Are you tired of overpaying for wireless service with one of the big carriers like Verizon? You may be considering a smaller, prepaid provider like Page Plus Cellular to cut your phone bill without sacrificing coverage. But is Page Plus really the same as Verizon? How do they compare in terms of network, plans, pricing, and overall value?
In this in-depth guide, we‘ll answer all your questions about the relationship between Page Plus and Verizon. As an expert in the retail and wireless industry with over a decade of experience helping consumers make smart choices, I‘ll give you my honest take on the pros and cons of Page Plus. By the end of this article, you‘ll have all the facts you need to decide if Page Plus is the right fit for your needs and budget. Let‘s dive in!
Understanding MVNOs: Is Page Plus Verizon?
First, let‘s clarify what Page Plus is and how they‘re able to offer service on Verizon‘s network. Page Plus is what‘s known as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). Unlike the big three carriers (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) that own and operate their own cell towers and infrastructure, MVNOs lease access to one or more of those networks and resell service to consumers under their own brand.
Page Plus has an agreement with Verizon to use its nationwide network to provide cellular service. So in terms of coverage, Page Plus is virtually indistinguishable from Verizon because they use the exact same towers and technology. You can think of Page Plus as a way to access Verizon‘s network indirectly.
Using an MVNO can have some big advantages for cost-conscious consumers:
- Lower prices than going directly through the major carrier
- No contracts or long-term commitments
- Custom and prepaid plans that offer more flexibility
- Great coverage by using the same networks as the big carriers
However, there are also some potential downsides to be aware of when using an MVNO like Page Plus:
- Slower data speeds during times of network congestion (MVNO traffic is deprioritized)
- Lack of access to the latest network technologies and features
- Fewer plan options and add-ons compared to the major carrier
- Limited selection of phones (no financing or premium flagship devices)
"MVNOs can be a great option for consumers looking to save money on their wireless service, but it‘s important to understand the tradeoffs. You may not get the absolute best network performance or all the bells and whistles of a carrier‘s postpaid plans, but you can still get solid coverage on a top nationwide network at a much lower price."
– Stetson Doggett, Wireless Industry Analyst at BestMVNO
How Verizon‘s Acquisition of TracFone Impacts Page Plus
To further explain the close relationship between Page Plus and Verizon, it‘s important to note that in November 2021, Verizon completed a $6.25 billion acquisition of TracFone Wireless. TracFone is the largest MVNO in the U.S. and the parent company of several prepaid brands, including Page Plus, Total Wireless, Simple Mobile, and Straight Talk, among others.
With this acquisition, Verizon essentially bought Page Plus, which was already using its network exclusively. For now, Verizon says it will maintain Page Plus and TracFone‘s other brands as separate products while it works to migrate customers to its network and infrastructure over the next few years. Here‘s what Page Plus customers need to know:
- No immediate changes to plans, pricing, or network: Page Plus customers will not see any disruptions and can continue to manage their account as usual.
- Enhanced network access and support: Verizon has committed to expanding 5G access for Page Plus customers and offering more plan choices.
- More retail options: Verizon will offer Page Plus products in more of its stores and retail partner locations across the country.
"Being acquired by Verizon could be a good thing for Page Plus customers over the long run. Verizon will likely invest more resources into the brand and give customers access to a wider variety of plans and 5G services. It‘s a way for Verizon to expand its prepaid offerings and customer base while still keeping Page Plus as a separate value-oriented option."
– Joe Paonessa, Founding Editor of BestMVNO
Page Plus vs. Verizon Plan Comparison
Now let‘s take a closer look at how Page Plus‘s plans and pricing compare to Verizon‘s offerings. The main difference is that Verizon offers postpaid plans that are billed monthly based on usage, while Page Plus offers prepaid plans that are paid for upfront. Here‘s a breakdown of what you get with each provider:
Page Plus Plans
| Plan | Price | Talk & Text | Data | Hotspot | Intl. Calling | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pay As You Go | $10/120 days | 6¢/min, 5¢/text | 5¢/MB | No | No | $10 account minimum |
| The 12 | $12/mo | 500 min, 500 text | 100MB | No | No | – |
| The 29.95 | $29.95/mo | Unltd. | 3GB | No | $10/mo add-on | – |
| The 39.95 | $39.95/mo | Unltd. | 8GB | No | $10/mo add-on | – |
| The 55 | $55/mo | Unltd. | Unltd. (first 16GB high-speed) | No | $10/mo add-on | – |
- Plan prices include taxes and fees
- All plans include voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, 3-way calling, and free calls to Mexico
- Data speeds are reduced to 2G/3G after allotment is used
- International calls to 200+ countries at 2¢/min available as $10/mo add-on
Verizon Postpaid Plans
| Plan | Price (1 Line) | Talk & Text | Premium Data | Hotspot | 5G | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start Unlimited | $70/mo | Unltd. | None | Not Included | 5G Nationwide | 6 mos. Disney+ & Apple Music |
| Play / Do More | $80/mo | Unltd. | 50GB | 25GB 5G/4G LTE | 5G Ultra Wideband | ESPN+, Hulu, Disney+, 6 mos. Apple Music |
| Get More | $90/mo | Unltd. | Unltd. | 50GB 5G/4G LTE | 5G Ultra Wideband | ESPN+, Hulu, Disney+, Apple Music |
| One Unlimited (55+) | $60/mo | Unltd. | None | Not Included | 5G Nationwide | 6 mos. Disney+ & Apple Music |
- Plan prices exclude taxes and fees (add $5-$10/mo per line)
- Unlimited data but subject to deprioritization after exceeding premium data limit
- Premium plans include 720p HD video streaming
- 5G access requires a 5G-enabled device
As you can see, Verizon‘s postpaid unlimited plans offer more features and perks compared to Page Plus, but at a significantly higher price point. Page Plus is a better option for lighter data users or those looking for a cheap basic plan with no frills.
For example, a single line with 4GB of data on Page Plus‘s The 29.95 plan costs $387 per year including taxes and fees. The cheapest Verizon single line plan with a comparable data allowance (Start Unlimited with 5GB premium data) costs $840 per year plus taxes and fees, over twice the price.
"Page Plus is one of the most affordable Verizon MVNO options out there, especially if you only need a few gigs of data per month. Their plans are very straightforward and easy to compare. You won‘t get the fastest data speeds or fancy extras, but it‘s hard to beat Verizon‘s coverage at these price points."
– Tina Chang, Mobile Expert at WhistleOut
Page Plus Network and Coverage vs. Verizon
As we‘ve established, Page Plus runs on Verizon‘s nationwide network. That means Page Plus customers can expect the same level of coverage and reliability as Verizon customers in most areas. Here‘s how Verizon‘s network stacks up:
- 4G LTE coverage for 99% of Americans
- Most reliable network based on RootMetrics rankings for 15 consecutive years
- Consistently fast data speeds and low latency according to Opensignal crowdsourced data
- Extensive rural coverage thanks to LTEiRA partnership with rural carriers
- Rapidly expanding 5G coverage (reaches 230 million people nationwide)
(Image: WhistleOut)
However, it‘s important to note that Page Plus customers may experience slower data speeds compared to Verizon postpaid customers. That‘s because Verizon prioritizes its direct customers over MVNO traffic when the network is congested. So while Page Plus customers have access to the same coverage footprint, they are subject to data deprioritization after 50GB of usage in a month.
"I switched to Page Plus a few years ago after being with Verizon for over a decade. Honestly, I haven‘t noticed any difference in coverage in the places I go. Data speeds are plenty fast for my needs – social media, GPS, looking stuff up on the go. I‘m saving about $40/month compared to my old Verizon plan."
– Sarah Davis, Page Plus customer via Reddit
Phone Options: Using a Verizon Phone with Page Plus
If you‘re considering switching to Page Plus from Verizon or another carrier, you may be able to bring your own device and keep your phone number. Page Plus customers have a few options when it comes to phones:
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Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): Since Page Plus uses Verizon‘s network, most unlocked Verizon phones and Google Pixel devices will be compatible. Just check that your device supports these LTE bands: 2, 4, 5, 13. You can bring certain iPhone models too if they are unlocked and use a CDMA radio. Your phone also needs to be paid off and not tied to a service contract.
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Buy a phone from Page Plus: Page Plus sells a small selection of affordable Android devices on its website, including models from Samsung, Motorola, ZTE, and Alcatel. You can pair these phones with a SIM card and service plan. However, Page Plus doesn‘t sell the latest flagship devices like iPhone 14 or Samsung Galaxy S23.
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Lease a phone through SmartPay: Page Plus partners with SmartPay to offer smartphone leasing options. For a small monthly fee spread across 12-24 months, you can lease a popular device like an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. At the end of the lease, you can return the device and upgrade to a newer model. Just note this option requires a separate approval process and good credit.
(Image: Page Plus BYOD Page)
Once you have an eligible phone, you can activate Page Plus service by ordering a SIM card kit and plan online or over the phone. You‘ll need to provide your device‘s IMEI number and select whether you want a new number or to port your existing number. New customers can also take advantage of limited time deals like 50% off your first month of service.
Page Plus Customer Support and Online Account Management
One potential downside of using a smaller MVNO carrier like Page Plus is limited customer support options compared to a behemoth like Verizon. Page Plus doesn‘t have any physical stores, so your only options for help are:
- Calling Page Plus customer service at 1-800-550-2436 (available Mon-Fri 8am-7pm EST and Sat 10am-4pm EST)
- Visiting the Page Plus online support center for self-help guides and FAQs
- Contacting Page Plus via Facebook Messenger
That said, Page Plus does offer a fairly robust online account portal where you can:
- Check your plan usage and expiration date
- Add or remove plans and features
- Set up and manage AutoPay
- Change your payment method
- Update your profile settings
The Page Plus My Account app for iOS and Android also lets you manage your plan and payments on the go. Overall, while you may not get the same level of high-touch support as you would with Verizon, Page Plus provides adequate customer service and easy online tools for the average user.
Is Page Plus Right For You? Our Verdict
So who is Page Plus best suited for? Based on our analysis, Page Plus is an excellent choice for:
✔️ Budget-conscious consumers looking to save money on their cell phone plan
✔️ Light-to-moderate data users who don‘t need unlimited high-speed data
✔️ Those who want reliable Verizon coverage without the premium price tag
✔️ Anyone who wants the freedom of a prepaid, no-contract plan
✔️ Families looking for a cheaper multi-line alternative to Verizon family plans
On the flip side, Page Plus is NOT a great fit for:
❌ Heavy data users who regularly consume 10GB+ per month
❌ Frequent international travelers who need cost-effective global roaming options
❌ Techies who want the latest flagship 5G devices and fastest data speeds
❌ Those who want bundled perks and content like Hulu, Disney+, Apple Music, etc.
❌ Verizon customers under contract or still making device payments (you‘ll need to pay off your phone before switching)
If you think Page Plus might be right for you, we recommend checking out their 7-day free trial. You can test out the network and service without committing to a long-term plan. We also suggest comparing Page Plus to other Verizon MVNOs like Total Wireless, Visible, Straight Talk, and Xfinity Mobile to find the best fit.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, Page Plus is a great value for many consumers looking to get reliable Verizon coverage at a lower cost. While it may not be an exact 1:1 replacement for Verizon‘s postpaid service, it offers excellent coverage on the same network for a fraction of the price. Page Plus is one of the cheapest Verizon MVNO options, especially for lighter data users.
The main downsides are slower data speeds during congestion, lack of latest 5G devices, and fewer premium features compared to Verizon. But if you‘re willing to sacrifice a bit of performance for significant savings, Page Plus is definitely worth considering.
Ultimately, the choice between Verizon and Page Plus depends on your specific needs and budget. If you‘re a tech enthusiast who wants the absolute best network and all the bells and whistles, Verizon is still the top dog. But if you‘re a savvy shopper looking to cut your wireless bill without losing quality coverage, Page Plus is a smart alternative.
Do you have experience with Page Plus or another Verizon MVNO? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! If you found this guide helpful, please share it with your friends and followers. You can also check out our other blog posts for more tips on how to save money on your wireless service.
