Leaving MetroPCS - How?

[SMBguy]

Hi all!

I recently purchased an LG Connect 4G via Metropcs. I been having all kinds of problems with Metro (For a month could not access my online account, and recently with a change of service plan (from $70 to $50) lost my Metroguard. Fortunately with help of a service center was able to restore it).
HOWEVER, my biggest problem is internet connectivity. I'm in the greater Boston area, (Natick, MA), but travel to Worcester,MA; Hartford, CT; Willimantic, CT; Watertown, CT. I have very spotty internet. So much so That I decided that I really need to go to another carrier that will provide a better signal (right now it looks as if AT&T or Verizon is my choice). So I want to leave Metropcs. HELP!

I'm already pass 30 days, already pass limits they mention (talk, etc), so what are my options? Do I just simply cancel service? Can I return phone after 2 month (it is in great shape) and get some kind of refund? Am I stuck with the phone? Is the phone now mine? Can i use phone with At&T, or Verizon?
As you can see, many questions. Can anyone help guide me thru this eventual changeover. (Right now I'm leaning towards the HTC One X via AT&T).
I started with Metropcs because I thought it would be a good saving for me, but with poor internet signal (None in rural areas - Most important to me) I guess I'll have to go elsewhere.
I appreciate any and all advise on this. Thanks!

 

[airtioteclint]

There's no need to cancel anything as you're not under contract. Just don't pay your bill and you will be cut off. As for the phone I think you know even as you were asking that it's yours. Your best bet is to sell it on craigslist, ebay or something.

 

[super squirrel]

Dang, I was about say the same thing

 

[Fuzzy13]

It's best to call metro and let them know so they can take the phone off of the account. Or else the phone cannot be activated anywhere else for 30 days, if you plan to sell it that is.

So yes, just dont pay your bill BUT call them so they can take the phone off of the account.

 

[trigger1074]

I would port your number before you cancel , You could lose your number

I know in NE that a majority of the 'Home' area is going to be 4G by the end of August. They are in the process of updating the coverage map to reflect it. It looks like Worcester is 4G already, but the other areas aside from Willimantic are 'Home' area coverage and should be or are going to be 4G by the end of the month. This is of course if my sources are correct.

And even know the 4G phones use a UICC Sim card, its a CDMA phone so short of someone flashing it for you to use on their network, its a nice alarm clock.

 

[SMBguy]

Hello again All! Thanks for some quick responses. Ok...review.

Right now my LG Connect is still active. I did lower to almost minimal plan at least for the next 30 days, then we'll see.

trigger1074 - Yeah, I got this "NEW" number from Metro. I did kind of like it since the area code, etc. is actually closer to where I am. Down side is since it's not "do-not-call" registered, I'm getting solicitings calls as well as debt collectors calls for the previous owner of this number. Thanks for the 4G update. I'm really in the rural areas near those Cities. I was getting no signal (phone or internet) at all (my friend had 4 bars on his phone). So I can't use this phone under another carrier? Thought it just may be a sim card change? I thought to "root" the phone and go from there. RATS! Any options?

Fuzzy13 - Ok, something I didn't even think of - SELLING IT!

Super Squirrel - Thanks for chiming in. Always appreciate advise.

airtioteclint - I'm so new to all this smartphone stuff, so I wasn't sure how it all worked with a no-contract deal. Ok, another vote to sell. Thanks!

OK, so it looks as if I'm OK, other than the money I spent for the phone. Trigger1074 touched on this...can I use the phone on another carrier? Like to know more about "flashing it".

 

[Insanecrane]

You can flash the phone but it's really not worth the hassle imo. Your best bet is to list it on eBay and try and recoup as much of your investment as possible.

I left Metro last week for AT&T after being with them for four years, their network was just not suiting my needs anymore along with some spotty service areas I travel to for work. When I did get service it was okay for calls as mostly it was non 4G.

Metro was good to me and I have no complaints at all. It has come a long way for a smaller provider and for a tight budget it's a great company to have.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do with your phone and should you have any questions feel free to contact me.