| Type | Public |
|---|---|
| Traded as | NYSE: PCS S&P 500 Component |
| Industry | Telecommunications |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Headquarters | Richardson, Texas, U.S. |
| Key people | Roger D. Linquist (Chairman, President & CEO) |
| Products | Wireless |
| Revenue | US$ 4.069 billion (2010)[1] |
| Operating income | US$ 8.201 million (2010)[1] |
| Net income | US$ 193.4 million (2010)[1] |
| Total assets | US$ 7.919 billion (2010)[1] |
| Total equity | US$ 2.542 billion (2010)[1] |
| Employees | 3,600 (December 2010)[1] |
| Website | MetroPCS.com |
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.
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MetroPCS was established in 1994 as General Wireless, Inc., by Roger D. Linquist[2] and Malcolm Lorang,[3] both of whom were previously executives with wireless provider PageMart Wireless.
Late 2010 MetroPCS launched their LTE network. (select markets)
Late 2011 MetroPCS launched their 3G network. (select markets)
MetroPCS will introduce VoLTE (Voice Over LTE) early 2012.
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.
GigaOM'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".[4] Referencing Tofel's review, Laptop Magazine's Corvida Raven concluded that MetroPCS "probably isn’t using the best LTE technology."[5]
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.[6] 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.[7] 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.[8]
MetroPCS was quick to launch their LTE network late 2010, but doing so had a negative affect. MetroPCS may have been the first carrier in the USA to launch LTE, but is the slowest one with the LTE rollout and LTE network upgrades. There was another negative effect caused by this great leap; No 3G technology. MetroPCS was introducing 3G capable phones but no 3G network. MetroPCS decided to build a 3G network; Late 2011 MetroPCS released the 3026 PRL which enabled 3G on all 3G capable phones. MetroPCS has not announced 3G on the MetroPCS official website nor on any adds. This is because MetroPCS has not built out their 3G network and is very limited to select markets.
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