Wireless users often look towards one of the major carriers when looking for wireless service. However, while AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are all good to consider — there are numerous other options available. These other options are called MVNO carriers, and they often allow the user to save money, or get a service that is better for their specific needs.
For example, Twigby may be good for someone that regularly makes international calls, and Ting Mobile allows users to only pay for what they use, which would be good if you rely on your mobile phone as a backup for emergencies.
You can review numerous different MVNO carriers on our Smartphone Plan Comparison Tool, and today we are taking a look at Total Wireless.
What is an MVNO?
MVNO stands for mobile virtual network operator. An MVNO carrier offers wireless phone and data services using the networks of one or more of the major carriers: AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile. MVNO carriers often operate on a BYOP (bring your own phone) basis and offer services on a pre-paid month-to-month basis.
Is Total Wireless pre-paid?
Total Wireless is a pre-paid MVNO carrier, which basically means you pay for your service in advance. And, as with any pre-paid carrier — there are no contracts or long term agreements. The majority of the Total Wireless service plans are on a month-to-month basis, however, the carrier does also offer an “extended” service plan. Similar to the monthly plans which offer service at a set price for 30 days, the Total Wireless “extended” plan offers service at a set price for 90 days.
What network does Total Wireless use?
Total Wireless makes use of Verizon’s 4G LTE network. A little more specifically, Total Wireless uses Verizon CDMA for voice and the Verizon LTE network for data. Total Wireless states they have “nationwide coverage on one of America’s largest and most dependable networks.” Unfortunately, there isn’t a coverage map available that shows coverage based on a location or zip code on the Total Wireless website. A good method for checking on local coverage without a carrier provided map is to check with local friends and family that happen to be using the same carrier or network.
Does Total Wireless offer unlimited plans?
Total Wireless does offer some unlimited options. All plans include unlimited talk and text, and Total Wireless also has a few plans that include unlimited data. But while there are plans with unlimited data available, Total Wireless makes use of a soft-cap with their data options. This essentially means you will not have to worry about your data running out, or being charged any overage fees. But — you will see a slow down in speeds once you cross a certain threshold. The distinction is high-speed data versus 2G data.
The single-line plans with unlimited options include 1 GB, 5 GB, or 25 GB of data at high speeds. Users will then be slowed to 2G data speeds after crossing those marks. The data on the Total Wireless family plans vary based on the number of lines you have on your plan. The 2 line plan includes 30 GB of high-speed data, with the 3 line and 4 line plans offering 60 GB and 100 GB of high-speed data, respectively.
Total Wireless plans and prices
Total Wireless has a variety of plans available. The options include month-to-month single line plans and a 90-day “extended” single-line plan, as well as, 2 line, 3 line and 4 line family plan options.
Single line plans:
Talk & Text | High-speed data | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Plan 1 | Unlimited | 1 GB | $23.70 (per 30 days) |
Plan 2 | Unlimited | 5 GB | $33.20 (per 30 days) |
Plan 3 | Unlimited | 25 GB | $47.50 (per 30 days)1 |
All prices noted above assume an auto-refill discount of 5%.
Extended single line plan:
Talk & Text | High-speed data | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Extended Plan 1 | Unlimited | 5 GB (per 30 days) | $90.00 (per 90 days) |
The extended plan allows you to pay a fixed price for 90 days worth of service, however, the 5 GB of data is broken down with 5 GB available every 30 days — 5 GB is available when you sign up, then an additional 5 GB is available at the 30-day mark, and the remaining 5 GB is available at the 60-day mark. The pricing for the extended plan also assumes an auto-refill discount of 5%.
Family line plans:
Talk & Text | Data | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
2 Line Family | Unlimited | Unlimited (first 30 GB at high-speed) | $57.00 (per 30 days) | |
3 Line Family | Unlimited | Unlimited (first 60 GB at high-speed) | $80.70 (per 30 days) | |
4 Line Family | Unlimited | Unlimited (first 100 GB at high-speed) | $95.00 (per 30 days) |
Similar to the single line plans, the pricing for the Total Wireless family plans assume a 5% auto-refill discount.
Service add-ons:
Total Wireless also has two service add-ons available. The first is extra data, which is billed at $10 for 5 GB. Provided you maintain an active service plan this 5 GB add-on does not expire after a set amount of days, and any unused data will roll over to the next month (30-days) of service. The 5 GB data add-on usage begins once you finish the data connected to your regular plan.
Users can also opt for the Global Calling add-on, which is priced at $10. This is essentially a calling card being added to your regular plan. Calls made with the Global Calling add-on must originate from the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
Rates for global calls begin as low as $0.01 per minute and will vary depending on which country is being called. Total Wireless offers a breakdown showing the available countries and the current rates. The Global Calling add-on does not expire, and the remaining balance (from the original $10) will carry over month-to-month.
What phones are compatible with Total Wireless?
One of the perks about choosing an MVNO carrier is how they operate on a BYOP (bring your own phone) basis. This brings some potential for saving money because you can use the phone you already have. You also do not have to worry about paying full retail if you don’t already have a phone. Using a BYOP carrier means you can buy a newish phone from the Swappa marketplace.
First though, whether you are looking to bring your current phone, or buy a newish phone from Swappa — you will want to ensure the device is compatible. With Total Wireless this means you will need a Verizon-compatible device or an unlocked CDMA phone. And, if you are unsure, you can check the compatibility on the Total Wireless website.
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Getting started with Total Wireless
Total Wireless makes it easy to get started. The first step is to ensure your device is compatible, and then order a SIM card. You can begin this process on the Total Wireless device compatibility page.
You will need to agree to the terms, and then enter your device IMEI to check compatibility. Provided your device is eligible for use with Total Wireless, you will be prompted to purchase a SIM card and select your service plan.
The SIM card is priced at $0.99, and the service plans vary, as we mentioned earlier in this post. Using the Unlimited Talk & Text, 5 GB Data plan as an example — this means you should expect to pay $0.99 for the SIM card and $35 for your first month of service (plus taxes and shipping).
You then activate your SIM card once you receive it in the mail, and your 30-days of service begins when you activate the SIM card.
Along with ordering your SIM card directly from the Total Wireless website, you can purchase a Total Wireless SIM card from the Walmart website, as well as in Walmart, Target and Dollar General retail locations. You can also get started by visiting a Total Wireless retail store.
Total Wireless reviews
Some important factors when considering a carrier include the network coverage and the carriers customer service and overall reputation. We always suggest checking with friends or family in your local area in regards to coverage. If they are happy with the coverage in the area, you should also be happy with the coverage in the area. We also recommend looking for independent customer reviews. For reviews, you can check sites such as Trustpilot. We also allow users to leave independent carrier reviews here on Swappa.
Who is Total Wireless for?
Someone that already has a Verizon compatible device, and is happy with the coverage of the Verizon network may want to consider using Total Wireless. This MVNO may also be good for someone that just wants to quickly set up service. You can opt to have a SIM card shipped next day, or 2-day if you order from the Total Wireless website, but you can also visit one of the numerous retail locations that sell Total Wireless SIM cards and be up and running in just a few minutes time. If you’re a current Total Wireless subscriber in need of customer service or tech support, you can find Total Wireless’ contact info here.