MetroPCS unveils $5 unlimited international calling plan

Prepaid phone service provider MetroPCS has announced a new discounted international calling program, offering callers $5 per month for unlimited international calls to 100 different countries.

The only requirement is that the MetroPCS subscriber already use the $40, $45, or $50 per month service plans.

"Unlimited international calling at such an affordable rate can dramatically reduce monthly long distance costs and is yet another example of MetroPCS’ commitment to providing industry-leading value to consumers in today’s tough economic climate," MetroPCS CEO Roger Linquist said in a statement.

The small mobile phone service — with 6 million users — has struggled to compete with Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and other major competitors, which has led to very cost-effective deals for users. 

Furthermore, other companies charge extremely high rates for international calling, making the MetroPCS offering even more appealing.  AT&T offers a WorldConnect plan for $3.99 per month, but that doesn’t include the cost of the calls.  Along with the AT&T costs, a 10-minute phone call on the Verizon network from a US subscriber to Canada will cost more than $5.

Unless a subscriber has a high demand for international calling, it’s unlikely anyone is going to switch over to MetroPCS just for this new service.  However, if a person is on a different prepaid service, then it is more likely they’d be interested in switching over.