5G Home Internet for Metro by T-Mobile Is Perfect for No-Contract Broadband (2024)

T-Mobile has one of the best fixed wireless internet services on the planet, but did you know it offers a prepaid version, too? It’s sold through T-Mobile’s Metro brand and is perfect for those with less-than-perfect credit. Plus, there are no contracts or early termination fees, so you can cancel service anytime.

We examine 5G Home Internet for Metro by T-Mobile to explain more about the speeds, costs, and requirements for this low-cost, prepaid fixed wireless internet service.

Launched in 2002, MetroPCS was a standalone wireless carrier until it merged with T-Mobile in 2012. The name changed to Metro by T-Mobile in 2018, and now it encompasses T-Mobile’s prepaid services.

5G Home Internet for Metro by T-Mobile is a prepaid fixed wireless internet service introduced in 2022 after the successful launch of T-Mobile’s postpaid version in 2021. Both services access T-Mobile’s 5G cellular network to wirelessly deliver internet to your home—no buried cables are required.

Take a look at the pros and cons of Metro by T-Mobile’s prepaid internet service.

In a nutshell, T-Mobile provides fixed wireless internet to two sets of customers: prepaid and postpaid.

5G Home Internet for Metro by T-Mobile is a prepaid service that’s ideal for teens leaving the nest, college students, customers with less-than-stellar credit, and those who simply don’t want the traditional ball-and-chain contract weighing them down.

On the flip side, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is best for everyone else with a good credit history. It’s also ideal if you already have phone service with AT&T or Verizon but can’t get or don’t want their wired or fixed wireless internet.

Here’s a quick chart showing the major differences between these two fixed wireless brands:

One major difference between the services is that Metro by T-Mobile requires a Metro voice line that’s active for at least 30 days. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet doesn’t require an existing mobile line, but you get a discount on your internet bill each month if you have an active T-Mobile voice line.

The Metro prepaid service also requires you to purchase the gateway, which costs $24.99 when you sign up—regularly $49.99. If you change your mind within 14 days, you can return the gateway and get a refund on your device payment. The gateway cannot be used on any other wireless network.

Meanwhile, T-Mobile’s postpaid plan includes the gateway at no extra cost.

To get 5G Home Internet for Metro by T-Mobile, you must have an active Metro by T-Mobile voice line for at least 30 days.

If you’re a new Metro by T-Mobile customer, the base mobile plan costs $65 in the first month and $50 monthly after that if you opt for AutoPay.

During your second month of mobile service, you can add Metro by T-Mobile’s fixed wireless internet service. It’s an additional $45 in the first month of service and $40 monthly after that if you opt for AutoPay. Sales tax and regulatory fees are included.

So, with both services combined, you’ll spend at least $110 at first and then $90 per month thereafter. You can cancel either one anytime since there are no contracts and early termination fees. But remember: If you cancel mobile service, you can’t have internet service unless you switch to T-Mobile 5G Home Internet.

Finally, to get 5G Home Internet for Metro by T-Mobile, you must live in an area where it’s available.

Not everyone has perfect credit. We get it. Teens leaving the nest don’t have the same credit history as adults. Situations in life can knock your score down a peg or two. Whatever the case may be, T-Mobile’s Metro brand has your back with prepaid internet service that doesn’t require a credit check. Just pay as you go and cancel whenever you need to.

The only real setback when we compare it to T-Mobile’s postpaid fixed wireless service is that you need a Metro by T-Mobile plan to get this service. If you’re a current customer and need internet, why not give it a shot? You can give it a test-drive for 14 days—just cancel the service without penalty if you’re not satisfied.

How fast are the speeds?

As with T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, Metro by T-Mobile customers can see an average speed range of 72–245Mbps. However, the disclaimer says that 25% of the customers will see below that average, while 25% will see above that average.

Is the service really unlimited?

Yes, but expect slower speeds if you use more than 1.2TB of data in a single month. Congestion on the local cell tower also causes slower-than-expected speeds.

Can the gateway be used with Metro's service in another area?

Customers moving to a different location must contact Metro Care to see if Metro by T-Mobile offers internet service at the new address. If not, you’ll need to find a new internet provider offering new equipment—you cannot use the gateway with any other service.

Prepaid vs postpaid: What's the real difference?

Prepaid services require you to pay for a month’s worth of service before use. Postpaid services are the opposite: You pay for the month previously used. You need good credit to use a postpaid service, whereas a credit check isn’t required for prepaid services.