MetroPCS reduces price of LTE service to $40

MetroPCS (NASDAQ:PCS) slashed the base price of its LTE service from $55 to $40, and the flat-rate carrier introduced new pricing options for its speedier service.

The carrier said the new plans will give customers who use streaming media, gaming and other services greater flexibility. None of the company's non-LTE price plans have changed.

The new $40 plan includes unlimited talk, texting and LTE Web browsing with unlimited YouTube access. MetroPCS' $50 LTE plan adds international and premium text messaging, turn-by-turn navigation with MetroNavigator, mobile instant messaging, corporate email and 1 GB of additional data access. The $50 plan also provides access to some of the features in the carrier's MetroStudio content storefront, though only through a WiFi connection. MetroPCS' $60 plan adds unlimited data and premium on-demand video and audio content through the carrier's MetroStudio.

"We're working to make sure our customers know all of the options they have," MetroPCS spokesman Drew Crowell told FierceWireless. He said some customers only use their phones for Web browsing, while others want streaming media services.

"We just wanted to make sure we were proividing the best value," he said. "We think our customers are going to be able to zero in on a plan that fits them best."

MetroPCS currently offers LTE in nine markets; the carrier plans to add more markets in the coming months, including in Atlanta, Jacksonville, Fla., Miami, Orlando and Tampa. MetroPCS' only LTE device, the Samsung Craft handset, is available for $299 after a $50 instant rebate.

Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) currently offers LTE in 39 markets, and sells 5 GB of LTE data for $50 per month or 10 GB of data for $80 per month on either a two-year contract or a no-contract basis; both options carry a $10 per GB overage charge. Verizon's two USB LTE modems--the LG VL600 and Pantech UML290--cost $99.99 when subscribers sign a two-year contract, and cost $250 in a month-to-month scenario.

For more:
- see this release

Related Articles:
Analysts bullish on Verizon, MetroPCS LTE rollouts
MetroPCS rolls out LTE in NYC, Boston and Sacramento
MetroPCS not bringing speed but LTE innovation
MetroPCS details LTE buildout plans for 2011, open to LightSquared
MetroPCS committed to unlimited data via LTE
MetroPCS launches LTE in Las Vegas, promises more markets 'soon'