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Verizon announced at the All Wireless and Prepaid Expo, and in a press release, that its Value brands Simple Mobile and Total Wireless have received major plan updates. Both prepaid providers got a boost in international feature offerings. Starting on August 28, Simple Mobile phone plans will have unlimited calling to up to 200+ countries, international roaming in over 140, and unlimited global texting. Previously, Simple Mobile plans included unlimited calling to just over 100 countries, with international roaming limited to 16 Latin American markets. There will be no changes in pricing.
Simple Mobile's Updated Phone Plans
Simple Mobile plans will also see significant data boosts with up to 5x more data. The updated plan lineup will look like this:
- $25 plan - 15GB high-speed data (up from 3GB), unlimited calling to 100+ countries
- $30 plan - 20GB high-speed data (up from 5GB), unlimited calling to 125+ countries
- $40 plan - 30GB high-speed data (up from 15GB), unlimited calling to 125+ countries
- $50 Unlimited World plan - Unlimited data, talk and text. Unlimited calling to 200+ countries
- $60 Unlimited World+ plan - Unlimited access to Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband, with unlimited data, talk and text. Unlimited calling to 200+ countries from the U.S., plus international roaming access in 140+ countries
One thing that may be a downgrade is Verizon's press release doesn't mention if all plans will still include roaming in 16+ Latin American countries or if only the most expensive plan will include roaming. This is something we'll have to keep an eye out for come August 28.
Total Wireless Updated Phone Plans
Total Wireless plans will also receive a boost to their international features. The updated Total Wireless lineup will include:
- Total Base 5G Unlimited ($40) - No changes, still includes unlimited data with 5GB Mobile Hotspot (and no true 5G UW access), roaming in Canada/Mexico, unlimited international calling to 85+ countries, and unlimited international texting to 200+ countries.
- Total 5G Unlimited ($55) - 15GB Mobile Hotspot, roaming in 30+ countries (up from 15+), unlimited international calling to 180 countries (up from 85+ destinations), unlimited international texting to 200+ countries, and 6 months Disney+ included
- Total 5G+ Unlimited ($65) - Unlimited Mobile Hotspot, roaming in 30+ countries (up from 15+), unlimited international calling to 180 countries (up from 85+ destinations), unlimited international texting to 200+ countries, Disney+ included, and a $10 international calling credit
Pricing remains the same with taxes and fees included.
"Our new enhancements reflect our deep understanding of our customers' evolving needs for global connectivity," said David Kim, Chief Revenue Officer of Verizon Value. "Customers can now access premium international capabilities at prepaid prices, whether they choose Simple Mobile for straightforward international connectivity or Total Wireless for comprehensive unlimited plans. These plans provide more international value and the flexibility to stay in touch from almost anywhere in the world, eliminating the need for expensive calling cards or limited coverage."
Total Wireless is sold in its own branded stores. There are well over 1000 currently open with more to come. It's also sold in national retail stores including Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. Simple Mobile is also sold at some national retail stores but has more of a focus on the independent dealer channel. According to Wave7 Research’s quarterly prepaid dealer surveys, Simple Mobile has consistently been a top seller in the multi-carrier prepaid dealer channel, winning 41 out of the 42 surveys conducted.
Editor's Take
Simple Mobile has competed well in the independent multi-carrier dealer channel despite not having the most competitively priced prepaid plans and data allotments. These changes help them to be more competitive and should allow them to maintain their dominance in the channel.
The added and improved international features may not benefit as many customers overall as the increased data allotments on Simple Mobile's plans but they do allow the brands to stand out a bit and to possibly capture additional market share.
Still, Verizon faces a challenge: many of its prepaid brands now offer very similar plans. In addition to the two brands highlighted here, Verizon also operates Straight Talk Wireless, Visible, and Walmart Family Mobile. This overlap creates a risk of brand cannibalization, even though each brand targets a distinct demographic, for example, Visible is digital-only, Total is the only Verizon Value brand with its own retail stores, and Simple Mobile is focused on the dealer channel.