE network to Detroit marks a key milestone for the Company by bringing 4G mobile broadband services to area customers and consumers who want to experience more and who demand more value. We look forward to expanding 4G LTE coverage throughout Eastern and Western Michigan throughout 2011.”

MetroPCS offers monthly 4G LTE service plans for $55 and $60, which includes 4G Web access along with unlimited nationwide talk and text initially, on an unlimited basis. In addition, Detroit customers will now have access to new applications and features that take advantage of MetroPCS’ 4G LTE network, including:

• MetroSTUDIO(SM), powered by RealNetworks, available on the $60 service plan, includes access to entertainment content that consumers demand, such as full-track downloads, ringtones and ring-back tones, as well as premium video content from NBC Universal, Black Entertainment Television (BET) and Univision, available on-demand and on-the-go from one easy-to-use application.
• A new social networking and instant messaging application which harnesses notifications, friends and content from Facebook, MySpace and Twitter social networks and AIM, MSN and Yahoo! IM clients into a single interface that consumers can access with one click.
• Upgraded MetroNavigator® feature with the addition of voice-activated GPS and turn-by-turn directions.

MetroPCS is initially offering the Samsung Craft in Detroit area stores and online for $299 plus tax, after $50 instant rebate, while supplies last. The Craft delivers a stunning visual experience with its 3.3 inch AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) screen, and comes with a 2GB MicroSD card pre-loaded with Paramount Pictures’ hit movie “Star Trek-The Future Begins.” The device also includes a combination touch screen, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, Samsung’s TouchWiz™ user interface to surf and text message, 3.2 megapixel camera with flash and camcorder and Wi-Fi capability.

“With the launch of Detroit’s first and only commercial 4G LTE service and the Samsung Craft, MetroPCS is giving Detroit customers the power to do more with the mobile Internet every day, when and where they need it,” said Glen Flowers, vice president and general manager of MetroPCS Michigan. “By offering premium 4G LTE service on a no-contract basis, Detroit residents will be able to seamlessly access social networks, find the best route to work, catch the latest hit TV shows, or download and share music, video and photos all from the palm of their hand.”

MetroPCS recently launched 4G LTE service in Las Vegas and Dallas-Fort Worth, and 4G LTE network rollouts are planned for later this year and early 2011 in the remaining MetroPCS U.S. markets, including Boston, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Los Angeles,New York, Miami, Orlando, Philadelphia, Sacramento, San Francisco and Tampa. MetroPCS plans to further expand 4G LTE coverage in 2011 along with the launch of additional devices to increase MetroPCS’ portfolio of feature phones, touch screens, smartphones and 4G handsets.

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No, sadly it is not another 4G, LTE device for MetroPCS, but it is a new phone nonetheless. Today, Samsung announced that the Freeform II would be immediately available for U.S. wireless carrier MetroPCS. The Freeform II is a candybar-style, full-QWERTY messaging device with a 2.2-inch QVGA display, 1.3 megapixel camera, micro-SD card slot, and Bluetooth. The device will run on MetroPCS’ 3G network and also support the company’s MetroNavigator GPS feature. Hit the read link for the full release.

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Today, MetroPCS announced Dallas/Fort Worth as their second LTE, 4G market to go live. You may recall that the company announced the availability of LTE in Las Vegas, NV just several weeks ago. Currently, the pre-paid mobile carrier offers the Samsung Craft as their only 4G handset; the device retails for $299 with monthly plans costing $55. The company reiterated that their “4G LTE network rollouts in the remaining MetroPCS markets are planned for later this year and early 2011.”

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Today, via a press release, MetroPCS announced that it has launched its first 4G LTE market — Las Vegas — and its first LTE capable phone, the Samsung Craft. As the press release reads:

Today, MetroPCS Communications Inc. (NYSE: PCS) became the first mobile operator to launch commercial 4G LTE services in the United States, offering talk, text and 4G Web access starting as low as $55 per month including taxes and regulatory fees. MetroPCS is also offering the world’s first commercially available 4G LTE enabled handset, the Samsung Craft™. Service will initially be available in Las Vegas, Nev., with service expanding into the remaining MetroPCS cities throughout the year.

The Craft is no slouch, and features: 1x/EV-DO CDMA and LTE radios, 3.3-inch AMOLED display, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, micro-SD card (expandable to 32 GB), and 3.2 megapixel camera; the handset will retail for $299 after a $50 mail-in-rebate. MetroPCS is the fifth largest mobile provider in the U.S. and becomes the first provider to launch a commercially available LTE network.

MetroPCS closed by writing: “MetroPCS’ Las Vegas 4G LTE network, which was built through a partnership with Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), will cover the majority of MetroPCS’ existing CDMA network footprint in Las Vegas. 4G LTE network rollouts in the remaining MetroPCS markets are planned for later this year and early 2011. MetroPCS plans to further expand 4G LTE coverage in 2011, along with the launch of additional devices to increase MetroPCS’ portfolio of feature phones, touch screens, smartphones and 4G handsets.”

Congrats to MetroPCS! Hit the read link for the full release.

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Today, prepaid cellular provider MetroPCS launched a new add-on to its cellular plans titled Mas Mexico. Mas Mexico provides “unlimited voice and text messaging plan to connect MetroPCS customers with friends and family in Mexico for $5 per month—taxes and regulatory fees included.” The new calling feature applies to landlines only, but users can text message all the mobile devices they would like. Hit the bounce for the full press release.

[Via PhoneScoop]

MetroPCS Unveils ‘Mas Mexico’ Service

Mas Mexico is an unlimited voice and text messaging add-on offering connecting MetroPCS customers with friends and family in Mexico for $5 per month–taxes and fees included.

Dallas — MetroPCS Communications, Inc. today announced the launch of Mas Mexico, an unlimited voice and text messaging plan to connect MetroPCS customers with friends and family in Mexico for $5 per month—taxes and regulatory fees included. This new calling feature enables MetroPCS customers to call the landlines of their loved ones in Mexico for a low monthly fee without the constraints of annual contracts. Along with unlimited calling, Mas Mexico also provides unlimited text messages to mobile phones in Mexico at no extra cost.

The Mas Mexico calling feature is an add-on to MetroPCS’ Wireless for All(SM) service plans introduced earlier this year. With the unlimited, no annual contract service, MetroPCS provides predictable, affordable and flexible service plans for consumers with no hidden costs or charges. Mas Mexico joins the Unlimited International Calling family of affordable features which connects people to more than 100 countries worldwide.

“MetroPCS is committed to finding innovative ways to deliver unparalleled value to our customers, and Mas Mexico meets the growing needs of consumers who are looking for an affordable way to stay connected,” said Roger Linquist, president, CEO and chairman of the board of MetroPCS. “The mobile phone is an integral part of our customers’ lives and a vital way for them to maintain the important relationships with family and friends they don’t see often. Mas Mexico helps bridge those long distances by providing a valuable feature at a low price.”

Mas Mexico details:

* Available to new and existing customers with tax and regulatory fee-inclusive (tax inclusive) rate plans of $50 and above. * Available on Family Plans with tax-inclusive rate plans of $50 and above (prior to discount). * Existing subscribers with tax-exclusive plans must convert to a tax-inclusive plan before purchasing the feature. * Available at all MetroPCS retail stores and participating authorized dealers. * Limited-time offer ends December 31, 2010.

For more information on the Mas Mexico calling feature, please visit MetroPCS’ Website at www.metropcs.com. For the latest updates on services and promotions, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MetroPCS.

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The Wall Street Journal is reporting that a Samsung has executive publicly stated that U.S. pre-paid wireless provider MetroPCS will launch its new 4G LTE-based network next month. Jaebeom Choi, vice president of systems research and development for Samsung, quipped that MetroPCS will light-up their LTE network in Las Vegas and Dallas sometime in September. The company’s first LTE device will be the Samsung Craft, which we reported on earlier this month. If the VP’s statements are accurate, the company — which is currently the fifth largest wireless provider in the U.S. — will be the first Stateside wireless carrier to offer LTE services publicly. When contacted, MetroPCS declined to comment on the report. Now all the company needs is a better marketing campaign to promote their new service.

Yesterday, pre-paid wireless provider MetroPCS dropped a few more details about their first LTE phone and launch plans. MetroPCS CEO Roger Linquist noted that the company’s first LTE device would be the Samsung Craft and that its price would be comparable to that of smartphones currently in its lineup. Currently, the most expensive device in Metro’s lineup is the BlackBerry Curve 8530, which retails for $279. Mr. Linquist also noted that netbooks and other non-smartphone devices were likely to appear on his company’s LTE network at some point in the future. MetroPCS will begin its LTE rollout in Las Vegas and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Also of note, the CEO said his company would bolster their handset lineup to, “include a number of Android devices by the end of the year.”

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The FCC has green-lighted the Samsung SCH-R900, what appears to be the U.S.’s first CDMA/LTE handset. The R900 was announced back in March at CTIA by pre-paid carrier MetroPCS, and the cost-conscious carrier stated it would have the device out before the end of the year. The Samsung device will contain a 1700/1900 MHz LTE radio (MetroPCS is licensed to operate LTE on this spectrum) Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. There has been no indication of what operating system the device will run, although Android is a pretty solid bet.

Currently, LTE trials are underway in Boston and Seattle by larger CDMA carrier Verizon Wireless; Big Red is promising to have their 4G network up and running in 25 to 30 markets by the end of 2010.

Who’s excited for this portly looking LTE phone?

[Via PhoneScoop]

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MetroPCS, a company known for their low priced cellular plans and lack of annual contracts, has just announced that it will be adding the BlackBerry Curve 8530 to its lineup. The Curve 8530 can be purchased for $279 ($229 after a $50 MIR), and for $60 a month will include: “unlimited talk, text, Web and data service, Wi-Fi connectivity, e-mail, and turn-by-turn GPS navigation [...] including all applicable taxes and regulatory fees.” Say what you want about MetroPCS’ urban-centric coverage map, $60 per month for unlimited usage — including taxes — on a smartphone is pretty impressive.

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It looks like MetroPCS is getting ready to hop on the Android bandwagon, as AndroidGuys has scored images of what is purported to be the carriers first Android handset. Featuring a styling similar to but much nicer than T-Mobile’s CLIQ, the unnamed Motorola handset is said to have Android 2.1 with MOTOBLUR, a sliding QWERTY keypad, 3 megapixel camera and a 600MHz processor. The actual size of the capacitive display is unknown, although it’s likely to come in at just a hair over 3″. What’s the consensus on this one?

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Strategy Analytics released its Q1 2010 metrics report for the U.S. Wireless carriers and it paints an interesting picture of the mobile landscape stateside. As expected, Verizon and AT&T led the pack with 92.8 million and 86.9 million customers, but were pretty much neck and neck where it really counts with churn, service revenue, data percentage of service revenue and ARPU being fairly similar when scaled. T-Mobile and Sprint showed a slight decline with each losing tens of thousands customers and reporting churns more than double that of Verizon and AT&T. Despite losing more customers than T-Mobile, Sprint still had the upper hand in service revenue, data percentage of service revenue and ARPU. Those were the figures for the big and medium players, so hit the jump to see how the little guys did.

US Cellular led the way with the third lowest churn rate (1.91%) and the highest ARPU ($52.42) amongst all U.S. carriers. It didn’t lose customers, but it wasn’t gaining them either adding a paltry 6,000 new subs. This small growth may change this summer as the regional carrier expects to add the Android-powered HTC Desire and the Samsung Acclaim to its lineup. MetroPCS, Leap Wireless and Clearwire also performing modestly having each added tens of thousands of subscribers and maintaining an ARPU that ranged from $37.96 to $42.77. The black sheep of the small-time carriers turned out to be Cincinnati Bell which lost 10,000 customers and had 3.3% churn.

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So much for that MetroPCS tagline “Unlimit Yourself.” It turns out that the carrier’s unlimited international add-on, which sounded like a great deal for just $5 a month, excludes many countries and regions like Israel and the UK. Now MetroPCS has been hit with a class-action lawsuit over the issue. The lawsuit accuses MetroPCS of false advertising and deceptive business practices because details aren’t disclosed and people are wrongly baited to sign up. Apparently, many people signed up for MetroPCS’ “Ultimate Unlimited” plan to qualify for the $5 add-on and found that their ability to place certain international calls were very limited. Before you sign up for this calling plan and add-on, make sure to check the fine print and be sure that countries you plan on calling are included.

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Ahhhhh marketing agencies. Buy your clients dinner at the right restaurant and you can convince them to do almost anything. Case in point: The Mister Cartoon-branded Samsung r450 on its way to MetroPCS. On the back of marketing firm SA Studios Global, Samsung and MetroPCS have teamed with famed tattoo artist Mark Machado a.k.a. Mister Cartoon to release a limited edition SCH-r450. The handset will feature tattoo-centric wallpapers, ringtones and animations beneath a re-colored case complete with Mister Cartoon-designed graphics on the battery cover. We hope you’re ready to pounce on this bad boy, MetroPCS fans — only 30,010 of these gems will be assembled, with the first 10 to be signed by Mister Cartoon and auctioned off for charity.

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Seriously… Crushed. MetroPCS is among a handful of smaller carriers here in the US that continues to make waves and this morning the tiny scrapper knocked one clear out of the park. If you live in a MetroPCS-covered area of the US and make any international calls whatsoever, you should be very interested to learn of the carrier’s new $5 unlimited international calling plan. $5 — unlimited to over 100 different countries. Untouchable. The new unlimited international add-on requires an unlimited national calling plan of $40, $45 or $50 per month, which is hardly unreasonable. MetroPCS CEO Roger D. Linquist had this to say:

Unlimited international calling at such an affordable rate can dramatically reduce monthly long distance costs and is yet another example of MetroPCS’ commitment to providing industry-leading value to consumers in today’s tough economic climate. MetroPCS is eliminating the worry of high international calling fees, counting minutes and dialing a connecting number, typical of traditional calling cards. With MetroPCS’ international calling, consumers are truly unlimited now more than ever.

Rock on.

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