MetroPCS misses analysts’ estimates for new subscribers (USA)

On 01.06.12, In Mobile, By Editor

U.S. wireless operators Metro PCS and Leap Wireless have missed analysts’ estimates in terms of the number of subscribers added in the fourth quarter. According to a report by BN, MetroPCS added 197,000 new users during the period against an estimated 223,000 new users. Further, Leap Wireless has reported a monthly churn of 3.9 percent against the estimated 3.6 percent.

According to reports, a major reason for this decline is the affordable tariff plans introduced by some of the bigger players such as AT&T and Verizon. Sources claim that the combined offer of smartphones and iPhones with a contract by the leading telecom operators have also resulted in many subscribers switching to their services.

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AT&T and T-Mobile deal likely to fail says MetroPCS (USA)

On 12.09.11, In Mobile, By Editor

American mobile phone service provider MetroPCS Communications has reportedly said that the AT&T and T-Mobile US$ 39 billion merger is not likely to succeed. According to reports, MetroPCS was among the operators approached by AT&T for a possible sale of T-Mobile’s spectrum and customers in an attempt to gain regulatory approval for the deal.

As per sources, J. Braxton Carter, CFO, MetroPCS has said that there is less chance of the government giving approval for this merger and that the operators should start working on another alternative. AT&T is currently working towards reaching an agreement with the Justice Department for the deal which will otherwise go to trial in February next year. The Justice Department had opposed the merger saying that it would lead to a significant decrease in competition in the wireless market.

 

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MetroPCS may acquire assets in AT&T and T-Mobile (USA)

On 11.01.11, In Mobile Operators, By Editor

MetroPCS Communications Inc., an American mobile phone service provider, may reportedly enter into an agreement to buy assets from AT&T and T-Mobile, as the two companies hope to finalize their $39 billion merger, currently being blocked by the U.S. Justice Department. As per industry sources, the deal is likely to include subscribers and wireless spectrum and may be valued at less than $4 billion. AT&T has reportedly approached other smaller operators as well, however, MetroPCS with over $2 billion in cash and short-term investments, is emerging as the strongest candidate for the deal. Sources also suggest that Deutsche Telekom may help MetroPCS with the financing.

Industry analysts say that simply palming off some of T-Mobile’s subscribers or network is not enough for the government to allow the deal to go through, as the amount of assets being transferred are unlikely to transform any regional player into a national network. According to reports, in order to be a national competitor, MetroPCS needs as many as 25 million subscribers which is almost half the subscriber base of T-Mobile.

As per sources, MetroPCS reported a subscriber base of 9.1 million subscribers in June 2011 while T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon Wireless and Sprint had a subscriber base of about 33.6 million, 100.7 million, 107.7 million and 53.3 million respectively in September 2011. Reports suggest that AT&T and MetroPCS may meet with the Justice Department in the next two weeks to see if this deal would persuade the regulator.

 

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MetroPCS releases quarterly subscriber numbers (USA)

On 01.07.11, In Mobile, By Editor

­USA based mobile network operator, MetroPCS Communications has reportedly ended the fourth quarter of 2010 with over 8.1 million subscribers, which includes net additions during the quarter of 298,000 subscribers.

MetroPCS added approximately 1.5 million subscribers during the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. Churn for the fourth quarter of 2010 was 3.5% compared to 5.3% in the fourth quarter of 2009. The company stated  that the decrease in churn was primarily driven by the continued acceptance of its Wireless for All service plans.

According to Roger D. Linquist, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, the company is pleased with their fourth quarter net subscriber additions and churn results, particularly in light of the severe weather occurring during our peak selling season in late December.

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MetroPCS announces new 4G LTE Plans (USA)

On 01.04.11, In Mobile, By Editor

MetroPCS Communications, Inc. has announced its new 4G LTE no annual contract service plans that deliver unmatched value to consumers who demand more service flexibility with their entertainment and Web experience.

All new 4G LTE rate plans offer affordability, flexibility and predictability with unlimited nationwide talk, text and Web browsing, with all applicable taxes and regulatory fees included. MetroPCS’ other current service plans remain unchanged and continue to offer unlimited talk, text and Web browsing services.

4G LTE service plans offers unique options and features:

  • The $40 service plan offers unlimited talk, text, 4G Web browsing with unlimited YouTube access.
  • The $50 service plan includes the same unlimited talk, text, 4G Web services and unlimited YouTube access as the $40 plan. Additional features include international and premium text messaging, turn-by-turn navigation with MetroNAVIGATOR , ScreenIT, mobile instant messaging, corporate e-mail and 1 GB of additional data access, with premium features available through MetroSTUDIO  when connected via Wi-Fi, including audio capabilities to listen and download music and access to preview and trial video content.
  • The $60 service plan provides the same premium features as the $50 plan, plus unlimited data access and MetroSTUDIO premium content such as 18 video-on-demand channels and audio downloads.

According to Roger D. Linquist, President, CEO and Chairman of MetroPCS, their customers told them that they wanted more video, more sharing of their content and more Web browsing capabilities they want to have it all with the value and no annual contract that only MetroPCS can deliver. Their 4G LTE network can deliver unlimited voice and mobile broadband data services and, with these new service plans, consumers are in the driver’s seat on how much additional data access and real-time entertainment content they want to pay for on a monthly basis.

The new 4G LTE rate plans are available in the nine metropolitan areas where MetroPCS currently offers 4G LTE services, including Boston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Sacramento and San Francisco. MetroPCS plans to expand its 4G LTE services into more metropolitan areas in 2011, including Atlanta, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa, and will continue the build-out of its existing 4G LTE metropolitan areas through the year.

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MetroPCS linked to potential asset sale in stalk for spectrum (USA)

On 12.20.10, In Mobile, By Editor

US regional operator MetroPCS is reportedly exploring a purchase of assets from TerreStar, the bankrupt US mobile satellite operator.

According to reports, MetroPCS is one of a number of potential bidders for TerreStar, which could be worth more than US$1 billion. No offer has been made and a deal may never materialise.

But the potential attraction for MetroPCS is clear: TerreStar’s spectrum assets would help the US operator to fill out the geographic footprint of its mobile network around the US. Unfortunately for MetroPCS, it might not be the frontrunner in any bid for TerreStar, which owes about US$1 billion in debt to senior secured bondholders led by Echostar, the satellite equipment vendor. For now, TerreStar’s largest creditor, EchoStar, appears poised to win the struggling business.  MetroPCS might also face regulatory barriers to pulling off any deal.

TerreStar filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October. It built up huge debts building a satellite-based network intended to fill the gaps left by conventional mobile networks across North America. The company holds spectrum in the 2GHz band. Its strategy is to allow consumers to use traditional, land-based wireless networks with their smartphones and access the TerreStar network when such coverage is out of range or no longer available. The company launched its first satellite in July 2009. MetroPCS is looking forward to expand its US network. It also announced the spread of its LTE network into three additional cities, bringing the total to nine. It is still the only US operator to date to have launched an LTE handset.

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HTC challenges Samsung for first LTE smartphone

On 12.16.10, In Mobile, By Editor

The Android smartphone competition is increasingly focused on a two-way conflict between HTC and Samsung, and they have shifted their rivalry to LTE.

Samsung has already created an LTE feature phone for MetroPCS and is tipped to summarize with a full smartphone in the first half of next year, but HTC is also planning a 2011 launch.

This shows LTE handsets coming to market well ahead of expectations, and the two vendors will be particularly keen to gain the initial slot at Verizon Wireless, given the high profile that first movers get in the US. HTC benefited from having the first with Android device at T-Mobile, Motorola with the first Droid device at Verizon, and HTC again with the first WiMax smartphone at Sprint.

Samsung has been too late into the open smartphone sector to claim first prize, but is catching up fast with Galaxy S.

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MetroPCS expands LTE coverage to Boston, New York City and Sacramento

On 12.16.10, In Mobile, By Editor

MetroPCS has announced the launch of its 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network in three more large markets – Boston, New York City and Sacramento.

The company will offer unlimited talk, text and internet service plans starting at US$55 per month, with no service contract. For the US$60 plan, customers get access to MetroSTUDIO, which has content including on-demand premium video with 18 channels, multimedia and ringtones.

The Samsung Craft which is a single LTE device will be available, retailing at US$299 plus tax after a US$50 instant rebate. The Craft features a 3.3 inch screen, a 2GB MicroSD card, touch screen, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 3.2 megapixel camera with flash, a camcorder and a Wi-Fi radio.

According to MetroPCS CEO Roger D. Linquist, as the only no annual contract, pay-in-advance wireless service provider offering 4G LTE services, they continue to build their network to allow more customers to experience their unparalleled value and flexible, affordable service. The company has stated that it plans to launch LTE networks to Atlanta, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa in early 2011.

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MetroPCS begins Chinese Android Smartphone sale (USA)

On 12.14.10, In Mobile, By Editor

MetroPCS has started selling a low-cost Android smartphone, supplied by China’s Huawei. The smartphone is powered by the Android 2.1 (Eclair) OS; the Huawei Ascend is aimed at consumers wanting to move from a feature phone to a smartphone.

Huawei ascendThe smartphone is being offered for US$179 with smartphone tariffs starting from US$50 per month.

The Huawei Ascend is equipped with a 3.5-inch HVGA auto-rotate touchscreen with onscreen QWERTY keyboard for text input, along with a 3.2 megapixel camera and supports Wi-Fi connectivity.

According to Tom Keys, Chief Operating Officer of MetroPCS, the company’s customers desire more choices and are looking for the latest handsets and services that fit their personalities, lifestyles and budgets. With the addition of this device, they are again expanding their portfolio to provide customers with a chance to experience the latest technology with the value of affordable, flexible and predictable no annual contract wireless services.

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MetroPCS adds free group messaging service ‘textPlus’

On 10.15.10, In Mobile, By Editor

MetroPCS, launches free group texting solution textPlus heralding mobile communications technology provider GOGII’s first direct carrier agreement.

The textPlus service delivers ad-supported group texting services across device platforms including Android and iOS, offering both mobile applications and a permanent short-code–the shortcode-based MetroPCS deal enables customers on the carrier’s US$45 and US$50 service plans to transmit messages to multiple contacts at once, at no extra charge.

GOGII rolled out textPlus in June 2009. Its user network now spans 24 million mobile subscribers, corresponding to over 3.5 billion messages sent and more than 9 million downloads.

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