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MetroPCS adds over half a million subscribers in fourth quarter

Late in December we got the first indications that Leap Wireless and MetroPCS would have good showings in the fourth quarter. With the economy trending downward, it makes sense for people to eschew the typical two-year cell phone contract. Since Leap and Metro both offer unlimited calling services, they’re logical destinations for many consumers. Today we learn that MetroPCS added 520,000 subscribers in the fourth quarter. Those are some big numbers for the regional carrier.

Not only does this come on the heels of a tanking economy, but it also comes after Leap and Metro announced a roaming agreement. This means customers have more free calling areas. This helps them pick up a few more wanderlust customers, whereas before their specific regions might have been too restrictive. Both factors combined propelled Metro, and I’d expect the same from Leap in the next few days.

The gross additions were at 1.3 million, certainly impressive, but a 5.1 percent churn moved that to the aforementioned 520,000. The net additions are a 74 percent gain over the same period in 2007, so it’s rather significant. MetroPCS now has 5.4 million subscribers.