MetroPCS has released a new $40 Unlimited Plan that rivals all of the other prepaid unlimited plans out there. The immediate names that come to mind are Boost Mobile, a company which had a stellar quarter due to the strength of its unlimited monthly plan, and Tracfone, which under the name of Straight Talk has a very competitive unlimited prepaid plan itself.

Cheaper is Better, Right?

MetroPCS undercut its $45 Unlimited plan with this new $40 plan that includes (are you paying attention) limitless voice, text, and web access. The plan that costs five dollars more now includes email, navigation, and social networking apps in addition to the unlimited talk time and text messages. MetroPCS is proving to be very competitive with these two plans set at a price point below the other two prepaid industry leaders.

Boost Mobile's Bold Move

Earlier this year, Boost Mobile was the first to put itself out there with its $50 Monthly Unlimited plan. Wireless industry people were worried that this would create a price war between prepaid wireless providers. It now seems that these worries were valid--but the good thing is that now prepaid subscribers can reap the benefits of lower costs and more competition.

Boost Mobile now claims that it will not further add to this price war.

MetroPCS' plan includes unlimited local calling, unlimited long distance, and unlimited international calling for an extra $5.

This summer, Tracfone released its Straight Talk prepaid wireless plans that go for $45 (for the unlimited plan) and $30 (for a more limited plan: 1,000 minutes and 1,000 text messages for a 30 day period).

*Read more about the Straight Talk Unlimited Plan.

*Read more about Metro PCS Unlimited Plan.

But MetroPCS is not too far behind the more well-known Tracfone, and in fact, its new plan may give Tracfone a run for its money. One thing that Tracfone does have over the other upstart network is its Straight Talk network runs on the efficient Verizon wireless network.

Time will tell which of these plans actually lasts and prospers with the public. It seems that there has to be a winner between these three prepaid providers: Boost Mobile, Tracfone Straight Talk, and MetroPCS. One thing is for sure and that is that there's a lot of competition for your prepaid business.

It's clear that prepaid plans are the mobile communication way of the future, so which one of these companies will win? And just how low will they go with their prices?

Also, read another hub about MetroPCS' $30 Unlimited plan. It comes complete with unlimited local calling and texting as well as international texting.  That's an interesting little bonus that could be a good option for people who need to stay in contact with relatives in a foreign country.

There are quite a few pre-paid plans out there that may affordably do the trick for you. It really depends on what you are looking for. Always take time to do the research and try to find local reviews.