MetroPCS Is Shutting Down Their CDMA Network On June 21st

Some bad news today for customers who own an older phone on the MetroPCS network. This afternoon T-Mobile, who owns MetroPCS, announced that they are planning on shutting down the outdated MetroPCS CDMA network sooner than previously expected. Prior to this announcement the CFO of T-Mobile, Braxton Carter, announced that the company had plans to shut down the MetroPCS CDMA network sometime during the second half of this year. Obviously, it looks as though they are moving a little ahead of schedule on that field.

This is more than likely being done in an attempt to get customers using older devices not capable of T-Mobile’s GSM, HSPA+, and LTE to upgrade to devices that are. Plus, T-Mobile is not simply shutting down the CDMA network, as a matter of fact they will be upgrading it. On June 21st, when the network will be shutting down, T-Mobile plans on upgrading it to be part of their new network. Meaning improved coverage and data speeds in certain areas if you are on MetroPCS or T-Mobile’s network.

Now, surely there are some of you reading this who are indeed using an older MetroPCS device or at least know somebody who is. Don’t worry MetroPCS and T-Mobile are not going to just abandon you and expect you to pay full price for a newer model phone come June 21st. MetroPCS will be running an upgrade program for customers with older MetroPCS devices looking to upgrade to newer ones that will work on the new network. Said program will be running until June 21st and it will essentially be a trade-in program. What customers will do is bring in their old MetroPCS device and give it to MetroPCS in exchange for money towards a new device. MetroPCS says that they will offer you $32, $54, $109, or $299 based on your devices make and model. There will be some rules to this upgrade program that MetroPCS will be running until June 21st. First off, the device must be yours, meaning that the devices MEID number must match that of the MEID number on your MetroPCS account. Second of all, the device must have been active on your account for at least 30 days. If you do not meet either of these criteria, your device will not be eligible for the upgrade program and unfortunately you will be out of luck.