Straight Talk Wireless Adds Unlimited Priority Data, 5G UW and More

Straight Talk Wireless updated its plans today with multiple new features. The updates target Straight Talk's $55/month Gold and $65/month Platinum unlimited plans. Upgrade highlights include:

• 5G Ultrawide band support - you now get the fastest data speeds possible on Verizon's network
• Unlimited priority data - data access is now prioritized over other users on the Verizon network. Data speeds won't slow down compared to other customers on the network when the network is busy.
• Increased hotspot - The $55 plan now includes 30GB hotspot data up from 10GB, the $65 Gold plan now includes unlimited hotspot data. However, hotspot data speeds are limited to 5Mbps
• 1080p video streaming - 1080p video streaming when connected to Verizon's 5G UW network. 720p streaming when on their 5G or 4G LTE networks. By default, videos will stream at 480p on 5G/LTE and 720p on 5G UW. Customers will have to turn on full speed streaming to get the fastest speeds.
• Annual device credits - subscribers will receive $100 in device rewards credits every year.
• Home internet discount - subscribers will be able to add Straight Talk's home internet plan for $35/month instead of $45/month

The plans are available online immediately. They'll be available in Walmart stores starting on January 20. Existing customers will be upgraded to the new features automatically.

"We gathered insights into what our consumers are looking for, and that is blazing-fast connectivity, unlimited premium data, device credits, and more hotspot capabilities – so we are excited to bring those offerings to them with Straight Talk’s enhanced plans,” said David Kim, SVP & CRO of Verizon Value. “Our goal is to provide unparalleled value and connectivity to our customers, ensuring they have the best possible experience with Straight Talk. These new plans are a testament to our commitment to meeting our customers where they are and exceeding their expectations."

Below is a feature comparison of Straight Talk's updated plans.

Both plans also include discounts for customers with multiple lines. Taxes and fees are extra.

Straight Talk Plans Now Inline With Other Verizon Value Brands

The plan changes were necessary to bring Straight Talk's offerings more inline with offerings from its sister brands that include Total Wireless and Visible by Verizon among others. Many of these same plan improvements like the addition of reward credits, unlimited priority data and 5G UW network access were brought to the Total Wireless brand in July 2024, as reported by BestMVNO. More recently, Visible by Verizon updated video streaming on its flagship plan from 480p to 720p.

Straight Talk's flagship unlimited plans are priced the same as Total Wireless. However, unless the Walmart+ subscription is important to you, Total Wireless's two comparable flagship unlimited plans offer a better value in my opinion for the following reasons:

• Higher reward credit - You get a $100 reward credit after 6 months and another after an additional 6 months instead of having to wait for a year for just $100
• International roaming - You get international roaming in 15+ countries including Canada and Mexico.
• Calling and texting to international numbers - text to over 200 destinations, call over 85
• 4th line free - if you have 4 lines you'll get your 4th free
• Taxes and fees included in the price
• 5 year price lock - Total Wireless plans include a five year price lock guarantee

A couple of other differences to point out is Total Wireless's plans include a Disney+ subscription, and Straight Talk's base Gold unlimited flagship plan includes 30GB of hotspot data instead of the 15GB included in Total Wireless's comparable plan. Total Wireless is also offering 50% off their plans to BYOD customers, a promo Straight Talk doesn't have.

Verizon is home to many prepaid wireless brands. One of their other big brands, Simple Mobile has yet to get these additional service feature improvements. So that is a brand to keep an eye on.

What do you think of Straight Talk's updated plans. Are they something you'll consider switching to? Comment below.