Deutsche Telekom is reportedly in talks with MetroPCS to merge it with T-Mobile USA.  As many of you probably already know, Deutsche Telekom is the German parent company of  T-Mobile USA and is in the process of acquiring MetroPCS.  Such a move may prove beneficial for T-Mobile as it grabs more customers and helps T-Mobile launch its own LTE network.

MetroPCS confirmed the speculation by issuing this statement earlier today:

“MetroPCS today confirmed that it is in discussions with Deutsche Telekom regarding an agreement to combine T-Mobile USA and MetroPCS.  There can be no assurances that any transaction will result from these discussions, and the Company does not intend to comment further unless and until an agreement is reached.”

Unfortunately, the parties involved conceded that there are several significant issues that must be addressed before any merger will take place.

Here is an official statement from Deutsche Telekom on the merger situation:

“The talks are at a stage where significant issues have not yet been finalized, contracts have not yet been signed and the conclusion of the transaction is still not certain,” Deutsche Telekom said in its statement. “The board of management and supervisory board of Deutsche Telekom have therefore not yet taken the resolutions necessary for such a transaction.”

I believe we could reasonably expect an announcement within several days if the merger does go through, but as mentioned above, there are still significant issues that must be rectified before it can progress further.

[WSJ] [Bloomberg] [MetroPCS]

For those who are looking to purchase another solid Android smartphone option from MetroPCS, then you will be pleased to learn about the new ZTE Anthem 4G.  Announced earlier today, the ZTE Anthem 4G is an Android 2.3 mid-range handset.

The Anthem 4G offers 4G LTE connectivity, as its name suggests, and features a 4.3 inch WVGA touch screen display.  Other specs include a 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, Dolby Surround Audio, and HDMI output.  Unfortunately, the press release does not reveal the RAM, on board storage, or camera(s).  It is disappointing that the Anthem 4G only runs on Android 2.3, but hopefully an upgrade to Android 4.0 is in its future.

In terms of pricing and availability, the ZTE Anthem 4G will be available through MetroPCS in the coming weeks for $219 as an off-contract price.

MetroPCS has another affordable smartphone option for those interested in an Android handset running on its 4G LTE network.  Coolpad has the Quattro 4G smartphone for use on MetroPCS and it features Android 2.3, a 1GHz processor, a 4 inch display, 3.2MP rear facing camera, and a VGA front facing camera.  Unfortunately, there is no word on whether the device will be destined for an ICS upgrade.

The Quattro 4G is on sale today online and in store from MetroPCS and costs $149.  However, the carrier is running a limited time promotion where if you purchase two 4G LTE smartphones, the second can receive a $50 MIR.  With a variety of qualifying data plans, those looking to use a smartphone without signing a long-term contract can surely find their fit with MetroPCS.

[MetroPCS]

MetroPCS has a new 4G LTE plan for those who prefer unlimited everything at a low and affordable cost.  In order to commemorate the special plan, MetroPCS also announced the LG Motion 4G as its first Android Ice Cream Sandwich.

To begin, the new plan features unlimited 4G LTE data, unlimited talk, and unlimited text for $55 on the first line.  Any subsequent line on the network will only cost $50 in monthly fees for usage.  The special data plan is only available for a limited time, but users who sign up for it will receive its benefits for as long as they are MetroPCS customers.

In terms of the LG Motion 4G, it is another VoLTE device with ICS.  It also features LG QuickMemo integration, 5MP rear facing camera, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 4G LTE, a 3.5 inch HVGA display, 5GB of on board memory, and microSD memory expansion.  The device costs $149, which is a pretty sweet price considering it is MetroPCS’ first Ice Cream Sandwich smartphone.

If you are interested in taking advantage of the smartphone, then you can plan an order for it online or in-store within a few days.

[MetroPCS Press Release] [Engadget]

In terms of global deployment, MetroPCS is the first carrier in the world to roll out Voice over LTE support for a handset.  Specifically, the LG Connect 4G can take advantage of VoLTE technology, which is currently in place only in Dallas, Texas for the time being.  MetroPCS, however, plans to deploy the technology in more markets and launch additional smartphones capable of using VoLTE in the coming weeks.

For now, the LG Connect 4G operating on VoLTE providers superior call quality since it is using technology capable of producing clearer calls.  MetroPCS claims the move to VoLTE will be seamless and transparent for customers as 4G LTE handsets capable of VoLTE will achieve greater call quality independent of the network or device used by the caller on the other end.

While this is certainly a step in the right direction for MetroPCS, we hope to see them continue to use the technology as other carriers prepare to launch VoLTE as well.

[MetroPCS]

Launching on MetroPCS today, the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G is a new Android 2.3 device operating on its 4G LTE network.  For the price of $459 off contract, you will get mid-range Samsung Galaxy device running on 4G LTE, but the unique aspect of the Lightray 4G is the multimedia app it comes bundled with.

Dyle Mobile TV is an app that provides users with live content streams of their favorite programming.  As of now, Dyle Mobile TV supports only a few major broadcasts, such as ABC and CBS.  In addition, it is also hampered by low availability across the United States.  My recommendation is checking to see if you live within an area supported by MetroPCS 4G LTE and Dyle Mobile TV.

In terms of other specs and features, the Lightray 4G boasts a 4.3 inch Super AMOLED Plus display, Android 2.3, 1GHz single-core processor, 8MP rear facing camera, 1.3MP front facing camera, 32GB of external memory, and 4G LTE hotspot capability.

[MetroPCS]

Today is a big day for Huawei as it begins to launch its first Android 4G LTE smartphone in the United States.  The Huawei Activa 4G is currently available through MetroPCS retail stores across the nation as well as its online store for $149.  The price is off contract (since MetroPCS doesn’t offer contracts), but you will be required to choose a monthly voice and data plan for it.

In terms of specs, the Activa boasts a 3.5 inch HVGA touch screen display, Android 2.3, a 800MHz processor, a 5MP rear facing camera, and the critical 4G LTE radio.  Clearly, the specs aren’t anything to write home about, but if you are in the market for a mid-range LTE smartphone on MetroPCS for a solid price, then the Activa is still worth considering.

The $149 price point occurs after a $50 instant rebate and a $50 mail-in-rebate.  It is also worth noting that the price is for a limited time only.  We should also commend Huawei on launching its first LTE smartphone in the United States, and hopefully there will be more to come.

[PRNewswire]

MetroPCS, famous for its flat rates and plan simplicity, is following the approach of larger carriers and showing that “unlimited” isn’t always unlimited. Now, the only way for customers to truly get unlimited access to its LTE network will be to upgrade to a $70 per month.

FierceWireless notes that the newly-installed data plans set up tiers that customers can choose, similar to the system set-up by AT&T and Verizon. However, the choices aren’t exactly very appealing in comparison to the larger carriers. At the moment, I pay Verizon $30 for 4GB of data (it would be 2GB if I didn’t sign-up during the double-data promotion).

Here’s what MetroPCS charges:

• $40 for 250 MB at 4G LTE speeds (speeds throttled after exceeding cap)
• $50 for 2.5 GB at 4G LTE speeds (speeds throttled after exceeding cap)
• $60 for 5GB at 4G LTE w/ Rhapsody subscription (speeds throttled after exceeding cap)
• $70 unlimited data with MetroSTUDIO Video on Demand.

For some MetroPCS customers, this won’t matter much because the previous plans prevented them from accessing some content when they reached their data cap (MetroPCS counts video or music streaming differently than web browsing.) The new throttling plan makes it possible to continue accessing the full web, but at a reduced speed.

MetroPCS has LTE service in 14 markets, and its network is slower, smaller, and less cost effective than AT&T and Verizon. However, MetroPCS’s calling plans are cheaper, which has helped the company attract  subscribers. Building out an LTE network is expensive, and following Sprint’s failed attempt at acquiring the company, MetroPCS can’t has to adjust the way it does business if it hopes to continue attracting and retaining customers.

MetroPCS is set to bring another budget-friendly device to its lineup of Android powered smartphones, with the addition of the LG Optimus M+. This news comes after the wireless provider recently announced the release of the ZTE Score M. The M+ is an upgrade to the previous M model that came out last year. The new LG offering should hit Metro shortly, joining the higher-end LG Esteem and LG Connect 4G.

Spec wise, the Optimus M+ comes with a better camera (5 megapixel compared to 3.2 megapixels), flash, bigger 3.5-inch display verses 3.2 inches, Bluetooth 3.0 + EDR (verses 2.x), while Android 2.3 Gingerbread boots up the handset. Sparingly, it’s an entry-level smartphone by today’s standards, so don’t hold your breath for an update to Ice Cream Sandwich, or a dual-core processor.

The fact that another Android phone is coming out with outdated software (14 month old Gingerbread) makes me cringe a bit. That said, most of the people buying it probably won’t be that concerned about what version operating system the phone runs on. Unfortunately, we haven’t gotten any official confirmation from MetroPCS on the handsets pricing and availability. We’re sure it’ll be a good buy for those just entering the world of Android.

Source: Pocketnow