Prepaid Wireless Tracker - May 2009 Issue

Hi,

Prepaid wireless is a growing and truly exciting industry.  At Prepaid Wireless Guide I try to provide you with in-depth information that isn't readily available anywhere else.  Its content is original, and created from first hand experience working in the prepaid wireless industry.

This monthly email provides you with a quick glance at what's in the news so that you can easily keep informed.  I believe in brief, to-the-point summaries/commentary so that you can move onto other tasks in your day.  Each snippet includes a link to the original story should you be interested in the full details.

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Boost Mobile Adds Worldwide Texting Option to Monthly Unlimited Plan (source article removed)
FOXBusiness - USA
Although it's not really a worldwide offering, the $10 monthly add-on will get you unlimited international texting and Walkie-Talkie in and between the U.S., Canada, Baja, and other select areas.  Not a bad deal for certain people.

New MetroPCS subscribers rise 51 percent in 1Q (source article removed)
Forbes - NY,USA
MetroPCS Communications Inc., announced that it added 684,000 subscribers in the first quarter of this year, up 51% from the same time last year.  That's truly an amazing accomplishment and shows the growth in prepaid wireless.  Now all they need to do is reduce churn to avoid the cost of losing customers too quickly.

Virgin Mobile joins prepaid price war (source article removed)
The Associated Press
On April 15th, Virgin announced a price cut of its unlimited plan from $80 to $50 per month.  Definitely in response to Boost Mobile's January launch of its Monthly Unlimited plan, and continued competitive pressures by MetroPCS.  However, customers beware, this plan doesn't include text or Web, so be sure to compare apples to apples before making your selection!  Virgin also announced the availability of Pink Slip Protection, where they'll pay up to three months of your monthly payment in the event that you lose your job.  It was only a matter of time before a wireless carrier mirrored (or shall I say copied) the automotive protection programs as of late.  Not the same impact as a car payment, but a nice touch nonetheless.

COX Plans to Launch a Cellular Network
Wall Street Journal - USA
COX to enter the wireless market by building its own network.  It will offer both monthly and prepaid options.  While offering bundles with TV, Internet, and cellular is certainly compelling, I question the business case behind building their own network....yikes.

• Added Prepaid Wireless Questions (and answers) page.  Feel free to ask one or contribute to the answers here.

• Opened Twitter account – follow me here!  If you follow me, please send me a direct message to let me know that you're an e-zine subscriber.

• Updated MetroPCS roaming charge from $0.49 - $0.79/min to $0.19/min.  The detailed comparison chart can be found here.

• Updated Virgin Mobile Unlimited pricing, including their Pink Slip Protection program.  The detailed comparison chart can be found here.

• Updated Monthly Comparison chart with new $39.95 Page Plus voice and text plan.

• Added Credo Mobile and Movida to Other Wireless Providers page.

• Added new page on Prepaid Mobile Email.

Cheers!
Prepaid Wireless Guide