If you’re exploring mobile service options in the United States, you might come across total wireless by verizon. It’s important to know that this brand underwent a significant rebranding and is now known as Total by Verizon. It operates as one of Verizon’s key prepaid wireless brands, offering access to Verizon’s robust network without requiring the annual contracts typically associated with postpaid plans.
This guide explains what total wireless by verizon (now Total by Verizon) is, how it works, and what it offers to consumers looking for flexible, reliable mobile service.
What is Total by Verizon?
Total by Verizon is a prepaid mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) brand that is owned and operated by Verizon Communications. It was formerly known as Total Wireless before Verizon acquired its parent company, TracFone Wireless, in 2021 and subsequently rebranded it.
As an MVNO owned by Verizon, total wireless by verizon / Total by Verizon doesn’t operate its own physical cellular network infrastructure. Instead, it utilizes Verizon’s extensive and highly-rated 4G LTE and 5G networks to provide service to its customers.
How It Differs from Verizon Postpaid
While Total by Verizon runs on the same core network, there are key differences compared to signing up directly with Verizon’s main postpaid service:
- Payment Structure: Total by Verizon is strictly prepaid. You pay for your service before you use it, typically on a monthly basis. Verizon postpaid involves billing after service usage, usually requires credit checks, and often involves contracts (especially with device financing).
- Contract Commitment: Total by Verizon offers no annual contracts, providing flexibility to change plans or leave at any time.
- Pricing & Features: Prepaid plans like those from Total by Verizon often come at a lower monthly price point than comparable postpaid plans. However, they might have different feature sets, potentially lower data priority during network congestion, or fewer premium perks compared to top-tier Verizon postpaid plans.
- Retail Availability: Total by Verizon plans, SIM kits, and phones are widely available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Dollar General, in addition to online and dedicated stores.
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Network Coverage: Powered by Verizon
One of the biggest advantages of total wireless by verizon (Total by Verizon) is its network. Customers get access to Verizon’s award-winning nationwide 4G LTE network and its growing 5G network. This means you can expect reliable coverage and strong performance in most areas across the United States, similar to what Verizon postpaid customers experience for basic connectivity. If coverage reliability is a major factor for you, this is a significant selling point.
Plans and Pricing
Total by Verizon focuses on straightforward prepaid monthly plans. While specific plan details change over time, they generally offer:
- Unlimited Talk & Text: Standard on most plans.
- Varying Data Amounts: Plans typically range from smaller data buckets (e.g., 5GB) to unlimited data options (often with a high-speed data cap before speeds are reduced).
- Hotspot Data: Many plans include a dedicated allotment of mobile hotspot data.
- Family/Multi-Line Plans: Discounts are usually available for adding multiple lines to one account.
- International Calling Options: Select plans often include calling benefits to specific countries, particularly in Latin America.
- Perks: Some higher-tier unlimited plans may include bundled perks, such as subscriptions to services like Disney+.
Pricing is designed to be competitive within the prepaid market. Always check the official Total by Verizon website for the most current plan details, data allowances, features, and pricing.
Key Features & Benefits
Choosing total wireless by verizon / Total by Verizon offers several advantages:
- Access to Verizon’s Network: Leverage the coverage and reliability of one of the nation’s top networks.
- No Annual Contracts: Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of prepaid service.
- No Credit Checks: Easier qualification compared to postpaid plans.
- Affordability: Often provides significant cost savings compared to similar Verizon postpaid plans.
- Retail Convenience: Easy to find and purchase plans, SIMs, and phones at many retail locations.
- Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP): Option to use your existing compatible, unlocked phone by purchasing a Total by Verizon SIM kit.
- Potential Perks: Access to benefits like included streaming services on select plans.
Target Audience
Who is total wireless by verizon (Total by Verizon) a good fit for?
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Individuals and families looking for reliable service at a lower monthly cost.
- Users Preferring Prepaid: Those who like paying upfront and avoiding contracts or credit checks.
- Customers Needing Strong Coverage: Anyone prioritizing access to Verizon’s extensive network coverage.
- People Buying at Retail: Those who prefer purchasing phones and service plans at stores like Walmart or Target.
Getting Started
Signing up for Total by Verizon is typically easy:
- Check Compatibility/Coverage: Ensure your area has good Verizon coverage and, if bringing your own phone, check its compatibility on the Total by Verizon website.
- Choose a Plan: Select the monthly plan that best fits your data needs and budget.
- Get a SIM/Phone: Purchase a Total by Verizon SIM kit (if bringing your own phone) or buy a new phone directly from Total by Verizon or a retail partner.
- Activate: Follow the activation instructions provided online or in your SIM kit/phone package. This usually involves visiting the Total by Verizon website to set up your account and activate your line.
Potential Considerations
While a strong option, keep these points in mind:
- Data Deprioritization: Like most MVNOs (even carrier-owned ones), Total by Verizon customers’ data speeds may be temporarily slowed during times of heavy network congestion compared to Verizon postpaid customers on premium plans. This is often not noticeable but can occur in crowded areas.
- Roaming Limits: Domestic voice/text roaming might be included, but data roaming capabilities (especially internationally) may be more limited or require separate purchases compared to some Verizon postpaid plans.
- Customer Service: Support channels might differ from primary Verizon postpaid support (e.g., different phone numbers, potentially more reliance on online/retail support).
- Device Financing: While phones are available for purchase, financing options might be different or more limited than those offered directly through Verizon postpaid.
Conclusion: Reliable Prepaid on a Top Network
Total wireless by verizon, now operating as Total by Verizon, stands out as a compelling prepaid wireless option in the US market. It successfully leverages its parent company’s greatest asset – the extensive and reliable Verizon network – while offering the flexibility and often lower costs associated with prepaid, no-contract service. With straightforward plans, retail accessibility, and the potential for valuable perks, Total by Verizon provides a solid choice for customers seeking dependable coverage without the commitment or potentially higher price tag of a traditional postpaid plan. If reliable network performance and prepaid flexibility are your priorities, total wireless by verizon / Total by Verizon is certainly worth considering.
