MetroPCS unveils unlimited international calling for five dollars

[hank424]

MetroPCS Inc. (PCS) on Wednesday said its customers will be able to make unlimited international calls for $5 a month, the latest push by the no-contract, flat-rate cellphone-service provider to put price pressure on its larger rivals.
The company has been benefiting as consumers trade down amid the global recession. Its customer count has grown by record amounts the past three quarters, helping drive the company's U.S. expansion.
For the $5 a month, MetroPCS said customers will be able to make unlimited international calls to more than 100 countries, including more than 1,000 destinations, without any additional charges. Europe, Africa, and other countries included check here MetroPCS | Rate Finder

As of March 31, MetroPCS had 6 million users. Its stock closed Tuesday at $14.33 and was inactive premarket.

Article - WSJ.com

[hank424]

To be eligible for the $5 unlimited international calling plan, users must already be signed up to an unlimited national calling plan that costs $40, $45, or $50 a month. Making international phone calls from a cell phone has typically been rather expensive with major carriers such as AT&T and Verizon Wireless.

For example, AT&T offers its WorldConnect service for $3.99 extra a month, which gives subscribers lower rates on international calls. This means that a call to France still costs 22 cents a minute even with the $3.99 a month WorldConnect plan. By contrast a call to France using MetroPCS's new $5 unlimited international plan is free.

[Telekom]

Originally Posted by hank424

For example, AT&T offers its WorldConnect service for $3.99 extra a month, which gives subscribers lower rates on international calls. This means that a call to France still costs 22 cents a minute even with the $3.99 a month WorldConnect plan. By contrast a call to France using MetroPCS's new $5 unlimited international plan is free.

Or, you could use One Suite Cheap Prepaid International Calling Cards and Discount Long Distance Phone Service - OneSuite and pay 2.9¢/minute. No monthly charges either.

[Scrumhalf]

I don't know why ANYONE would pay the exorbitant rates these guys charge. It's got to be for chumps, seriously! I use 3utelecom.com. You can set it up to where you call a domestic number and you don't even need to enter a pin - just enter your international number after that and you are off and running. The rates are exceptional. I have used onsuite as well - both are very good. The advantage with 3utelecom.com is that it is a legitimate long distance company, so you can set it up as the long distance co. for your landline as well.

[Scrumhalf]

3utelecom.com rates (no monthly minimum or fees), all calls are billed by the second, not by the minute.

• ustralia: 3.8 ¢
• Canada: 3.8 ¢
• China: 3.8 ¢
• France: 3.8 ¢
• Germany: 3.8 ¢
• India: 3.8 ¢
• Japan - Tokyo: 3.8 ¢
• Mexico: 6.9 ¢
• Peru - Lima: 3.8 ¢
• United Kingdom: 3.8 ¢

[Telekom]

Originally Posted by Scrumhalf

3utelecom.com rates (no monthly minimum or fees), all calls are billed by the second, not by the minute.

• ustralia: 3.8 ¢
• Canada: 3.8 ¢
• China: 3.8 ¢
• France: 3.8 ¢
• Germany: 3.8 ¢
• India: 3.8 ¢
• Japan - Tokyo: 3.8 ¢
• Mexico: 6.9 ¢
• Peru - Lima: 3.8 ¢
• United Kingdom: 3.8 ¢

OneSuite: "ustralia" 2.9¢
Canada 1.9¢
China 2.2¢
France 2.9¢
Germany 3¢

OneSuite is also PINless as well as 30 two digit quick dials.

[Scrumhalf]

I haven't had good luck with onesuite which is why I gave up using it. I kept getting dropped calls, garbled quality, etc. This is from 2-3 years ago. Have you had good luck with it? I wouldn't mind trying them again.

[Telekom]

Originally Posted by Scrumhalf

I haven't had good luck with onesuite which is why I gave up using it. I kept getting dropped calls, garbled quality, etc. This is from 2-3 years ago. Have you had good luck with it? I wouldn't mind trying them again.

It's been pretty good though a call I made to Israel didn't work too well the other day. Lots of static, but that's not too common. Generally it works pretty well at least for me.

[JFB]

Here is the text of the Metro PCS press release.

BTW, they were added to the S&P 500 this week causing a jump in their stock price.

Press Release
MetroPCS Is First North American Carrier to Offer Unlimited International Calling for $5 per Month
Unlimited Plan Includes over 100 Countries and More Than 1,000 Destinations

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun. 24, 2009-- Continuing to provide consumers with the most economical, unlimited, wireless service in the United States, MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS), the nation's leading provider of unlimited, flat-rate, no signed contract wireless communications service, announces unlimited calling to over 100 countries for $5 per month. MetroPCS customers will be able to make unlimited international calls to more than 100 countries, including more than 1,000 destinations, without any additional charges.

MetroPCS offers a diverse selection of wireless service plans, which allows customers to talk 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week, and provides enhanced service options so customers can create a wireless experience that best fits their lifestyles. With MetroPCS service, customers pay by the month, not by the minute, and services do not require a signed contract, deposit or credit check. For an additional $5 a month, unlimited international calling can be added to MetroPCS’ $40, $45 and $50 service plans, including family plans, which already include unlimited long distance service to the 48 continental United States and Puerto Rico. The first month of service is free with the purchase of a phone and there is no activation fee or hidden charges.

“Unlimited international calling at such an affordable rate can dramatically reduce monthly long distance costs and is yet another example of MetroPCS’ commitment to providing industry-leading value to consumers in today’s tough economic climate,” said Roger D. Linquist, president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of MetroPCS. “MetroPCS is eliminating the worry of high international calling fees, counting minutes and dialing a connecting number, typical of traditional calling cards. With MetroPCS’ international calling, consumers are truly unlimited now more than ever.”

MetroPCS’ service plans range from $30 to $50 per month and allow subscribers to talk all they want, 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week. MetroPCS offers unlimited family plans and MetroPCS Unlimited NationwideSM which allows MetroPCS subscribers to use their affordable, flat-rate, no signed contract service in more than 4,600 cities and towns throughout the continental United States and Puerto Rico. This expanded network is included at no additional charge in MetroPCS’ current $45 and $50 service plans and can be added for $5 per month on other qualified service plans.

Consumers can visit any of MetroPCS’ current authorized dealer locations or visit MetroPCS’ Web site at Unlimited Wireless Service - MetroPCS for more information about plans and coverage as well as the international locations covered by unlimited international calling.