Verizon operates one of the largest and most highly-rated wireless networks in the United States, known for its extensive coverage and reliability. While millions of Verizon customers connect directly through Verizon’s own plans, they aren’t the only ones utilizing this powerful infrastructure. So, who uses verizon towers besides Verizon’s direct subscribers?
Mobile Networks 101: Owners vs. Renters (MVNOs)
To understand who uses the network, it helps to know the difference between network owners and other providers:
- Mobile Network Operators (MNOs): Companies like Verizon (and AT&T, T-Mobile) that build, own, and operate their physical cellular network infrastructure – the towers, spectrum licenses, and core equipment.
- Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs): These are companies that do not own their own network infrastructure. Instead, they lease network capacity wholesale from MNOs like Verizon and then sell mobile service to consumers under their own brand name, often with different plans, pricing, and features.
who uses verizon towers
Verizon Itself: The Network Owner and Primary User
Naturally, the primary users of Verizon’s network are Verizon’s own customers. This includes those on:
- Verizon Postpaid Plans: Customers on plans like Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, and Unlimited Ultimate.
- Verizon Prepaid Plans: Customers who pay for service in advance directly through Verizon Prepaid.
These customers connect directly to the network owned and operated by Verizon.
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Verizon-Owned Brands on the Network
Verizon also owns several other mobile brands that operate primarily or exclusively on its network infrastructure:
- Visible: Verizon’s all-digital, app-based subsidiary runs solely on the Verizon network, offering simple unlimited plans.
- Tracfone Brands: Following Verizon’s acquisition of Tracfone Wireless, many popular prepaid brands now operate primarily on Verizon’s towers. This includes:
- Straight Talk Wireless
- Tracfone
- Total by Verizon (formerly Total Wireless)
- Simple Mobile (largely transitioned from T-Mobile’s network)
- Walmart Family Mobile
- Page Plus Cellular
Customers of these brands are increasingly utilizing Verizon’s network infrastructure.
Major Cable & Other MVNOs Who Use Verizon Towers
Beyond the brands Verizon owns, numerous independent MVNOs have agreements to use Verizon’s network. Some of the most prominent include:
- Spectrum Mobile: Offered exclusively to Charter Spectrum internet customers.
- Xfinity Mobile: Offered exclusively to Comcast Xfinity internet customers.
- Cox Mobile: Offered exclusively to Cox Communications internet customers.
- US Mobile: Offers plans on multiple networks; their “Warp 5G” plans specifically use the Verizon network.
- Twigby Mobile: Known for affordable, flexible plans.
- Lively (formerly GreatCall): Focuses on phones and services for seniors.
- Red Pocket Mobile: Offers plans on multiple networks, including Verizon.
- Credo Mobile: Focuses on progressive causes.
- MobileX: Offers customizable plans.
- Affinity Cellular: Markets towards specific groups.
This list isn’t exhaustive, as smaller MVNOs and niche providers also utilize Verizon’s network.
What Does Using Verizon Towers Mean for MVNO Customers?
If you subscribe to a service from a provider who uses verizon towers, what does that mean for your experience?
- Coverage: You generally benefit from the same extensive coverage footprint as Verizon’s direct customers. If Verizon has a signal in an area, the MVNO using its network should also have service there.
- Data Speeds & Priority: This is often the most significant difference. Data traffic from MVNO customers is frequently deprioritized compared to Verizon’s postpaid customers. During times of network congestion (when many people are using the network in one area), MVNO users may experience slower data speeds than direct Verizon customers on premium plans. Some MVNOs or specific premium MVNO plans (like Visible+ or certain Spectrum/Xfinity tiers) offer a set amount of “premium data” that isn’t subject to this deprioritization. Access to the fastest 5G Ultra Wideband speeds might also vary by MVNO and plan.
- Features & Pricing: MVNOs create their own plans. This means pricing, included features (like mobile hotspot allowances and speeds), international calling/roaming options, device financing, and customer service models will differ significantly from Verizon’s direct offerings and from other MVNOs.
Confirming an MVNO’s Network
While the list above includes many providers who use verizon towers, the best way to confirm which network an MVNO uses is to:
- Check the MVNO’s official website (often in their coverage section, plan details, or FAQ).
- Consult reputable third-party cell phone plan comparison websites.
Conclusion: Many Providers, One Strong Network Foundation
Verizon’s extensive network serves as the foundation not only for its own millions of customers but also for a wide array of other mobile brands, including its own subsidiaries like Visible and the Tracfone family, major cable companies’ mobile offerings, and numerous independent MVNOs. While customers of providers who use verizon towers benefit from broad coverage, it’s important to understand potential differences in data priority and plan features compared to being a direct Verizon customer.
