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Metro by T-Mobile MVNO Spotlight: Plans, Pricing, Dealer Opportunity
- Wireless Dealer Group
- 3 hours ago
- 12 min read
Metro by T-Mobile is one of the most established and accessible MVNOs for wireless dealers. As a T-Mobile subsidiary offering prepaid wireless service, Metro provides dealers with recurring commission revenue, access to budget-conscious customers, and a proven business model. This comprehensive spotlight covers everything dealers need to know about Metro by T-Mobile, including plans, pricing, network performance, dealer program details, competitive positioning, and actionable sales strategies.
Quick Facts:
Parent Company: T-Mobile (subsidiary)
Network: T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G
Service Type: Prepaid wireless (month-to-month, no contracts)
Plan Range: $25-$65+/month
Target Market: Budget-conscious, no-contract seekers, secondary phone users
Dealer Commission: $20-$30 per activation (varies by plan)
Key Advantage: T-Mobile network reliability + affordable pricing + recurring revenue
Activation Bonus: Available for high-volume dealers
Company Background
History and Market Position
Metro by T-Mobile (formerly MetroPCS) has been serving budget-conscious wireless customers since 2007. In 2020, T-Mobile rebranded MetroPCS to Metro by T-Mobile, solidifying its position as T-Mobile's prepaid subsidiary.
Metro operates as a distinct brand within T-Mobile, offering prepaid service without contracts. This allows T-Mobile to serve price-sensitive customers while maintaining its premium postpaid brand positioning.
Current Market Standing
Metro by T-Mobile is one of the largest prepaid MVNOs in the United States, with millions of active subscribers. The brand is particularly strong in urban markets and among customers seeking:
No-contract wireless service
Affordable monthly plans
Reliable T-Mobile network coverage
Flexibility to upgrade or downgrade plans
Parent Company Advantage
Being a T-Mobile subsidiary provides Metro with significant advantages:
Direct access to T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G network
Priority network support and infrastructure
Integration with T-Mobile's customer service systems
Marketing and brand support from T-Mobile
Stability and financial backing of a major carrier
Plan Lineup and Pricing
Current Metro Plans (2025)
Metro by T-Mobile offers flexible prepaid plans with no annual contracts. Plans are designed to be affordable while providing solid data allowances and unlimited talk/text.
$25/Month Plan
Unlimited Talk: Yes
Unlimited Text: Yes
Data: 2GB high-speed 4G LTE
After Data: Unlimited 2G (reduced speed)
Best For: Light data users, seniors, secondary phones
Dealer Commission: $20
$35/Month Plan
Unlimited Talk: Yes
Unlimited Text: Yes
Data: 5GB high-speed 4G LTE
After Data: Unlimited 2G (reduced speed)
Best For: Moderate data users, social media, email
Dealer Commission: $25
$45/Month Plan
Unlimited Talk: Yes
Unlimited Text: Yes
Data: 10GB high-speed 4G LTE
After Data: Unlimited 2G (reduced speed)
Best For: Regular data users, streaming, navigation
Dealer Commission: $25
$55/Month Plan
Unlimited Talk: Yes
Unlimited Text: Yes
Data: 15GB high-speed 4G LTE
After Data: Unlimited 2G (reduced speed)
Best For: Heavy data users, video streaming
Dealer Commission: $30
$65/Month Plan
Unlimited Talk: Yes
Unlimited Text: Yes
Data: 25GB high-speed 4G LTE
After Data: Unlimited 2G (reduced speed)
Best For: Power users, frequent travelers
Dealer Commission: $30
Plan Features (All Plans)
No Annual Contract: Cancel anytime, no early termination fees
5G Access: Included on all plans (where available)
Unlimited Talk & Text: Domestic and to 200+ countries
International Calling: Included to 200+ countries at no extra charge
Mobile Hotspot: Included (uses high-speed data allowance)
Wi-Fi Calling: Available on compatible devices
Visual Voicemail: Included
Call Waiting/Caller ID: Included
Rollover Data: Unused data rolls over to next month (up to 2x plan amount)
Pricing Strategy
Metro's pricing is competitive and designed to undercut postpaid carriers while maintaining profitability:
Plan | Data | Price | Price Per GB | Dealer Commission |
$25 | 2GB | $25 | $12.50/GB | $20 |
$35 | 5GB | $35 | $7.00/GB | $25 |
$45 | 10GB | $45 | $4.50/GB | $25 |
$55 | 15GB | $55 | $3.67/GB | $30 |
$65 | 25GB | $65 | $2.60/GB | $30 |
Key Insight: Metro's pricing becomes more attractive as data allowances increase. The $65 plan offers the best value per GB, making it ideal for heavy users.
Network Coverage and Performance
T-Mobile Network Infrastructure
Metro by T-Mobile operates on T-Mobile's nationwide network, which includes:
4G LTE Coverage
Nationwide coverage across all 50 states
Strong urban and suburban coverage
Improving rural coverage (ongoing expansion)
Fast data speeds (typically 10-50 Mbps)
5G Coverage
Ultra Wideband (UWB) 5G in major cities
Mid-band 5G nationwide
Low-band 5G for extended coverage
Faster speeds (50-300+ Mbps on UWB)
Included on all Metro plans at no extra cost
Network Performance vs. Competitors
Carrier | Network | 4G LTE | 5G | Coverage |
Metro by T-Mobile | T-Mobile | Excellent | Good | Very Good |
Boost Mobile | T-Mobile | Excellent | Good | Very Good |
Cricket Wireless | AT&T | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
Straight Talk | Multi-network | Good | Limited | Good |
Roaming
Metro by T-Mobile includes domestic roaming on T-Mobile's network. International roaming is available in 200+ countries at no extra charge (standard rates apply).
Device Compatibility and BYOD
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Metro by T-Mobile supports BYOD for compatible devices:
Compatible Devices
Unlocked T-Mobile phones
Unlocked GSM phones (most international phones)
Phones previously used on T-Mobile network
Phones from other carriers (if unlocked)
Activation Process
Customer brings unlocked phone to dealer
Dealer verifies phone compatibility (IMEI check)
Dealer activates Metro SIM card in phone
Customer chooses plan and pays activation fee
Service activates immediately
Metro Device Sales
Metro by T-Mobile also offers device sales through authorized dealers:
Device Options
Smartphones (iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.)
Budget phones ($50-$200)
Mid-range phones ($200-$500)
Premium phones ($500+)
Basic phones (for non-smartphone users)
Device Pricing
Metro offers devices at retail prices (not subsidized like postpaid carriers). Dealers can purchase devices from Metro's wholesale program and resell at retail markup.
SIM Card Compatibility
Standard SIM cards
Micro SIM cards
Nano SIM cards
eSIM (on compatible devices)
Dealer Program and Commissions
Metro Dealer Program Overview
Metro by T-Mobile offers a straightforward dealer program focused on recurring commission revenue.
Commission Structure
Activation Commissions
$25 Plan: $20 per activation
$35 Plan: $25 per activation
$45 Plan: $25 per activation
$55 Plan: $30 per activation
$65 Plan: $30 per activation
Recurring Monthly Commissions
Metro offers recurring monthly commissions on active lines:
Standard Rate: $3-$5 per active line per month (varies by volume)
High-Volume Rate: Up to $6-$8 per line per month (50+ activations/month)
Payment Schedule: Monthly via ACH deposit
Device Sales Commissions
Device Margin: Typically 15-25% markup on wholesale cost
Activation with Device: Full activation commission applies
Device Financing: Not available (prepaid model)
Dealer Requirements
Minimum Requirements
Monthly Activations: No minimum required
Business License: Required (most dealers have this)
Tax ID: Required for commission payments
Bank Account: Required for ACH deposits
Dealer Support
Dedicated dealer support team
Training materials and resources
Marketing collateral (posters, flyers, digital assets)
Point-of-sale system integration
Real-time commission tracking
Monthly reporting and analytics
Dealer Portal
Metro provides dealers with an online portal for:
Real-time activation tracking
Commission history and payments
Customer account management
Marketing materials download
Support ticket submission
Performance analytics
Commission Calculation Example
Scenario: Dealer activates 20 customers/month on Metro plans
Month | New Activations | Activation Commission | Active Lines | Monthly Recurring | Total Commission |
Month 1 | 20 ($45 plan avg) | $500 | 20 | $80 | $580 |
Month 2 | 20 ($45 plan avg) | $500 | 40 | $160 | $660 |
Month 3 | 20 ($45 plan avg) | $500 | 60 | $240 | $740 |
Month 6 | 20 ($45 plan avg) | $500 | 120 | $480 | $980 |
Month 12 | 20 ($45 plan avg) | $500 | 240 | $960 | $1,460 |
Key Insight: After 12 months of consistent 20 activations/month, recurring commissions ($960) exceed activation commissions ($500), creating predictable monthly revenue.
Target Customer Segments
Primary Target Markets
1. Budget-Conscious Consumers
Profile: Price-sensitive, looking for lowest monthly cost
Pain Point: Can't afford postpaid plans ($60-$100+/month)
Solution: Metro's $25-$45 plans offer unlimited talk/text + data
Sales Approach: Emphasize affordability and no-contract flexibility
2. No-Contract Seekers
Profile: Want flexibility, don't want long-term commitments
Pain Point: Locked into 2-year postpaid contracts
Solution: Metro's month-to-month service, cancel anytime
Sales Approach: Highlight freedom and flexibility
3. Secondary Phone Users
Profile: Need a second phone for work, travel, or backup
Pain Point: Don't want to pay full price for second line
Solution: Affordable Metro plans for secondary devices
Sales Approach: Position as affordable backup phone solution
4. Seniors and Light Users
Profile: Older adults, basic phone users, minimal data needs
Pain Point: Don't need unlimited data, want simple service
Solution: Metro's $25 plan (2GB data) meets their needs
Sales Approach: Emphasize simplicity and affordability
5. International Customers
Profile: Immigrants, frequent travelers, international business
Pain Point: Need affordable international calling/texting
Solution: Metro includes unlimited international calling to 200+ countries
Sales Approach: Highlight included international features
6. Students
Profile: College/high school students, limited budget
Pain Point: Can't afford expensive postpaid plans
Solution: Metro's affordable plans fit student budgets
Sales Approach: Emphasize value and flexibility
Market Size and Opportunity
Metro by T-Mobile serves millions of customers nationwide. The prepaid market continues to grow as consumers seek alternatives to expensive postpaid plans.
Dealer Opportunity: Each customer segment represents recurring revenue. A dealer activating 20 customers/month across these segments can build substantial recurring commission revenue.
Competitive Positioning
Metro vs. Boost Mobile
Feature | Metro by T-Mobile | Boost Mobile |
Network | T-Mobile | T-Mobile |
Entry Plan | $25/month (2GB) | $25/month (2GB) |
Mid-Range Plan | $45/month (10GB) | $50/month (30GB) |
Premium Plan | $65/month (25GB) | $60/month (50GB) |
Brand Recognition | Very High (T-Mobile owned) | High |
Dealer Commission | $20-$30 activation | $25-$30 activation |
Advantage | T-Mobile brand trust, established | More generous data allowances |
Metro vs. Cricket Wireless
Feature | Metro by T-Mobile | Cricket Wireless |
Network | T-Mobile | AT&T |
Entry Plan | $25/month (2GB) | $30/month (2GB) |
Mid-Range Plan | $45/month (10GB) | $55/month (15GB) |
Premium Plan | $65/month (25GB) | $65/month (25GB) |
Coverage | Very Good | Excellent (AT&T network) |
International | Included (200+ countries) | Limited |
Advantage | Better pricing, international included | Superior AT&T coverage |
Metro vs. Simple Mobile
Feature | Metro by T-Mobile | Simple Mobile |
Network | T-Mobile | Multi-network (T-Mobile primary) |
Entry Plan | $25/month (2GB) | $25/month (2GB) |
Mid-Range Plan | $45/month (10GB) | $40/month (5GB) |
Premium Plan | $65/month (25GB) | $60/month (15GB) |
Brand Recognition | Very High | Moderate |
Dealer Support | Excellent (T-Mobile backed) | Good |
Advantage | Better data allowances, brand trust | Budget-friendly pricing |
Metro's Competitive Advantages
T-Mobile Brand: Backed by major carrier, high customer trust
Network Quality: Direct access to T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G
Affordability: Competitive pricing across all plan tiers
International: Unlimited international calling included on all plans
Data Rollover: Unused data rolls over to next month
No Contracts: Month-to-month flexibility
5G Included: 5G access at no extra cost
Dealer Support: Strong dealer program with recurring commissions
Metro's Competitive Disadvantages
Data Allowances: Lower than Boost Mobile on comparable plans
Coverage: T-Mobile coverage not as extensive as AT&T (Cricket)
Brand Perception: Some customers prefer independent MVNOs
Pricing: Slightly higher than budget MVNOs like Simple Mobile
Sales Strategies for Dealers
Sales Script 1: Budget-Conscious Customer
Customer: "I want to switch to a cheaper plan. I'm paying $80/month for postpaid."
Dealer: "Metro by T-Mobile can cut that in half. For $45/month, you get unlimited talk and text plus 10GB of high-speed data on T-Mobile's network. That's $35/month less than you're paying now. No contract, so you can cancel anytime. Plus, unused data rolls over to next month, so you don't waste what you don't use."
Sales Script 2: No-Contract Seeker
Customer: "I don't want to be locked into a contract."
Dealer: "Metro by T-Mobile is month-to-month with no contract. You can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel anytime without penalties. You have complete flexibility. And you get the same T-Mobile network coverage as postpaid customers."
Sales Script 3: Secondary Phone User
Customer: "I need a second phone for work, but I don't want to pay a lot."
Dealer: "Metro's $25 plan is perfect for a second phone. You get unlimited talk and text plus 2GB of data for just $25/month. It's affordable, reliable on T-Mobile's network, and you can keep it as long as you need it with no contract."
Sales Script 4: International Customer
Customer: "I need to call my family in Mexico. The international rates are killing me."
Dealer: "Metro by T-Mobile includes unlimited international calling to over 200 countries at no extra charge. You can call Mexico, text, and use data internationally without worrying about surprise charges. It's all included in your monthly plan."
Sales Script 5: Comparison to Competitor
Customer: "What's the difference between Metro and Cricket?"
Dealer: "Both are solid prepaid options. Metro uses T-Mobile's network, Cricket uses AT&T's. Metro's pricing is a bit better—our $45 plan gives you 10GB for $45, while Cricket charges $55 for 15GB. Metro also includes unlimited international calling to 200+ countries, which Cricket doesn't. If you need the absolute best coverage everywhere, Cricket has an edge with AT&T's network. But for value and international features, Metro is hard to beat."
Objection Handling
Objection 1: "I'm worried about network quality on prepaid."
Response: "Metro uses T-Mobile's exact same network as postpaid customers. You get the same 4G LTE and 5G coverage. The only difference is you're not locked into a contract and you pay less. You're not sacrificing quality—you're just avoiding the contract."
Objection 2: "I need more data. 10GB isn't enough."
Response: "Metro's $55 plan gives you 15GB, and the $65 plan gives you 25GB. Plus, unused data rolls over to next month, so if you don't use all your data, it carries over. And if you go over, you get unlimited 2G speeds—you won't be cut off."
Objection 3: "I'm happy with my current carrier."
Response: "I understand. But think about this: if you're paying $80+ per month for postpaid, Metro can cut that to $45-$65 with no contract. Even if you're happy with your service, you could be paying 50% less for the same network quality. And you can try it risk-free—no contract means you can switch back anytime."
Objection 4: "I don't want to switch carriers."
Response: "You're not switching carriers—you're staying on the same network. If you're on T-Mobile postpaid, Metro uses the same T-Mobile network. You'll have the same coverage and speeds. The difference is you'll save money and have flexibility."
Objection 5: "What about customer service?"
Response: "Metro has dedicated customer service available 24/7. You can reach them by phone, chat, or online. Plus, I'm here to help with any activation or account questions. Metro is backed by T-Mobile, so you get enterprise-level support."
Upsell Opportunities
Upsell 1: Higher Data Plan
Customer activates on $35 plan (5GB). Upsell to $45 plan (10GB) for just $10 more.
Script: "For just $10 more per month, you can double your data from 5GB to 10GB. That's only 33 cents more per day for twice the data. Most customers find that's worth it."
Upsell 2: Device Sale
Customer activates service. Offer device upgrade or replacement.
Script: "Your current phone is a few years old. We have some great deals on new phones that work perfectly with Metro. You'll get better battery life, faster performance, and access to the latest apps."
Upsell 3: Accessories
Customer purchases device. Offer protective accessories.
Script: "For just $15, I can add a protective case and screen protector. It'll protect your investment and keep your phone looking new."
Upsell 4: Add a Line
Existing customer. Suggest adding a second line for family member.
Script: "Your family member could get their own Metro line for just $25-$45/month. No contract, same great network. Want to add them?"
Dealer Action Plan
Immediate Actions (This Week)
Dealer Enrollment: Contact Metro dealer support to enroll or verify enrollment
Commission Setup: Verify commission structure and payment details
Staff Training: Train team on Metro plans, features, and sales scripts
Marketing Materials: Download Metro promotional materials and signage
POS Integration: Set up Metro activation in your point-of-sale system
Short-Term Actions (This Month)
In-Store Promotion: Create Metro display with plan information
Staff Incentives: Offer bonuses for Metro activations
Customer Outreach: Email existing customers about Metro option
Social Media Campaign: Post Metro plan details on Facebook/Instagram
Competitive Analysis: Compare Metro to local competitors
Demo Setup: Activate demo line to test service quality
Long-Term Strategy (Next Quarter)
Recurring Revenue Focus: Build customer base for monthly commissions
Customer Retention: Develop retention strategies to minimize churn
MVNO Portfolio: Add Metro to diversified MVNO offerings
Performance Tracking: Monitor Metro activations and revenue
Volume Growth: Aim for 50+ Metro activations/month for higher commissions
Bundling: Create Metro + broadband packages
Customer Retention Strategies
Churn Prevention
Proactive Communication
Check in with customers after 30 days
Ensure they're satisfied with service
Address any issues immediately
Offer plan upgrades if needed
Plan Optimization
Review customer usage monthly
Suggest plan changes if needed
Highlight data rollover benefits
Educate on cost savings vs. postpaid
Loyalty Incentives
Offer referral bonuses for new customers
Provide loyalty discounts for long-term customers
Create VIP program for high-value customers
Celebrate customer milestones (anniversary, etc.)
Win-Back Campaigns
For customers who churn:
Identify churn reasons (price, coverage, service)
Address specific concerns
Offer incentives to return
Highlight improvements or new features
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Metro by T-Mobile have contracts?
No. Metro is month-to-month with no annual contracts. You can cancel anytime without early termination fees.
Can I bring my own phone to Metro?
Yes. Metro supports BYOD for unlocked phones compatible with T-Mobile's network. Dealers can verify compatibility using the IMEI check.
Does Metro have 5G?
Yes. 5G access is included on all Metro plans at no extra cost. Availability depends on location and device compatibility.
Can I use Metro internationally?
Yes. Metro includes unlimited international calling to 200+ countries at no extra charge. Data and texting are available internationally at standard rates.
What happens if I use all my data?
After you use your high-speed data allowance, you get unlimited 2G speeds (reduced speed, not cut off). You can also purchase additional data if needed.
Can I roll over unused data?
Yes. Unused data rolls over to the next month up to 2x your plan amount. So if you have a 10GB plan and use 7GB, you'll have 13GB next month (7GB rollover + 10GB new).
How do I activate Metro service?
Dealers activate Metro through the dealer portal or POS system. Customers choose a plan, provide ID, and the SIM card activates immediately.
What are Metro dealer commissions?
Activation commissions range from $20-$30 per activation depending on plan. Recurring monthly commissions are $3-$8 per active line depending on volume.
How long does activation take?
Metro activations typically complete within minutes. Customers can start using service immediately after activation.
Does Metro offer family plans?
Metro doesn't offer traditional family plans, but customers can add multiple lines at individual plan prices. Each line is separate but can be managed together.
Bottom Line for Dealers
Metro by T-Mobile represents a proven, stable MVNO opportunity for wireless dealers. Here's what makes it compelling:
Recurring Revenue: Activation commissions plus monthly recurring commissions create predictable income
No Minimum: No minimum activation requirements—start small and scale
T-Mobile Backing: Stability and brand recognition of a major carrier
Competitive Pricing: Affordable plans that appeal to budget-conscious customers
Network Quality: Direct access to T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G network
Dealer Support: Strong dealer program with marketing materials and support
Customer Base: Millions of existing Metro customers, plus growth potential
Easy Integration: Simple to add to your existing service offerings
Dealers who build a consistent flow of Metro activations can generate $500-$1,500+ per month in recurring commissions within 6-12 months. Combined with activation commissions, Metro can become a meaningful revenue stream.
Train your team, promote Metro actively, and focus on customer retention. The combination of affordable pricing, reliable network, and recurring commissions makes Metro an excellent addition to any dealer's MVNO portfolio.
Key Takeaways
What It Is: Metro by T-Mobile is a prepaid MVNO subsidiary of T-Mobile offering month-to-month wireless service
Plans: $25-$65/month with 2GB-25GB data, unlimited talk/text, 5G included
Network: T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G nationwide
Commissions: $20-$30 per activation + $3-$8 per active line monthly
Target Market: Budget-conscious, no-contract seekers, secondary phone users, seniors, international customers
Advantage: T-Mobile brand trust, affordable pricing, international calling included, data rollover
Competition: Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless, Simple Mobile
Dealer Opportunity: Recurring revenue stream, no minimum activations, strong support
Revenue Potential: 20 activations/month = $500+ activation + $80-$160+ monthly recurring
Best For: Dealers seeking diversified MVNO portfolio and recurring commission revenue
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