T-Mobile US' (NYSE:TMUS) MetroPCS today launched a bring-your-own-device service that supports GSM-based Android phones and specific versions of Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone. The offering is the latest evidence of T-Mobile's plans to supplement MetroPCS' CDMA and LTE networks with its own GSM-based network.
MetroPCS' new BYOD service is currently available in Boston, Dallas, Hartford, Conn., and Las Vegas. The company said it plans to expand to additional cities in the future. The program currently supports AT&T Mobility (NYSE:T) and T-Mobile iPhones, and the iPhone 5s from Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) and Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S). It also supports GSM-based Android phones and Windows Phone devices, but not BlackBerry (NASDAQ:BBRY) phones, tablets or mobile hotspots. Users will be able to choose from among MetroPCS' $40, $50 and $60 per month prepaid plans. The program essentially allows MetroPCS stores to activate devices onto T-Mobile's GSM-based network.
Not surprisingly, there are a number of caveats to Metro's BYOD program. For example: "MetroPCS does not assume any liability for the lack of effectiveness for non-MetroPCS devices," the carrier said on its website.
PhoneArena reported earlier this month that T-Mobile would launch a BYOD program for MetroPCS.
T-Mobile closed on its acquisition of MetroPCS in May. T-Mobile plans to expand MetroPCS' brand to an additional 100 million POPs over the next six quarters, with the goal of using MetroPCS' brand and services to more effectively target the market for prepaid wireless service. T-Mobile also offers BYOD services and prepaid plans under its T-Mobile and GoSmart brands.
As part of its acquisition of MetroPCS, T-Mobile is working to move MetroPCS' existing customers off Metro's CDMA and LTE networks and onto T-Mobile's HSPA and LTE networks. T-Mobile eventually plans to roll out its own network across MetroPCS' spectrum.
T-Mobile will surpass 100 million POPs covered with its own LTE network by mid-year en route to covering 200 million by year-end.
For more:
- see this MetroPCS site
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