The perception of Metro used to be bad (per incorrect review from 2016) but hopefully it's much better. I'd rather save money than have my phone and phone plan be a status symbol. I used to pay a LOT for Verizon. I was pressured into getting a work phone to access our company's secure sites so rather than pay top dollar for Verizon and the work phone, or use my personal number for the work # and lose ownership of the #, I switched my personal phone to Metro PCS. I lost my unlimited internet data I was grandfathered in with Verizon but got it with Metro.
After I left my company I considered switching back to Verizon but I had been very happy with Metro AND the very low price. I never had trouble with reception (especially after T-Mobile bought them), had a lot of hotspot data, and the only negative was that customer service was a bit more challenging if needed but they were always pleasant and helpful.
The negative perception of Metro by others as a "cheap" service meant for low income people was not pleasant. I've known people who refused to go on Metro and instead got much more expensive plans on Verizon with far less data and often no hotspot data. I could easily pay more but found no reason to do so. I buy my own phone. Love the flexibility of no contract and a consistent bill. The Metro stores are the worst part of having Metro in my experience, except maybe the company stores. The franchised store employees are often not honest in my experience. Hopefully that has changed. read more