Metro PCS Vs Verizon – What Stacks up in 2024

In this brief, we have done our individual comparison of two popular ISPs, Metro PCS and Verizon. If you aren’t sure which of the two is the best for you, we’ve rounded up the information to help you make a decision.

The search for the best Internet Service Provider (ISP) can be shortened when you have the right information. If you don’t have the right information about the currently existing ISPs, the process can be very complicated.

In the US for example, it’s very common to run into Internet users tied into Duopoly and Monopoly situations. However, if you are better of and you have multiple choices, you have to compare the existing alternatives in different categories such as Coverage, compatibility with your phone, Data speeds, Plans and Prices, Family alternatives, customer care reliability, and many others.

With all this information, it can turn the decision making the whole process easy for you.

I know you are already wondering which is the best Internet Service, provider. The fact remains that the best for you on the list will highly depend on where you live in the country.

The unfortunate truth is that Coverage is a major consideration when comparing ISPs in the US.  So let us dive into a comparison between Metro PCS and Verzion.

Metro PCS vs. Verizon: Overview

Metro PCS

Metro PCS, currently known as Metro by T-Mobile is a Telecommunication company operating in the US. It is shortly known as an American prepaid wireless service provider currently operating through the T-Mobile network.

Metro PCS was founded in 1994 and referred to as General Wireless, Inc. It was started by Malcolm Lorang and Roger Linguist.

The company previously operated the 5^th largest mobile network in the company using the CMDA. The company was merged with T-Mobile in 2013 and has since been using the network to provide the services.

As of 2005, Metro PCS had more than 1.5 million subscribers in the country. It operated through a 21 license in Greater Miami, San Francisco, Sacramento, Atlanta, Tampa, and Sarasota.

Verizon

Verizon Fios is marketed as Fios by Verizon, a bundled Internet access, Phone, and TV service operating in the US. Verizon is known as the best Internet service provider for Internet speeds.

The company offers Internet speeds from, 100Mbps to 940Mbps. According to the 2018 FCC’s report, Verizon’s speed average more than what the company advertises.

The report shows that the speeds average 108% of the advertised speeds. This is actually great news for heavy streamers and gamers.

Verizon Communications announced the launch of the FiOS TV service in 2005 which became available to more than 9,000 customers in Texas. The company is currently offering more services for people in different parts of the country.

Metro PCS vs. Verizon: Coverage

When it comes to wireless coverage, it is no secret that Verizon Coverage Map is the gold standard. People are claiming that Verizon offers seamless Internet services even in rural areas.

It is at the top of the list especially when it comes to rural wireless internet coverage. That is according to experts and in 2020, you don’t just have to rely on information from experts to make a decision. To choose between these two companies, you need hard data and facts.

However, no conversation can be held on wireless coverage and availability without Verizon being a topic. The company has set the standards in connectivity.

As a matter of fact, Verizon offers 70% 4G LTE coverage in the country. Taking a close look at the Verizon coverage map in the country, you’ll see a map covered with Verizon spots.

However, there are some negative factors when talking about Verizon coverage. People complain that there are some instances where Verizon doesn’t provide any coverage.

Verizon considers itself the best and for that reason, it has made it difficult for new companies to enter the market for healthy competition.

If you throw dirt in the American Map, you will probably hit a spot where Verizon has great coverage. However, there are some states where Verizon provides more than 90% coverage.

It provides 90% coverage in states such as Kansas, Georgia, Arkansas, and many others.

Verizon also has great coverage in major cities. This includes rural areas and hard-to-reach spots on the map. But despite being one of the best ISPs in terms of availability and coverage, there are some areas where Verizon has less than 60% coverage.

In West Virginia for example, the company provides 52.24% coverage. In Nevada, there’s a 59.43% coverage and in Montana, there’s 58.93% coverage.

MetroPCS on the other hand uses T-Mobile’s network and for that reason, the coverage matches T-Mobile’s coverage directly. T-Mobile’s 4G coverage is at 62% which falls behind Verizon’s average of 70%.

What this means is that Verizon is the winner regarding coverage in rural areas. T-Mobile takes 3^rd place in this battle in the country.

When considering T-Mobile, there are considerable gaps in the rural areas. T-Mobile is also behind when it comes to 3G coverage which is still a serious consideration.

Who is Verizon’s and Metro PCS’ Coverage best for?

Verizon’s country-wide coverage is for people that are looking for consistent speeds and little spotty areas in the country.

The company’s cell phone plan should be towards the top of the shopping list. Given that Verizon provides great coverage even in rural areas, you might consider it as a healthy alternative.

However, the company faces stiff competition from T-Mobile and many other companies.

Given that Metro by T-Mobile uses T-Mobile’s network, its coverage matches the coverage by T-Mobile. As shown above, T-Mobile lags when compared directly to Verizon.

MetroPCS coverage and availability are for people who live in major cities and have more than one alternative.

MetroPCS vs. Verizon: Internet plans and prices

Metro PCS offers two options for unlimited data plans. These two plans are both cheap and have a relatively higher data cap of 36GB every month. To better understand Metro PCS plans and prices, here is a table with the information.

Metro PCS offers straight-up prices meaning you don’t have to worry about hidden costs and other issues. The prices that you see above already include taxes and regulatory fees.

You could expect nothing less since Metro PCS is a subsidiary of T-Mobile. T-Mobile unlike other companies is known for including taxes and fees in advertised prices.

The only downside here is that the coverage is weaker. If you choose the unlimited plan, you will need a solid connection everywhere you go.

Comparing this to Verizon, coverage is a serious consideration. However, you will still get a good connection in many urban areas.

Moving on, you also run the risk of Deprioritization which happens when T-Mobile customers are using a lot of data. In this instance, the company might consider prioritizing its users. This will manifest itself through slower internet speeds.

Verizon doesn’t offer the cheapest plans in the world but it’s one of the best. Checking out the prices for the unlimited plans and comparing them Face to Face with the competition, you will realize that Verizon tends to be pricier but it is one of the best.

The biggest competition is coverage and speeds and internet performance. To understand this better, check the table below.

Comparing Verizon plans and prices with what you get with other competitors, it’s easy to realize that Verizon data is expensive. But remember, price is not everything, there are several other considerations that you can consider before making the decision.

Metro PCS vs. Verizon: Family deals

You have to do your absolute darndest to be on the family plan. In this regard, MetroPCS by T-Mobile goes from being cheap to being cheaper.

The only difference that you will see with other companies is that the family options revolve around the amount of Mobile Hotspot data that you will use.

If you are one of the people that travel so much for business or school, you might spend more hotspot data which makes the whole plan expensive.

You can avoid the up-front costs as seen in the table by transferring your old phone and buying a new one. You will have to expect the steep up-front costs for the new phone if you want the latest and the greatest.

Moving on, Verizon makes a lot of sense for people that are looking for reliable wireless 4G LTE coverage for families. There are a lot of perks such as mix-and-match family phone plans, free streaming perks.

The only downside, in this case, is the data plans and prices. The price for this company falls above the average. But choosing Verizon family plans can drastically reduce the rate that you pay for the service.

Verizon offers four main 4-Line family plans:

1. $140/Month Start Unlimited Family Plan
2. $180/month Play More Unlimited
3. $180/month Do more Unlimited Family Plan
4. $220/month Get more Unlimited

As it is clear here, all these family plans include unlimited data.

Metro PCS vs. Verizon: Data speeds and performance

I know you are already wondering how Verizon stacks up against the competition and how these two companies compare when it comes to data speed and performance.

Starting with Verizon, the company has held the championship belt for the best ISP in terms of coverage. The company offers 70% 4G coverage in the country and also brings the fastest internet speeds.

When it comes to LTE, how fast your phone can download and upload data is very important. Verizon has been praised for its superfast internet speeds. As a matter of fact, the company offers 108% of the promised data speeds.

T-Mobile on the other hand comes forth in terms of coverage. The company was ranked fourth after a report that confirmed T-Mobile offers the service to more than 68% of the population.

If coverage is a consideration for you, then you probably won’t care about the prices. MetroPCS doesn’t come close to what is offered by Verizon in terms of data speeds and performance.

Metro PCS vs. Verizon: Customer service

According to the reviews found on trustpilot.com, Verizon has relatively bad customer service. Most people complain that Verizon Wireless customer representatives lack important information and take longer to reply to some simple queries.

Metro PCS on the other hand has relatively better customer service, most people claim that Metro PCS customer representatives are better and usually get back to you as needed.

Regarding Metro PCS customer service, your patient might be tested but it’s no surprise with ISPs. If you are looking for world-class customer service, you are probably searching in the wrong industry.

Recap: Is Metro or Verizon good for you?

Given all the information shared above, it is easy to make a decision depending on the prices, performance, customer service, and other factors.

Metro PCS plans are a great choice for a family of four. Each of the plans offers a good amount of data for a competitive price. Verizon on the other hand offers a great choice of plans.

Metro PCS and Verizon match well when it comes to performance and data speeds. However, Verizon is the best especially when you care about the coverage and data.

MetroPCS uses a T-Mobile network which means they have relatively lower coverage. When it comes to prices, MetroPCS is relatively cheaper. Depending on what you care most about, you can choose between these two companies.

FAQs

Which is better, Metro PCS or Verizon?

These two companies compare well. But the price and performance make a great difference. Verizon plans are relatively expensive but it’s the best in terms of performance.

Who owns Metro PCS?

MetroPCS is owned by T-Mobile

Do Verizon and Metro PCS use a GSM Network?

Yes, Metro PCS uses T-Mobile’s GSM network while Verizon uses its own GSM network.