In the vast and competitive landscape of wireless service providers, two names often get tossed around in conversation: Total Wireless and Total by Verizon. While they may sound similar, the question on many people’s minds is: are they the same? In this article, we’ll delve into the details to provide a comprehensive answer, exploring the history, features, and plans of both Total Wireless and Total by Verizon.
The Birth of Total Wireless and Total by Verizon
To understand the relationship between Total Wireless and Total by Verizon, let’s first examine their origins. Total Wireless is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that was launched in 2015 by America Movil, a Mexican telecommunications company. As an MVNO, Total Wireless uses the network infrastructure of a major carrier – in this case, Verizon Wireless – to provide wireless services to its customers.
Fast-forward to 2020, when Verizon Communications announced the launch of Total by Verizon, a new wireless service that leverages Verizon’s 4G LTE network. At first glance, it seemed like a rebranding or a revamping of Total Wireless, but the truth is more nuanced.
Network and Coverage: A Key Differentiator
One of the primary differences between Total Wireless and Total by Verizon lies in their network and coverage. While both services use Verizon’s 4G LTE network, there are some key distinctions.
Total Wireless uses Verizon’s network, but with some limitations. While it still offers reliable coverage, the service may experience slower data speeds during times of high network congestion. This is because Total Wireless customers are deprioritized compared to Verizon’s postpaid customers. Additionally, Total Wireless doesn’t offer access to Verizon’s 5G network.
On the other hand, Total by Verizon is a Verizon-owned service that provides full access to the carrier’s 4G LTE and 5G networks. This means that customers on Total by Verizon will enjoy faster data speeds and more reliable coverage, even in areas with high network traffic.
Network Prioritization: A Crucial Aspect
Network prioritization is a critical aspect of wireless service, as it determines how much bandwidth and resources are allocated to each customer. In the case of Total Wireless, customers are deprioritized, which can result in slower data speeds during peak hours.
In contrast, Total by Verizon customers are prioritized, ensuring they receive a consistently fast and reliable connection. This is particularly important for users who require high-speed data for activities like online gaming, video streaming, or cloud computing.
Plans and Pricing: A Tale of Two Services
When it comes to plans and pricing, Total Wireless and Total by Verizon take different approaches.
Total Wireless offers a range of plans, including:
- A basic plan with 1GB of data for $25 per month
- An unlimited plan with 25GB of high-speed data for $35 per month
- A family plan with 10GB of shared data for $60 per month
These plans are designed for budget-conscious customers who want a reliable wireless service without breaking the bank.
Total by Verizon, on the other hand, offers a more streamlined set of plans, including:
- A single-line unlimited plan for $60 per month
- A multi-line unlimited plan for $80 per month (2 lines), $100 per month (3 lines), or $120 per month (4 lines)
Total by Verizon’s plans are positioned as premium offerings, with a focus on providing a high-quality wireless experience.
Data Speeds and Throttling: Understanding the Fine Print
When it comes to data speeds, both Total Wireless and Total by Verizon have some limitations. Total Wireless throttles data speeds after a certain amount of high-speed data is used, while Total by Verizon doesn’t throttle speeds but may slow them down during times of high network congestion.
It’s essential to understand the fine print when choosing a wireless service, as data speeds and throttling policies can impact the overall user experience.
Features and Perks: What Sets Them Apart
Beyond network and coverage, Total Wireless and Total by Verizon offer distinct features and perks.
Total Wireless is known for its:
- International coverage, with data roaming in over 100 countries
- Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) program, allowing customers to use their existing phones
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Total by Verizon, on the other hand, offers:
- Access to Verizon’s 5G network, with faster data speeds and lower latency
- Apple Music subscription, included with select plans
- 50% off tablet plans, exclusively for Total by Verizon customers
These features and perks cater to different customer needs and preferences.
Customer Support: A Crucial Aspect of Wireless Service
Customer support is a vital component of any wireless service. Both Total Wireless and Total by Verizon offer customer support, but with varying levels of quality and accessibility.
Total Wireless provides customer support through its website, phone, and email, with a reputation for responsive and helpful service.
Total by Verizon, as a Verizon-owned service, offers premium customer support, including:
- Dedicated customer support line
- Online chat support
- In-store support at Verizon retail locations
Total by Verizon’s customer support is designed to provide a more personalized and comprehensive experience.
The Verdict: Are Total Wireless and Total by Verizon the Same?
After examining the history, features, plans, and network aspects of Total Wireless and Total by Verizon, it’s clear that they are not identical services. While they share some similarities, such as using Verizon’s network infrastructure, they cater to different customer needs and preferences.
Total Wireless is geared towards budget-conscious customers who want a reliable wireless service without breaking the bank. It offers more flexible plans and a BYOD program, making it an attractive option for those who want a no-frills wireless experience.
Total by Verizon, on the other hand, is positioned as a premium wireless service, offering access to Verizon’s 5G network, faster data speeds, and more comprehensive customer support. It’s designed for customers who require a high-quality wireless experience and are willing to pay a premium for it.
In conclusion, while Total Wireless and Total by Verizon share some similarities, they are distinct services with different strengths and weaknesses. When choosing between the two, it’s essential to consider your individual needs and priorities to select the service that best fits your lifestyle.
Are Total Wireless and Total by Verizon the same company?
Total Wireless and Total by Verizon are not the same company. While they share a similar name and use the Verizon network, they are two separate entities with different ownership structures and business models. Total Wireless is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that leases network space from Verizon, while Total by Verizon is a prepaid service offered directly by Verizon.
Total Wireless is a standalone company that operates independently of Verizon, although it uses Verizon’s network infrastructure to provide service to its customers. On the other hand, Total by Verizon is a branded service offered by Verizon, which means it is a product of Verizon itself. This distinction is important to understand when choosing a wireless provider, as it can affect the level of customer support, pricing, and features offered.
What is the main difference between Total Wireless and Total by Verizon?
The main difference between Total Wireless and Total by Verizon is the level of customization and flexibility they offer. Total Wireless is an MVNO that offers a more limited set of plans and features compared to Total by Verizon, which is a prepaid service offered directly by Verizon. Total by Verizon, on the other hand, offers more flexibility in terms of plan customization, add-ons, and features.
Total Wireless is geared towards budget-conscious consumers who want a no-frills wireless experience at an affordable price. Total by Verizon, on the other hand, is positioned as a more premium prepaid offering that offers more advanced features and customization options. This means that Total by Verizon customers can expect more advanced features, such as international roaming and data carryover, that may not be available on Total Wireless.
Which network do Total Wireless and Total by Verizon use?
Both Total Wireless and Total by Verizon use the Verizon network infrastructure to provide service to their customers. This means that customers of both providers can expect to receive the same level of network quality and coverage as Verizon’s postpaid customers. The Verizon network is one of the most extensive and reliable in the country, with 4G LTE coverage available to over 98% of the US population.
Using the Verizon network has its advantages, including fast data speeds and a wide range of coverage. However, it’s worth noting that Total Wireless and Total by Verizon may prioritize traffic differently, which could affect the quality of service during times of network congestion. Nevertheless, both providers offer reliable and fast network performance, making them a good option for customers who want a high-quality wireless experience.
Do Total Wireless and Total by Verizon offer the same plans and pricing?
Total Wireless and Total by Verizon offer different plans and pricing structures. Total Wireless is known for its simple, no-frills approach to pricing, with a focus on low-cost, unlimited talk and text plans. Total by Verizon, on the other hand, offers a more traditional prepaid pricing model, with a range of plans that offer different levels of data, talk, and text.
Total Wireless plans start at $25 per month for a single line, with discounts available for multi-line plans. Total by Verizon plans start at $30 per month for a single line, with more advanced features and add-ons available for an additional fee. While both providers offer affordable pricing, Total Wireless is generally the more budget-friendly option, especially for customers who want a simple, no-frills wireless experience.
Can I use my Verizon phone with Total Wireless?
Yes, you can use your Verizon phone with Total Wireless. Total Wireless is an MVNO that uses the Verizon network, which means that most Verizon-compatible phones will work on the Total Wireless network. This is because Total Wireless uses the same network infrastructure as Verizon, which means that phones compatible with Verizon’s network will also work on Total Wireless.
To use your Verizon phone with Total Wireless, you’ll need to ensure that it’s unlocked and compatible with the Total Wireless network. You can check with Total Wireless to see if your phone is compatible, and then follow their activation process to get started. Keep in mind that some Verizon phones may not be compatible with Total Wireless, so it’s always a good idea to check before making the switch.
Is Total Wireless or Total by Verizon better for international travel?
Total by Verizon is generally the better option for international travel. While both providers offer international roaming, Total by Verizon offers more advanced international features, including international data roaming and affordable add-ons for international calling and texting. Total Wireless, on the other hand, offers more limited international features, with higher rates for international calling and texting.
Total by Verizon offers a range of international add-ons, including a global choice plan that offers 500MB of data and 500 minutes of calling in over 185 countries. Total Wireless, on the other hand, charges higher rates for international calling and texting, with limited data options available. If you’re a frequent international traveler, Total by Verizon may be the better option, although it’s always a good idea to check the rates and features of each provider before making a decision.
Can I switch from Total Wireless to Total by Verizon or vice versa?
Yes, you can switch from Total Wireless to Total by Verizon or vice versa. Since both providers use the Verizon network, you can bring your phone and switch between the two services without having to change phones or worry about compatibility issues.
To switch from Total Wireless to Total by Verizon, you’ll need to cancel your Total Wireless service and activate a new line with Total by Verizon. You’ll need to purchase a new SIM card and follow the activation process to get started. Switching from Total by Verizon to Total Wireless is a similar process, although you may need to check with Total Wireless to ensure that your phone is compatible with their network.