MetroPCS will flash existing CDMA handsets

[hank424]

Consumers Can Now Activate Their Existing CDMA Handsets on
MetroPCS' Network, Offering the Freedom to Enjoy the Nation's Most
Affordable and Flexible Wireless Service

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 26, 2008--MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS), the nation's leading provider of unlimited, flat-rate wireless communications service, announces the launch of MetroFlash(TM), allowing consumers to bring their compatible CDMA handsets to be used on MetroPCS' network. Coupled with its low cost, flat-rate unlimited wireless service, MetroPCS is further broadening consumers' freedom to enjoy more cost efficient, flexible wireless options. MetroFlash(TM) will eliminate for many consumers the requirement of having to purchase a new handset when signing up for MetroPCS service.

Offering consumers the ability to join MetroPCS with their existing handset makes switching carriers easier - and more cost efficient - than ever, said Tom Keys, Chief Operating Officer of MetroPCS. Not since number portability have consumers been offered such a convenient option in switching service providers. With the rising cost of gas and food, consumers are looking for ways to reduce expenses and the launch of MetroFlash(TM), along with our flat-rate, unlimited low cost service plans, makes MetroPCS a more affordable wireless option.

Customers using MetroFlash(TM) will receive a free month of service, plus unlimited local, long distance, voicemail and text messaging for $40 a month and pay a $30 fee. The service will be available at all MetroPCS company owned stores and select authorized dealers in all MetroPCS markets, excluding Las Vegas and Shreveport/Bossier City. Consumers can go to Unlimited Wireless Service - MetroPCS or a MetroPCS company owned store to determine if their phone is compatible with MetroFlash(TM).

MetroPCS' unlimited, flat-rate wireless, no signed contract plans range from $30 to $50 per month and allow subscribers to talk all they want, 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week. Unlike most carriers, MetroPCS does not require a signed contract, which means that consumers can activate service without going through a credit check or paying a deposit. Many of the plans include unlimited features such as voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, three-way calling, text and picture messaging, push e-mail, mobile Internet browsing, mobile instant messaging, and Metro411, a voice-activated, premium directory assistance service. Additionally, MetroPCS offers unlimited family plans for an affordable low price.

With approximately 4.4 million subscribers nationwide, continued consumer demand for MetroPCS' affordable, flexible, predictable, unlimited, no signed contract, flat-rate wireless service has been the driving factor behind the company's expansion across the country.

Consumers can visit any of MetroPCS' authorized dealer locations and company-owned retail locations or visit MetroPCS' web site at Unlimited Wireless Service - MetroPCS to sign up for service plans, and choose from a lineup of wireless phones from the top handset manufacturers.

[hank424]

So this means I can use a CDMA handset that I have purchased from Sprint, Verizon Wireless, Alltel, U.S. Cellular, Leap Wireless or another CDMA operator. It doesn't say anything about any smartphones though.

[Bill Clinton]

That's great to see Metro flashing phone from other carriers for use on their network. I think thats a very smart move for them. Not only can you bring your existing CDMA phone, but if you don't like their choice of phones you can buy a CDMA phone on eBay and have it flashed for use on Metro.

[larry]

It's a big hassle to re-flash firmware so I'm surprised they are willing to do this. I could see wait times at certain stores over an hour depending on how busy they are.

[cheddar]

It'll be interesting to see what they mean by "compatible CDMA handsets". That's a loophole you could drive a truck through.

[RadioFoneGuy]

Im sure pre-GPS phones will be out. You can pretty much use any carriers UI as long as the phone is not locked to a network of the IMEI or ESN blacklisted.

Its a pain to have another carriers UI especially the data settings but you can work around it.

Verizon would be kinda a pain as it seems almost every menu and button take you to somewhere to buy something.

[bobolito]

Originally Posted by larry

It's a big hassle to re-flash firmware so I'm surprised they are willing to do this. I could see wait times at certain stores over an hour depending on how busy they are.

They may not necessarily mean they'll flash every phone. I'm sure they can't do every model out there, and many others they'll probably just unlock them and program them with MetroPCS settings whenever a full flash is not necessary. I can see Verizon phones needing a full flash, though. Then, in order to avoid long waits, they'll probably just ask people to come back later on in the day or the following day depending on how busy they are. If you know what you're doing flashing or programming a phone takes only a few minutes.

This is an old practice in countries like Dominican Republic where bringing US CDMA phones for activation is a normal everyday business transaction and almost every (Codetel [formerly Verizon Dominicana] or Centennial, or Tricom) store you go to could unlock/program or even flash almost any CDMA phone. Of course, a fee is always required for this. Although the sale of Verizon Dominicana in 2006 has transformed the technology landscape because they converted their network to GSM/UMTS so it makes it easier for imported phones being activated. They're the largest wireless carrier in DR.

[walkguru]

Wirelessly posted (Walkguru's: Opera/9.50 (J2ME/MIDP; Opera Mini/4.1.11328/534; U; en))

i think that this is a great deal maybe others will start doing it too

[larry]

Originally Posted by bobolito

They may not necessarily mean they'll flash every phone. I'm sure they can't do every model out there.

I don't see them being able to do every cdma phone out there. Wouldn't they have to obtain new firmware versions from the manufacturers (ie. Samsung, Sanyo, Motorola, LG etc) in order to meet their particular requirements?




EDIT: Had To Edit Larry's Typo

[RadioFoneGuy]

I think just a simple flash for the network settings and PRL and change 411 and 611 and any special numbers for balances etc.

[bobolito]

Originally Posted by larry

I don't see them being bale to do every cdma phone out there. Wouldn't they have to obtain new firmware versions from the manufacturers (ie. Samsung, Sanyo, Motorola, LG etc) in order to meet their particular requirements?

They probably just load the standard plain "brand-less" firmware if they have to. They probably have connections with the manufacturers to quickly download the firmwares. AFAIK, only the largest carriers will heavily customize and brand firmware. So I don't see MetroPCS loading customized menus and branded features on 3rd party phones. I can see them just unlocking the phones, resetting and wiping all to factory settings and reprogram the phones in most cases. This of course requires them to have a large collection of data cables, unlocking software and hardware and a vast database of secret "hack" codes to address most CDMA phones, and this they have to have at every location, and that's not counting the trained technicians they need to pay to do this. Sounds like a big investment.

I wish every carrier had some sort of facility where customers can go and take care of this without having to go underground for it. Carriers are just losing all that business if you ask me.

[larry]

Yes they will have to have quite an extensive data cable inventory to be able to cover the many different phones people will bring in.

[TelcomJunkie]

Originally Posted by larry

Yes they will have to have quite an extensive data cable inventory to be able to cover the many different phones people will bring in.

That's not nearly as big a deal as most people think. There are companies that make equipment just for this task and they can be ordered with complete data cable adapter kits. It's no different than having all the cables needed to transfer peoples phonebooks from phone to phone.

[hank424]

For a complete list check out MetroPCS | MetroFLASH

[RadioFoneGuy]

Nokia, HTC and Blackberrys are missing from the list.

Nokia has been quiet due the qualcomm lawsuit, are they making CDMA phones anymore?

[hank424]

Of course HTC and Blackberrys are missing from the list. Its a smartphone sadly. I think Nokia be making gsm type phones now. A few Nokia cdma phones will come before year is over.

Customer's sign a waiver that they will be voiding their warranty and that they will not be able to get assistance from us, the manufacturer, or the previous carrier after flashing their phone.

[nKrypteD1]

Remember HTC is branded as UTStarcom on Verizon, it's on the list as PPC-6700 under that name, that's the HTC Apache. So fret not, HTC is on the list, I'm sure blackberry is a different kind of animal though.

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

it would just make sense on those "incompatible" phones to factory settings and firmwae.....even if it is just a regular phone not all phones will be compatible

[love2sin]

I heard that MertoPcs will be offering MetroFlash at their corporate stores and at a few chosen Authorized Representative locations. Does anybody know how the FEW will be chosen? The software that is going to be used from what i hear is called "Houdini" I'd like to know more about this is this the manufactor or the platform. The software is going to cost about 300 bucks.. thats all i know for now.............

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

okay well i dug up the sight for Houdini Software

Home | Houdinisoft.com - Test, Unlock, Flash

and it looks like the sell universal cables for over 200 handsets.....thats what the software works with


according to this reply by a Metro employee on Phonescoop they are even flashing smartphones too: MetroPCS Invites You To Use Your Own Phone Forum (Phone Scoop)