T-Mobile’s MetroPCS brand is set to officially offer select iPhone models, initially limited to Florida before a nationwide roll out
T-Mobile US prepaid brand MetroPCS is set to begin offering Apple iPhone devices this week to customers through select retailers in Florida, with nationwide availability “coming soon.”
The prepaid brand, which currently relies heavily on smartphones powered by Google’s Android operating system, plans to sell the latest Apple iPhone 6s ($649), 6s Plus ($749) and SE ($349) models, as well as the previous generation iPhone 5s ($199). Pricing looks set to be unsubsidized and without the benefit of an equipment installment payment option.
Customers have been able to use select iPhone models via MetroPCS’ network through the purchase of a SIM card, though it looks like that support was limited to the iPhone 5 and earlier variations.
T-Mobile US itself began officially carrying Apple iPhone products in early 2013, which was just ahead of T-Mobile US’ purchase of the formerly independent no-contract service provider. The nationwide carrier added iPhone access to its branded prepaid service in mid-2014.
The ability to officially offer iPhone devices could provide a bump for MetroPCS as it looks to remain a growth driver for its parent company. T-Mobile US reported 807,000 net prepaid connections for the first quarter of this year on the back mostly of MetroPCS, which handily outpaced the 73,000 net prepaid additions posted during Q1 2015.
MetroPCS’ most direct rivals, which include AT&T Mobility’s Cricket Wireless and Sprint’s Virgin Mobile USA and Boost Mobile brands, all offer iPhone models. The Cricket devices sell for a similar price point to what MetroPCS plans to offer, while Sprint’s brands offer various discounts on select models undercutting its rivals.
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