While everything else seems to be getting more expensive lately, there's one crucial commodity that's been largely unaffected: wireless service. With the growing ubiquity of prepaid carriers, even the largest mobile service providers are beginning to lower their prices and offer new data plans for the budget-minded consumer.

Verizon already revolutionized the wireless experience with its customizable myPlan program, but the Big Three carrier has just taken things even further by launching its brand new Simplicity plan. Starting at just $30 per month (for new members with AutoPay), the new phone plan provides unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network, mobile hotspot data, and more.

I've been covering Verizon plans for quite a few years now, but even I have to admit that this sounds too good to be true. Is the new Simplicity plan right for you and your family? Let's discuss. 

In addition to unlimited wireless on Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network, the new Simplicity plan also comes with 10GB of mobile hotspot data, international roaming and satellite texting, call filter, and optional entertainment bundles that you can mix and match every month. 

These packages include the "For Movie Lovers" bundle, which gives you access to Disney Plus, Hulu, Netflix, and HBO Max for only $23 per month. Other bundles include music streaming, cloud storage, and international benefits for additional monthly fees.

The Simplicity plan also introduces the new Verizon Dollars loyalty program. Whenever you spend money at Verizon, this included perk gets you 3% back in the form of rewards that you can spend on the carrier's site or at one of its many partners, including Starbucks, Target, Hilton hotels, and more. 

So what's the catch? 

The Verizon Simplicity plan offers a ton of value no matter how you look at it, but that doesn't mean it's for everyone. One thing I noticed is that, unlike other Verizon plans, the Simplicity plan doesn't get cheaper the more lines you add. For new Verizon customers, the plan costs $30/month per line, whether you're adding one line or four. This could be a problem for families who try to save money by utilizing multiline discounts.

Furthermore, it appears that video streaming on the Simplicity plan is capped at 720p, and unlike most cheap phone plans offered by MVNO carriers, taxes and fees aren't included in the price listed above. And again, the $30 per month price is only available to new subscribers who use AutoPay — existing Verizon customers will pay $45 per month for each line.

Is the Simplicity plan worth it?

If you're a new customer who is ready to switch to Verizon and you don't need all of the bells and whistles offered by premium unlimited plans, then Verizon's Simplicity plan might be perfect for you. If you're an existing Verizon customer or you're looking to bring the whole family, however, I'd probably look elsewhere. 

I write about Verizon deals a lot, like multiple-times-a-week a lot, but that doesn't mean that the Big Three carrier can't surprise me from time to time. This morning's shocker comes in the form of a new promotion that will get you four phones AND four service lines for only $25/line per month. No trade-in required!

Needless to say, if you're planning to move the whole family to Verizon, this is the most cost-effective way to do it. You're not sacrificing quality specs or comprehensive wireless at this price point, either. Several great Android phones, such as the Google Pixel 10a and last year's Samsung Galaxy S25, are available as part of the promotion, plus you're getting unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's vast 5G network. Sounds pretty good, right? Let's break it all down. 

Get four phones AND four lines for only $25/mo per line at Verizon

✅Recommended if: you're a family of four in need of a new wireless provider; you want no-frills wireless coverage with the ability to mix and match the perks you want for a personalized wireless experience.

❌Skip this deal if: you need less than four lines; you don't need new devices; you're happy with your current wireless plan. 

To be eligible for the deal, you'll need to add pick four devices from Verizon's 5G phone list and add four lines on the carrier's Unlimited Welcome plan. You'll also need to sign up for AutoPay to get the full discount.

The phone plan in question gives you and your family unlimited talk, text, and data on a legendary 5G/4G LTE network, plus you'll get a three-year price lock guarantee and the ability to mix and match additional perks for as little as $10 apiece. 

The list of à la carte benefits includes subscriptions to streaming services, unlimited cloud storage, and various international perks, plus you have the ability to add, remove, or upgrade perks to your heart's desire every month. It's all a part of Verizon's unique myPlan system, which was specially designed to give you the exact wireless experience you want without paying for a bunch of extra stuff you don't need. 

Naturally, this deal isn't for everyone. Some folks may not need four lines, while others may want to pay more for premium wireless perks like unlimited mobile hotspot data or 5G Ultra Wideband. But if you're a family of four in need of a new wireless provider, this Verizon deal provides a pretty unique opportunity to score some great coverage AND some new devices for cheap. 

New Verizon deals are always a cause for celebration, but nothing dampens my spirits more than an unexpected activation fee slapped onto an order at the last minute. Fortunately, Verizon is remedying the problem with a new limited time offer: order a new smartphone online while the promo is active and the carrier will remove the activation fee from your purchase.

That's an instant saving of $40! Since the promo can be combined with other offers, you can take advantage of one of Verizon's many phone deals and get your hands on a truly free device when you add a line with Verizon's Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plans.

• See the full list of Verizon deals available today

The waived fee will appear in the form of a promo credit within the first or second bill cycle. Sure, activation fees may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but nowadays every penny counts — especially when it comes to buying smartphones.

Top Verizon deals of May 2026

How do I get waived activation fees at Verizon?

Simply head to Verizon's website and add a line with the carrier's Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plan and you'll be eligible for a waived activation fee (a $40 value) when you purchase a new smartphone.

The savings will appear in the form of a promo credit within 1-2 bill cycles of placing your order. It's unclear when this online-only deal expires, however, so don't wait too long if you're interested.

• Carrier deals: Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | Visible

Verizon deals that get you a free smartphone aren't exactly unheard of, but an offer that gets you a free Samsung Galaxy S26 AND a $100 gift card? That sounds like a trick, but it's exactly what's happening on the carrier's site today. 

It works like this: purchase the Samsung Galaxy S26 and add a line with Verizon's Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plan and the carrier will hook you up with $900 in promo credit. That's enough to make the flagship phone completely free, and if that wasn't enough, Verizon will also throw in a free $100 gift card, just for kicks. 

Get a free Galaxy S26 and 100 bucks to spend on accessories at Verizon

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a new phone plan that comes with a free device; you want an Android phone with lightning-fast performance, AI features, and years of guaranteed software support.

❌Skip this deal if: you can afford the more-powerful Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra; you're happy with your current phone plan; you prefer to buy devices unlocked. 

One of the best Samsung phones on the market today, the Galaxy S26 is powered by the excellent Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Elite chipset and comes with 12GB of RAM, 256GB of base storage, and seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed. The phone also sports a bigger battery and AMOLED display than its predecessor, the Galaxy S25, plus you get all of the latest AI-boosted software features from Galaxy AI. 

All three Verizon plans included in the deal get you unlimited talk, text, and data on the carrier's vast 5G / 4G LTE network, but going with the more expensive Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Ultimate plans will get you premium perks like 5G Ultra Wideband and mobile hotspot data. 

Thanks to Verizon's myPlan system, however, you can also mix and match additional perks on any plan for a small monthly fee. These piecemeal benefits include stuff like streaming subscriptions, international benefits, and cloud storage, and many of the perks cost as little as $10 apiece.

The pricey Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra might be the better phone overall, but if you value bang for the buck in a more compact frame, this Verizon deal offers a great way to get the full Samsung experience without paying a cent for the device. Throw on a $100 gift card and you're looking at an Android gift that just keeps on giving.

Verizon deals are hardly uncommon, but when you see a promotion that gets you a free Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus without trade-in, it's important to take note. Well, that's exactly what's happening today, as Verizon has brought back one of its best bundle deals for new and existing customers alike.

Buy one of the Android phones that Verizon has in stock, such as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus, and add a line with a qualified unlimited plan and the carrier will give you the Android phone for 100% free. You'll also be eligible for a free Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 or Galaxy Tab S10 FE tablet at no additional cost when you add accompanying service plans, AND Verizon will even throw in a free $100 gift card, just for kicks.

Sure, the Verizon deal sounds like a mouthful, but it basically works like this: pay for the service, get the free stuff. It's as simple as that.

• See the best deals at Verizon today

Get fully equipped with the latest Samsung tech at Verizon

The Galaxy S26 Plus is the middle child in Samsung's newest flagship lineup. The phone boasts a stunning 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while under the hood you'll get 12GB of RAM with the power of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. The S26 Plus also comes equipped with great cameras, all-day battery life, and seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed.

In order to claim the free devices, you'll need to add a line with Verizon's Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate phone plans. Starting around $80 per month before any AutoPay or multi-line discounts are applied, these unlimited plans give you talk, text, and 5G Ultra Wideband data on the carrier's vast 5G network, plus you get premium mobile hotspot data and the ability to mix and match additional perks every month.

The aforementioned unlimited plans will get you the free Galaxy S26 Plus, but you'll need to add an additional Verizon service plan to get your choice of the free smartwatch or tablet. These smartwatch/tablet plans typically cost around $10-$20 per month, which is a small price to pay if you plan to use data with these devices anyway.

All things said and done, you stand to earn over $1,600 of free Samsung tech with this deal, and all you need to do is pay for the service. This bundle promotion is not for everyone, but if you want to get fully equipped with the latest Android technology, it's one of the most cost-effective ways to do so. Nothing is ever truly free, but this is coming pretty darn close.

Verizon had a pretty rough start to 2026, but the Big Three carrier is trying to make it right by offering a particularly awesome deal for new customers. For a limited time, make the switch with a new smartphone purchase and any unlimited plan and Verizon will give you a free $200 gift card, just for kicks. 

The best part is that this deal can be combined with other offers, which means you could pair this free $200 gift card with one of the many other deals that Verizon is currently offering, including that promotion that gets you four Galaxy S25s and four lines for only $25/month per line. 

Verizon is far from the only carrier to offer comprehensive unlimited plans, but with deals like this one, it's proving that it's still one of the best options for folks who want a bit more from their wireless provider. 

If this deal sounds familiar, it's because Verizon was running the same promotion a few weeks ago. Who knows why the carrier decided to bring it back, but if you missed it last time, now's your chance to make things right. 

All of Verizon's unlimited plans will land you the free $200 gift card, including the entry-level Unlimited Welcome plan. This phone plan comes with unlimited talk, text, and data, plus you get a three-year price guarantee, coverage in Mexico and Canada, and the ability to mix and match additional perks for as little as 10 bucks apiece. These à la carte add-ons include things like subscriptions to streaming services and unlimited cloud storage. 

The $200 gift card can only be used on Verizon's website, but the company store does offer plenty of devices, cases, and other accessories that you may not expect. You can even use that $200 gift card to pay down your wireless balance.

• Carrier deals: Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | Visible

If you're ready to make the switch to Verizon, now is a great time to do it, as the wireless carrier is currently running an offer that gets you a FREE $200 gift card when you buy a new phone and add a line at Verizon.com. The only catch is that the deal is set to expire tomorrow, January 14th. 

The offer is particularly noteworthy because it's stackable. In other words, you could take advantage of one of Verizon's many great deals and still get a free $200 gift card with your purchase. The current offers on display include a FREE Google Pixel 10 Pro with eligible, and this deal that gets you up to four Galaxy S25 with four lines for only $25 per month. 

Those deals are already pretty fantastic, but slap on a free $200 gift card and the decision is a no-brainer for anyone who's shopping for an Android phone. Just remember: the promotion ends tomorrow, so if you're planning to switch wireless providers, do it now. 

Last call: get $200 of free cash when you switch to Verizon

All of Verizon's myPlan options are eligible for the deal, starting at the affordable Unlimited Welcome plan and going up to the benefit-packed Unlimited Ultimate tier. All of the data plans in question will get you unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's comprehensive 5G network, plus there are opportunities for premium mobile hotspot data, international coverage, entertainment perks, and so much more. 

The free Verizon gift card can only be used on the carrier's website, but the store does offer plenty of devices, cases, and other accessories to make your tech life easier. You can even use that $200 gift card to pay down your phone bill. And again, it's free, so why wouldn't you take advantage of this deal if you're already considering the switch to Verizon? 

Most of the best Verizon deals are likely to extend beyond tomorrow's January 14th deadline, but if you want to combine these free phone promotions with a free $200 gift card, you better act fast. 

• More carrier deals: Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | Visible

What you need to know

• Verizon is cutting YouTube TV’s price by $20 a month for eligible customers, dropping it from $82.99 to $62.99 for the first six months.
• The deal is only for Verizon Mobile or Home Internet subscribers, and you must sign up through the My Verizon app to qualify.
• Billing moves to Verizon, meaning your YouTube TV charge is bundled into your Verizon bill instead of going through Google.

Paying almost $83 each month for live TV can really add up. With streaming prices rising in 2025, finding a good deal is more important than ever. If you’re a Verizon customer, there’s a new perk that could help lower your entertainment bill.

Verizon is now offering a substantial $20 monthly discount on YouTube TV for six months, effectively slashing the entry price of one of the best live TV services on the market (via 9to5Google).

If you are a Verizon Home Internet or Mobile subscriber, you can now snag YouTube TV for just $62.99 per month, down from the standard $82.99. While this isn't a permanent price cut, it lasts for your first six months of service. Do the math, and that comes out to $120 in total savings — basically enough to cover almost two full months of the service once the promo period ends.

After that six-month honeymoon phase is over, your bill automatically reverts to the standard in-market rate.

Before signing up in the My Verizon app, check that you meet the requirements. You must be a new YouTube TV subscriber to qualify. If you already have an account with unlimited cloud DVR or NFL Sunday Ticket, you won’t be eligible unless you create a new Google account.

Carrier billing is mandatory

Additionally, you must be a current Verizon Mobile or Home Internet customer. The final requirement is billing integration: to get the discount, you have to link your YouTube TV account through the My Verizon app. This combines your bills, meaning you pay Verizon for your TV service rather than paying Google directly.

If you’re thinking about canceling cable or switching live TV providers, this deal is a great option. YouTube TV is often seen as the best choice because of its easy-to-use interface and unlimited cloud DVR. Saving $20 each month makes it even more appealing.

2026 has arrived, but if you're still on the hunt for Android phone deals, Verizon has extended one of its best holiday promotions a little while longer. Buy a device and add an eligible line to your service account and the Big Three carrier will give you a FREE $300 gift card to use on its website.

The best part is that this deal is stackable, which means you could get a free device AND the free gift card if you take advantage of the holiday offer today. I'm not kidding. The deal also extends to all of Verizon's myPlan Unlimited plans, even the most-affordable Unlimited Welcome tier.

Verizon stands apart with leftover holiday deal

Verizon's Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, and Unlimited Ultimate plans will all get you the $300 gift card deal, and since you can combine offers, you might end up with a free phone AND some free Verizon cash; all you have to do is pay for the wireless.

You can only use the $300 gift card on Verizon.com, but the official store actually has a pretty wide variety of products to peruse, from smartwatches and tablets to chargers and protective phone cases. You can even use the Verizon gift card to pay down your wireless balance!

Wireless carrier deals typically have a good bit of fine print attached, so it's refreshing to see something this straightforward from a Big Three provider.

2026 deals - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 50% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: major discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line

Black Friday is over, Cyber Monday is swiftly approaching, and Verizon is here to prove that you don't need to shop solely at traditional retailers to score incredible deals on tech. For the next few days, if you sign up for Verizon's Fios 1 Gig or 2 Gig Home Internet plan, you'll get to choose from a number of FREE gifts that include a 43-inch Samsung QLED smart TV, a portable Marshall speaker, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE tablet, and more. If none of the tech interests you, Verizon's Cyber Monday deal is even offering a FREE $200 Target gift card for indecisive folks like me.

Not interested in Verizon Fios? It's worth mentioning that Verizon 5G Home Internet is offering the same lineup of free gift options. The main catch is that these Verizon Home Internet deals are set to expire at midnight on Cyber Monday, so don't wait too long if you're interested!

FREE gift options available (ends 12/1):

• $200 Target gift card
• Samsung 43” Class Q7F QLED TV (retail price: $399.99)
• Marshall Kilburn III speaker (retail price: $379.99)
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G (retail price: $599.99)
• Stream TV Soundbar (retail price: $399.99)
• 32” Samsung Smart Monitor (retail price: $399.99)

Both Verizon Fios and Verizon 5G Home Internet provide high speeds with no data caps, plus you get all-in pricing, a multi-year price lock guarantee, and a free router with all internet plans. Fios uses fiber optic cables to deliver the fastest-possible speeds, but if you live in an area with exceptional 5G coverage, Verizon 5G Home Internet might be the way to go.

The Fios 1 Gig plan offers speeds of up to 940Mbps and starts at $99.99 per month, but you can drop that price considerably by using AutoPay and bundling your service with one of Verizon's phone plans. Upgrade to the 2 Gig plan and you'll get speeds of up to 2.3Gbps. The 5G Home Internet Ultimate plan, on the other hand, delivers high speeds utilizing the same 5G network that your phone uses, plus you'll get unlimited premium data and 4K Ultra HD streaming.

Regardless of the internet plan you choose, Verizon's Cyber Monday deal also lets you choose from a ton of perks for 10 bucks a pop, with options that include Netflix and HBO Max, unlimited Cloud storage, and YouTube Premium. Just imagine: you could take advantage of this offer and get your fast internet, streaming services, AND holiday shopping done in one fell swoop. It's the gift that keeps on giving.

More Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday and Cyber Monday
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday and Cyber Monday
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday and Cyber Monday

The Black Friday phone deals are here in full force, which means every retailer under the sun is slashing prices on its most popular tech. In the midst of all this chaos, Verizon is taking a slightly different approach by handing out FREE $200 gift cards when you order a Google Pixel or Samsung smartphone. No trade-in required!

Considering that many of these Android phones are already $0 when you add an eligible line at Verizon, you're basically getting free cash on top of a free device. The $200 gift card comes with most smartphone purchases on any Verizon myPlan, which means the Unlimited Welcome, Plus, and Ultimate plans are all eligible.

• See the full list of deals at Verizon's Black Friday sale

The gift card can be used on everything from phone cases and smartwatches to simply paying down your monthly balance The deal is stackable too, so you could earn some serious savings if you pair the gift card with the right Verizon deal. Yep, Black Friday 2025 just got way more interesting.

Verizon's Black Friday sale is handing out $200 gift cards with most phones

More Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday
• The best NAS deals of Black Friday

Black Friday is still a couple of weeks away, but it's becoming more and more apparent that you don't need to wait to score some amazing holiday deals on Android tech. One of the most surprising offers I've seen comes from Verizon, which will give you a free Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy Watch 8, AND a Galaxy Tab if you bundle the three devices and add respective service lines. 

No trade-in is required, and Verizon won't even force you to use the most expensive data plans to receive the savings. Even lower-priced tiers like Verizon's myPlan and the Unlimited Welcome plan will land you the three free Samsung devices, just be sure to add all three items to the same cart. Only new customers and existing Verizon customers who add a new line with a port-in are eligible for the deal, but if you can make it work for you, it's almost like getting all of your holiday shopping done at once! 

• See the full list of Black Friday deals at Verizon

✅Recommended if: you're already a Verizon customer or you're willing to switch; you want to equip yourself or your family with some of the latest and greatest Samsung tech.

❌Skip this deal if: you don't want to pay for three new service lines; you're happy with your current wireless setup; you prefer the simplicity of buying unlocked devices. 

Another nice part of this deal is that Verizon isn't simply trying to pawn off some boring last-gen tech. The free devices included in the deal are some of the best that Samsung has to offer. The Galaxy S25, for instance, is powered by the ultra-efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, plus you get 12GB of RAM, seven years of software support, and all of the latest Galaxy AI software features. 

The Galaxy Watch 8 is no slouch either, coming complete with a stylish, ultra-comfy design, Wear OS 6, and a suite of comprehensive health and fitness tracking features. Not interested in these devices? Verizon is also running similar bundle deals for Apple and Pixel, so take your pick. Needless to say, Black Friday is sure to come with a multitude of excellent Android deals in tow, but if you don't want to wait, Verizon has you covered. 

More Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
• Black Friday Samsung Galaxy deals
• Black Friday Google Pixel deals
• Black Friday Motorola deals

Connectivity is something we often take for granted in the digital age, but it can be gone in an instant — and when it matters most — in the event of a natural disaster. When cellular connectivity drops during a disaster, like it did on the Verizon network during Hurricane Helene in 2024, it can impact people in need, first responder communications, and slow relief efforts. Roughly a year after the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, I got a firsthand look at how Verizon responds to tragedies nationwide and keeps cell service active.

There's a team within Verizon that you might not have heard of called Verizon Frontline. Its purpose isn't to sell you cell phone plans or offer you a trade-in deal, but rather to develop and deploy assets that can help first responders in emergency situations. It's a collaborative effort between government agencies and the Frontline team to share technologies first responders didn't know they needed, and create assets first responders think would be helpful.

That includes emerging technologies you might not expect to be useful during a disaster, such as AI, robotic dogs, drones, and more.

New problems for disaster relief

Climate change is forcing emergency management departments and carrier teams like Verizon Frontline to adjust. Previously, there were narrower locations and seasons where you might expect disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, or tornadoes to strike. The situation is different now, with hurricanes striking in areas not prepared for them, and wildfire season in some areas of the U.S. becoming year-round.

This partly explains why Hurricane Helene was so devastating in states like North Carolina and Tennessee. In that instance, a major Verizon outage coincided with relief efforts that appeared unrelated to the hurricane itself. These situations are where Verizon Frontline aims to fill the gap — this team within the carrier has over 600 mobile assets scattered nationwide that can sprout temporary networks and connectivity in an emergency.

One type of asset, called the Satellite Pico-cell on Trailer (SPOT), can be set up in roughly an hour and offers a few different ways of getting people online. The trailer supports multiple low-earth orbit satellite connectivity options, including Verizon's own satellites and Starlink. After the initial setup process, it can support up to 128 simultaneous users over Wi-Fi and also broadcasts cellular service over the Verizon network.

The small and versatile form factor of the SPOT allows it to be deployed almost anywhere and run for three days on its own power, thanks to a 30-gallon diesel fuel tank.

All the Verizon Frontline equipment I saw firsthand prioritizes redundancy, whether it's a small asset like the Rapid Response Connectivity Unit (RRCU) pictured above or a full-fledged trailer. The RRCU, despite being much smaller than the SPOT and quicker to deploy, can still broadcast Wi-Fi and cell signals in areas where traditional towers are unreachable.

When we covered Hurricane Helene, we emphasized the importance of satellite connectivity. It's unsurprising that Verizon Frontline is trusting LEO satellite connectivity to power many of its assets, but the implementation is clever. Aside from the larger trailers, the company is also putting satellite internet dishes and receivers on things you wouldn't expect, like off-road vehicles and robot dogs.

For example, the off-road vehicle you see above can go places a trailer can't, while still sporting a satellite dish and broadcasting equipment onboard. Verizon Frontline staffers explained that these types of vehicles are used not only to bring cell service to blackout zones, but also to transport first responders during emergencies.

Verizon Frontline aims to build a tool for every kind of emergency situation

Within the hundreds of Frontline assets, there are some interesting ones, including an e-bike. It might sound odd, but the Frontline team says that it can actually be preferred in high-density areas, like cities. Others include the Robot Emergency Dog (RED), which looks quite like a Boston Dynamics robot dog outfitted with connectivity equipment.

It uses private 5G networks, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and robotics to scope out unknown situations. Since it's remote-controlled by an operator and doesn't require line-of-sight vision to use, it can go places first responders can't in an emergency.

Like the Verizon Frontline drones, both of these kinds of assets help first responders gain visibility in tricky situations. Recent changes to U.S. Federal Aviation Administration rules regarding drone flights will accelerate the use of drones, according to a Verizon Frontline blog post.

Verizon's drone teams also utilize ASD-B antennas and Raspberry Pi systems that can track air traffic locally, allowing them to fly drones safely during disasters even if commercial flight-tracking services are unavailable.

These emerging technologies, like AI, robotics, and drones, are expected to be more widely adopted by first responders in the coming years, according to the Verizon Frontline Public Safety Communications Survey. The survey of first responders revealed 71% of respondents think AI will be important to the future of public safety, and 48% expect to use drones or robots daily within the next half-decade.

How Verizon customers benefit

Verizon Frontline aims to get an area hit by a disaster connected as quickly as possible, and that's supposed to benefit everyone, including first responders, Verizon customers, and even non-customers. During the day, a mobile communications trailer might help the average person let their loved ones know they're safe; at night, it could be where National Guard members sleep during their deployment.

Through temporary Wi-Fi networks, rapid eSIM deployments, and even mobile command centers, there's a lot going on behind the scenes to try to keep cell service active during a disaster.

Note: Verizon covered my travel and lodging during my visit to the Frontline Philadelphia Roadshow, but the company had no input in this article and did not see it before publishing.

What you need to know

• Verizon begins development of 6G technology with partnerships from major tech companies like Samsung and Nokia.
• Next-gen 6G focuses on speed, low latency, and integrating AI capabilities for transformative user experiences.
• 6G aims for a unified global network, standardizing technologies while delivering peak data rates of 1,000Gbps.

Verizon announced today (Sept.22) that it has started working on developing its 6G technology and is taking the lead in shaping the future of wireless communication. To begin working on this new network, Verizon has also partnered with some of the big OEMs in tech, including Sony Ericsson, Samsung, and Nokia, along with device and chipset innovators Meta and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

In its press release, the company stated that this forum's aim is to look for the network's potential uses, and with the help of the above companies, Verizon would be able to create foundational technologies that align with global needs.

While people are still getting used to 5G's speed in many ways, the press release noted that, “5G Advanced lays the foundation for the 6G future - whether that's new wearables, AI experiences, or entirely new use cases we haven’t even thought of yet, and that’s what excites me the most," said aid Joe Russo, EVP & president, global networks and technology at Verizon.

And like any next-gen network, 6G is definitely going to be much faster than 5G, but this network will focus on more than just speed. Russo adds that the network is designed for the next era, implying this could basically back powerful AI /native devices that have already started transforming the way we function.

"Verizon's networks form the backbone of the emerging Artificial Intelligence economy, delivering the infrastructure and expertise essential for businesses to fully harness AI's potential," the press release added.

What's in store with 6G

That said, the company also confirms that they're moving beyond just theoretical discussions and moving to tangible goals like testing the full potential of 6G on new spectrum bands and bandwidths.

Samsung explains in its post that, with 6G, the industry aims to reach a peak data rate of 1,000Gbps and, on average, user-experienced data rates of 1Gbps. Additionally, 6G is said to provide super low latency, meaning the time it takes for a signal to travel is expected to be reduced to microseconds, approximately a 1,000-fold improvement over 5G.

Furthermore, Nokia states that the new network will have the ability to "sense" the environment by using signals that will essentially bounce off obstacles or objects that come in its path. This will allow it to figure out what those objects are, where they are, how fast they're moving, and what they're made of.

By combining this information with AI, the network can create a "digital twin" of the physical world. This will allow companies to create a map that will provide 6G signals to the user faster.

Finally, Verizon is also working with organizations like 3GPP, so that their research in 6G aligns with network standards worldwide. "This helps create a unified 6G network that everyone can use, no matter who made their device or where they are," it added.

The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) may seem like old news in the midst of all these recent device launches, but this new Total Wireless deal might encourage you to give the phone a second look. For a limited time, the Verizon-owned MVNO carrier will give you up to four Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) phones for completely free when you join the carrier with any of Total's 5G Unlimited plans. No trade-in required, no strings attached.

✅Recommended if: you want a simple phone with a large OLED display and embedded stylus for drawing and taking notes; you're a family of four (or less) looking for an awesome phone deal.

❌Skip this deal if: you want a powerful device with AI features and years of software support; you're looking for a trade-in opportunity.

The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) may be a last-gen device, but it's still an outstanding value, and I'd argue that it could easily hold its own against any of the best Motorola phones on the market today.

The phone swings above its weight with a gorgeous 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED display (a rarity at this price point), a convenient stylus embedded in the frame, and a snappy Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset that still performs to modern standards. You also get that nice vegan leather finish that's found on many Moto phones these days, plus some solid cameras and a 5,000mAh battery.

The Total Wireless plans start at $40/monthly per line for the Base 5G Unlimited tier, but you could easily drop the monthly price to as low as $25/monthly per line by adding four lines. All three eligible data plans from the MVNO carrier come with unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's legendary 5G network, plus you get a free mobile hotspot, international benefits, and a five-year price lock guarantee.

Upgrade to one of Total's more expensive plans and you'll get everything described above, plus additional international roaming and a free subscription to Disney Plus Premium. The Total 5G and Total 5G Plus plans will even give you your fourth line for free!

Sure, the 2024 phone lacks many of the innovative software features and AI tools found on newer devices (such as the Pixel 10), but it's pretty exceptional for a $199 device. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is a phone that's simply good at being a phone, but it's not going to blow you away with cutting-edge features or long-term software support.

That might be a dealbreaker for some folks, but if you simply want four reliable smartphones for free and a solid wireless plan that won't break the bank, then this Total Wireless deal is a truly unmissable opportunity.

Whether you're thinking about switching or you've been using the MVNO for years, Total Wireless is home to a bounty of smartphone deals that could rival the best offers from Mint Mobile or Visible. Add a line with the Total 5G Unlimited or Total 5G+ Unlimited plan, for instance, and you'll get a FREE Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, no trade-in required and no further strings attached. 

The Galaxy A36 5G is a 2025 Samsung phone with a vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED 120Hz display, efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, and a large 5,000mAh battery that should easily last over a day on a single charge. It's not going to win any awards for innovation — after all, this is Samsung's attempt at building a cheap Android phone — but you still get the same long software support that the OEM is known for, with six years of OS upgrades guaranteed. 

Owned and operated by Verizon, Total Wireless is a popular MVNO carrier that utilizes its parent company's legendary 5G network to deliver great coverage at a much lower cost. Both of the plans included in this promotion give you unlimited talk, text, and data on the aforementioned network with 5G Ultra Wideband access, plus you get a free mobile hotspot and free calls and texts to over 85 countries worldwide. You'll even get six months of Disney Plus Premium for free, which is random but cool.

The 5G Unlimited and 5G+ Unlimited plans start at $50 and $60 per line per month (with AutoPay), respectively, but you could drop the price to as low as $25 per month when you add five lines, making it a great choice for families. There's also a five-year price guarantee, and like other MVNOs, no contracts or credit checks to worry about. 

If these plans are still too pricey for you, it's also worth mentioning that you can get a free Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) with ANY Total Wireless plan, no strings attached. Despite its age, that Motorola phone is still a solid pick with a 120Hz display, embedded stylus pen, and a still-decent Snapdragon chipset. 

The Google Pixel 9a has finally arrived, and there is already no shortage of offers that make the affordable phone even cheaper, or as is the case with this Verizon deal, even free. It works like this: buy the phone and add a line with the Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plan and you'll get $499.99 in promo credits over 36 months. You'll still have to pay the $35 activation fee, but the deal otherwise covers the full price of the Google Pixel 9a, no trade-in required. 

• See our guide to the best Google Pixel 9a deals on the web today

After being delayed for a few weeks because of a "component quality issue", the Google Pixel 9a was finally released on April 10th with considerably less fanfare than you'd expect from a mainstream device launch. Still, the rollout may have been disappointing, but the device itself is not, coming complete with an outstanding 5,100mAh battery (larger than the regular Pixel 9), Tensor G4 chipset, and vivid 6.3-inch pOLED display. Pair those specs with all the latest Gemini AI features and seven years of software updates and you're looking at a cheap Android phone that punches well above its weight. 

Unlike some Verizon deals, this offer is compelling because it doesn't require a trade-in, nor does it force you to sign up for the most expensive data plans to receive the savings. Unlimited Welcome, for instance, is one of Verizon's most affordable options, giving users unlimited talk, text, and data on the carrier's vast 5G network. The plan starts at $65 per month for a single line, but you can drop the price considerably when you add multiple lines (as low as $30 per month for four lines). 

Sure, if you're looking for a trade-in deal or prefer to buy phones unlocked, by all means look elsewhere. But if you're ready to update your wireless service and you're in the market for a new Pixel device, this is one of the best Android deals on the web today. 

What you need to know

• Verizon says its U.S. customers will be the first to receive satellite-based text messaging for "select" Android phones.
• The post says only the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 series phones are involved as Verizon begins to roll out the upgrades.
• Verizon joined AT&T recently to develop a way for people to call one another via satellite-based video calls using AST SpaceMobile.

Verizon announces a major update for its customers and a select group of smartphones today (Mar. 19).

The cellular service announced it is bringing satellite texting to any device via "select" Android phones in a press release. According to Verizon, its U.S.-based customers will be the first in the nation to receive such support. The company states users can "send text messages to any other customer device via satellite when outside the reach of terrestrial cellular networks."

There is some restriction here as Verizon states this satellite capability won't hit every Android phone. Users with a Samsung Galaxy S25 or Google Pixel 9 series phone can leverage its newly expanded satellite texting.

Verizon is starting to hammer away at these upgrades today (Mar. 19); however, it will likely take two weeks before it's completely stable and ready.

Verizon's EVP & president, Global Network and Technology, Joe Russo, said in a statement, "This expansion of satellite texting capabilities is a testament to our commitment to ensure customers stay connected wherever they are."

Curiously, it's unclear whether or not this satellite texting capability includes the recent Google Pixel 9a. There is no information from Verizon nor Google on this matter. Android Central has reached out to Google about this matter and will update this article when we hear back.

The Pixel 9a launched today (Mar. 19) with a fresh new look that forgoes that thick camera bump we've become accustomed to. The phone features a battery life of up to 30 hours and rapid charging support. For $499, the Pixel 9a contains Google's latest AI features like Gemini Live, Best Take, Add Me, and more.

In other news, Google mentioned briefly about the Pixel 9 series joining Verizon's satellite messaging services during its March feature drop. It seems things are finally in a spot where both sides can move forward and begin bringing it to consumers. Additionally, Verizon highlights its work to expand and improve the usefulness of satellite communications — such as its usage for satellite-based video calls.

In late February, Verizon joined AT&T in testing the first satellite-to-phone video calls using the BlueBird satellite from AST SpaceMobile. Verizon announced the test saw it placing its first-ever satellite call through this method. AST SpaceMobile said it was rolling out an on-demand direct-to-device service in the U.S. This is said to leverage Verizon and AT&T's 850MHz spectrum due to its close relation with smartphones.

There appears to be some optimism regarding satellite-based video calls; however, more testing is still required before civilians can partake.

I don't spend a lot of time researching deals on home internet, but throw in a free Meta Quest 3S headset and I'm all ears. For a limited time, you can join Verizon Home Internet on the 5G Home Plus plan and choose between a free 43-inch Samsung TV or a Meta Quest 3S, no strings attached. The gifts may seem a bit random, but knowing how rare Meta Quest deals are, I'm not about to start complaining.

Starting at $55 per month, Verizon's 5G Home Plus plan comes with ultra-fast internet speeds and Ultra HD 4K streaming, a free Wi-Fi extender for "whole-home" coverage, and a three-year price guarantee. If you're already using one of Verizon's wireless plans, you'll also get a free perk credit added to your account. This monthly credit can be used on perks like a Netflix and Max (with ads) subscription, the Disney Bundle, and more.

Get a free Quest 3S (or a smart TV) with this Verizon Home Internet plan

This isn't the first time that Verizon has offered free gifts for home internet customers, but it's the first time that I've seen a Meta Quest included in the promo. If you're unfamiliar, the Quest 3S is essentially Meta's attempt at bringing VR entertainment into the mainstream. The console boasts most of the same hardware and processing power found in the more-expensive Quest 3, plus you'll get mixed-reality passthrough, 8GB of RAM, and access to the full library of Meta games and apps.

The downside is that you'll have to deal with a last-gen lens and a narrower field of view than the Quest 3, but if you're new to VR, it's unlikely that you'll even notice. It's also worth mentioning that the upcoming spring sales might come with some Meta Quest discounts, but if you're looking for a new internet provider AND you want to get into VR gaming, this is an awesome opportunity.

If you're looking for a home internet deal to help you switch providers, we've got some good news for you. For a limited time, you'll be able to choose between a FREE Nintendo Switch or a $200 Home Depot gift card when you sign up for Verizon's 5G Home Plus plan (starting at $80 per month). 

If that price makes you wince, remember that the monthly bill can be reduced to as low as $45 per month by bundling internet with a Verizon phone plan and signing up for AutoPay. In addition, Verizon offers up to $500 in credits to help pay any termination fees from your current home internet provider—making it even easier to switch (so to speak).

Your 5G internet speeds will vary depending on where you're located, but Verizon will give you estimates once you enter your address on the website. The 5G Home Plus plan will get you Ultra HD 4K video streaming, a three-year price guarantee, a free wireless router, and a "Whole-Home Wi-Fi" extender. You also get a free subscription to Verizon Cloud Unlimited for all of your storage needs. And again, if $80 per month feels too steep, there's a ton of potential for savings if you're already a Verizon wireless subscriber. 

Either way, the value of a $200 Home Depot gift card or a Nintendo Switch makes this seem like a pretty good time to try Verizon's 5G Home Internet. And if you don't like it, you can always take advantage of the provider's 30-day money-back guarantee.

What you need to know

• Verizon gets new AI tools to transform customer experience.
• They are dubbed "Personal Research Assistant," "Fast Pass" resolution, "Segment of Me," "Problem Solver" and more.
• These won't replace human jobs but rather assist them to save time and achieve complex tasks.

Verizon announced today (May 14) that it will introduce nifty GenAI tools to transform the customer experience. The company promises that these tools won't replace human jobs but rather assist them in saving time and achieving complex tasks.

"These new tools make it simple to do business with Verizon and help reduce the cognitive load on our store and customer service partners," the company mentioned in its shared press release. First up in the lot is Personal Research Assistant, Verizon's personal assistant technology that promises to help frontline teams serve customers with accurate information by researching thousands of company's resources. These tools are believed to help its employees answer almost all queries that customers raise during support calls effectively and accurately.

Next comes the "Fast Pass" resolution, which claims to save customers precious time. It primarily uses AI to cleverly pair the customer to the relevant department or person quite easily, rather than getting assigned to a general customer representative. Additionally, Personal Shopper/Problem Solver is yet another time-saving tool for customers. It uses AI to instantly analyze a customer's profile and why they are calling. It will work alongside employees and give them a head start.

"Segment of Me" is another AI tool that helps customers get Verizon's personalized, unique offers and products. These can include new plans, product offers, and service upgrades, amongst others. Here, AI is promised to act accurately and proactively for customers regarding what they are looking for. Verizon notes that this increases engagement with customers, "lowered churn," and increases "overall revenue."

Brian Higgins, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Verizon Consumer, also notes, "AI is helping us not just meet expectations, but exceed them by showing our customers we've got their back at every turn."

If you've been hanging around Android Central over the past few weeks, you know that I've written up this Verizon Fios deal before, but I feel like it's my due diligence to give it one final mention: sign up for the 1 Gig home internet plan before January 3rd and you'll get an Xbox Series X AND a $200 Amazon gift card for FREE. That's like $850 of free stuff for a home internet plan that only costs $64.99/month when paired with Verizon mobile service ($89.99/month otherwise). It's a very unusual deal, but if you're looking to change internet providers, you won't find a better offer anywhere else. 

• Carrier deals: Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | Visible 

✅Recommended if: you want a new home internet provider; you already use Verizon Wireless; you've been waiting for the right time to grab an Xbox Series X.

❌Skip this deal if: you're happy with your current internet provider; you're saving money on your phone/internet bill; you don't need an Xbox. 

More After Christmas sales — quick links

• Amazon: Up to 50% off smartphones, TVs, and more
• Best Buy: Historic price drops on phones, TVs, tech
• Samsung: Up to $1,000 off TVs, Galaxy S23, Z Fold 5, trade-in offers
• Walmart: Sitewide deals on appliances, games, tech
• Verizon: Up to $1,000 off Samsung, bundle discounts, free phones
• AT&T: Free S23 Plus, Z Flip 5, iPhone 15 with eligible trade-in/new line
• Mint Mobile: $600 off Pixel 7 Pro, plus six months of free wireless
• Lenovo: Up to 77% off PCs, monitors, and more

Just a few days before Black Friday, Verizon is encouraging users to switch to one of their Fios home internet plans by offering some free stuff in return. And no, I'm not talking about a free tote bag or anything boring like that. Switch to the Verizon Fios 5G 1 Gig plan and you'll get to choose between a $200 Amazon gift card, an Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen), or most-impressively, an Xbox Series S, at no cost to you. 

The Fios 1 Gig plan starts at $89.99 per month, which is a bit pricey, but there are a few ways to make the bill a little cheaper without too much hassle. If you're already taking advantage of one of Verizon's wireless plans, for instance, you can bundle your mobile service with internet and save a sweet $25 on your monthly bill. All things said and done, you could be getting your home internet for as low as $64.99 per month AND get a free Xbox Series S to put under the tree this holiday season. 

Switch to Verizon Fios internet and you could get a free Xbox!

• Android Central's Black Friday deal hubs:
  Tech | Phones | Tablets | Wearables | TVs | Smart Home 

Doing some Black Friday shopping?

• Amazon's Black Friday deals home 
• Best Buy's Black Friday deals home 
• Walmart's Black Friday deals home 

Summer sale season is in full swing, and I'm hard at work tracking down the best Verizon deals so you don't have to. June's entries include outstanding deals on the Samsung and Google Pixel devices, plus a few Motorola offers that might make the upcoming Prime Day sale completely irrelevant.

Verizon has been a major player in the wireless scene for over 20 years, offering users a variety of plan options for every type of user (and budget) imaginable. The Big Three carrier also offers a ton of awesome deals on Android phones, with extra rewards for those who trade in or add a line with an eligible data plan.

Keep reading for all of my favorite Verizon deals of June 2026, and don't forget to check back later to see what's new: I add new offers to this list on a regular basis.

• See the full list of deals at Verizon today

Verizon deals

• Back to the top^

Verizon plans

Of course, all of the deals above won't matter much if you're not a Verizon member. For years, Verizon has been home to some of the best wireless plans in the business, with everything from feature-packed unlimited plans to flexible prepaid options available.

That being said, the carrier recently changed the game by introducing Verizon myPlan, a new wireless program that lets you customize your data plan by choosing the individual perks that matter most to you. After all, every cell phone user is different, and finding the perfect plan for you is going to involve looking at a number of factors, such as budget, data usage, and your own personal checklist of must-have features.

With Verizon myPlan, you start by choosing Unlimited Plus, Unlimited Welcome, or Unlimited Ultimate. These plans come with basic perks like unlimited talk, text, and 5G data, alongside mobile hotspots and some limited international benefits. Once you pick your base plan, you get to choose from a long list of Add-Ons for $10 each. These perks range from streaming bundles to cloud storage, a Walmart Plus membership, and beyond.

Here is the full list of available Add-Ons:

• Disney Bundle: Includes Disney Plus (no ads), Hulu (with ads), and ESPN Plus (with ads)
• Netflix & Max (with ads)
• 100GB Mobile Hotspot
• Apple One: Includes Apple Music, Apple TV Plus, Apple Arcade, and iCloud Plus
• Walmart Plus Membership
• Apple Music Family
• +play Monthly Credit
• 3 days of TravelPass
• YouTube Premium
• Unlimited Cloud Storage

The best part is that you can customize the perks at any time with no penalty. Need TravelPass or the Disney Bundle for one month only? Simply pop into the MyVerizon app and adjust your Add-Ons whenever you'd like.

Verizon myPlan offers the kind of freedom and flexibility that you would never have expected to receive from a Big Three carrier a few years ago. But it's only one small part of the Verizon ecosystem. Keep reading to see all of our favorite Verizon plans.

The best Verizon cell phone plans

• Back to the top^

So which Verizon plan is best for you?

Though Verizon offers excellent coverage to a lot of Americans, don't forget to check out its coverage map before signing up. If you decide Verizon is the carrier for you, the Verizon myPlan program is the best choice for most people. It lets you choose all of the perks you need without a bunch of extras that you don't want to pay for.

If you're looking for a plan with a better price, then Visible stands out amongst the crowd. This all-digital carrier is owned by Verizon, so you'll have the same great coverage (that includes 5G), along with unlimited data, text, and talk for only $45 per month if you opt for the Visible Plus plan. The best part is that there are no contracts or hidden costs or fees as you'll find with other carriers. Whichever plan you get, you'll be with one of the nation's best wireless carriers and can count on reliable performance.

• Carrier deals: Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | Visible

Even considering all of these deals and researching all of these plans, you might not be sold on Verizon. It's important to have all of the information when you switch carriers, so why not take a look at our list of the best cell phone plans so you can make sure you find one that's right for you.

It's already May 6th, so if you're looking for last-minute Mother's Day deals, now might be your final chance. We've seen tons of Mother's Day sales come and go over the last few weeks, and Verizon is currently home to one of the best. Just in time for the holiday, the popular wireless carrier has added a ton of promotions on everything from smart glasses and phone cases to a free Samsung Galaxy S22 if you trade-in an eligible device. 

Below you'll find a selection of the best Verizon deals for Mother's Day that are active right now. Most of the promotions are only good while supplies last, so don't wait too long to grab that gift for the moms in your life. Some of the straight discounts expire on May 8th, but a few offers last until the end of the month. If you're in a hurry to get the gift on time, check to see if Verizon will hook you up with free next day shipping or even in-store pickup if there's a retail location in your area. 

Without further ado, let's move onto some of our favorite deals so you can stop searching and start shopping before it's too late. If you miss this weekend promotion or you're simply curious about the year-round deals that are available, take a look at other guides penned by yours truly, including best S22 deals and best Chromebook deals.

Top Mother's Day Verizon deals

Verizon deals come and go all the time, with users typically receiving the most benefits. If you're considering switching to the popular wireless carrier, take a look at our guide to the best Verizon plans to see if it's a good fit. 

What you need to know

• Verizon has removed the option for 24 and 30-month payments in favor of a 36-month option.
• AT&T also only offers 36-month payment plans on phones sold through its site.
• Customers can still pay full price for phones or buy them from the manufacturer for more payment options.

If you've ever gone into a carrier store to buy a new phone, you know the deal. The sales staff works out a new monthly rate for you, confirms it with the sales manager, then tells you about all the wonderful new accessories you're getting in your bundle. One way the month-to-month prices have continued to tumble isn't by offering you a better value in a competitive market; it's about locking you in for longer.

As discovered by Droid Life Verizon is no longer offering 24 and 30-month payment plans on new devices sold by the carrier. Formerly, customers at checkout could choose between paying for a phone with 24 or 30 monthly payments or simply buying the phone outright if finances allowed. Verizon has ditched these options in favor of just two options, a 36-month payment plan or full retail price.

As noted by Verizon's FAQ on the matter, if you've signed up for a 24 or 30-month plan before February 9, 2022, you can still keep your old payment plan. For example, partners like the Google Store still offer the 30-month option if you buy through that website. Apple still has the 24-month plan listed for its iPhones.

Source: Verizon, Google, and Apple

If you haven't been paying attention, the full price of the best Android phones can lead to some sticker shock, with some premium devices coming in at over $1,000. Carriers and manufacturers have made it easier to buy these phones with monthly payment plans that can spread the cost out over a couple of years.

The problem is that if the phone becomes unusable or you need to upgrade for another reason, you're still on the hook for the money. That means if you want to leave your carrier for a cheaper plan, you've got to pay off the phone before you head out. And no, it's not like a rental where you can simply give an undamaged phone back to recoup some of the cost. When you sign up and receive the phone, you've got to pay for it all eventually.

AT&T also uses 36-month plans for its device sales, meaning that its prices roughly line up with Verizon's new prices. For example, the $899 128GB Google Pixel Pro comes in at $24.99 per month at Verizon, $26.12 per month at AT&T, and $31.25 per month at T-Mobile with $149.99 down. T-Mobile only offers 24-month payment plans. They all work out the full retail price for the carrier (AT&T charges $40 more than the rest), but you're stuck paying for your expensive AT&T and Verizon plan for a full year longer than T-Mobile.

It's worth noting that if you want to upgrade your phone early, you can do so by paying off the device in full. If you're an iPhone user, you may also be eligible for Verizon's early upgrade program for iPhones. This program allows you to upgrade if you've paid for at least 50% of your iPhone, turn in the device in good working condition, and buy a new qualifying phone from Verizon.

What you need to know

• C-band 5G has joined mmWave in Verizon's Ultra Wideband 5G coverage with 90 million covered on Wednesday, January 19.
• Verizon expects to reach 100 million people covered in 1,700 cities before the end of the month.
• Verizon has several phones ready to use the new network including the Samsung Galaxy S21 series with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro coming soon.

Verizon announced it would bring Ultra Wideband 5G coverage to more than 90 million people with the launch of its C-band network. This mid-band spectrum between 3.7GHz and 4GHz will enable much greater coverage than the mmWave tech with much higher speeds than were possible with nationwide 5G.

While Verizon plans to cover 100 million people by the end of the month, it has had to scale back its expansion a bit due to concerns from the FAA. Verizon pointed out in its announcement that more than 40 countries have deployed on this spectrum without issue.

While speeds on C-band won't be as high as an mmWave connection, The Verge has shown that some Verizon customers have seen speeds as high as 800Mbps on C-band. Results over 500Mbps were common, putting the C-band upgrade right in line with T-Mobile's mid-band 5G results.

The Verge also confirmed that Verizon has several phones ready for C-band already with 20 phones expected to support the network by the end of the year. Currently, C-band on Verizon is available on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series as well as the 5th generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch, 3rd generation iPad Pro 11-inch, and 6th generation iPad Mini. For Android, the Samsung Galaxy S21 series is ready alongside the Z Flip3 and Z Fold 3. Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro support is coming soon.

While we still don't have a coverage map for 5G, you can be ready for the upgraded network by making sure your plan supports Ultra Wideband 5G. Verizon's new 5G Play More, 5G Do More, and 5G Get More plans all support Ultra Wideband as well as its older Play More, Do More, and Get More plans. These are some of the best cell phone plans for 5G you can get. Your phone will also need to have the latest updates installed to get connected.

Phones aren't the only devices to benefit with Verizon noting that 20 million households are covered by its wireless broadband as well as 2 million businesses covered by its Business Internet Service.

What you need to know

• Verizon's Ultra Wideband mmWave 5G has reached 100 million people covered in 1,700 cities, with C-band launching later in January.
• Verizon has updated its unlimited plans with more premium data and hotspot data though, Ultra Wideband data is now included.
• Verizon 5G Home Internet has also been updated with two unlimited plans featuring new perks when you sign up.

Verizon announced some new features for its customers celebrating its milestone of reaching 100 million people with 5G Ultra Wideband coverage. Unlike its nationwide 5G network, Ultra Wideband uses mmWave tech to deliver gigabit speeds to devices, though it requires many more towers to accomplish. Verizon is also set to expand coverage even further, with C-band 5G joining its Ultra Wideband coverage later in January.

Verizon held a livestream called the 5G Ultra Show to show off what was possible with its ultra-fast 5G network, hosted by Elizabeth Banks.

Verizon now provides Ultra Wideband 5G coverage to 100 million people in more than 1,700 cities across the country. While coverage on this network is still more sparse than competitor T-Mobile's mid-band network, Verizon is set to make up ground by deploying its own mid-band network on its C-band spectrum.

The carrier's unlimited plans have also been updated to make them more ultra. Verizon now offers four main plans starting with 5G Start. Like the Start Unlimited plan it replaced, 5G Start has access to the nationwide 5G network and unlimited data though it lacks any hotspot data and has no premium data.

The most significant plan updates came to the 5G Play More, 5G Do More, and 5G Get More plans. The 5G Play More and 5G Do More plans still have 50GB of premium data; however, hotspot data has been bumped up to 25GB for each plan. The 5G Play More plan comes with a selection of streaming perks, including Hulu, Disney, ESPN+, and the choice of Apple Arcade or Google Play Pass. You can also get six months of Apple Music for free.

The 5G Do More plan replaces the streaming perks with up to 50% off a hotspot plan, one TravelPass day per month, and 600GB of Verizon Cloud storage.

Finally, 5G Get More upgrades premium data to truly unlimited and upgrades the hotspot data to 50GB. It comes with both of the extras from the smaller plans, with all of the streaming features intact. This puts 5G Get More a bit ahead of T-Mobile's Magenta Max plan in hotspot data, one of the best cell phone plans for 5G.

One change to keep in mind is that Ultra Wideband hotspot usage counts towards your mobile hotspot data. If you use all of your hotspot data, speeds will be limited to 3Mbps on Ultra Wideband.

The 5G Start plan starts at $70 per line per month, with Play More and Do More both starting at $80 per month. The 5G Get More plan starts at $90 per month with a single line. All of these plans receive multi-line discounts up to five lines, and the listed price is with a $10 paper-free billing and AutoPay discount. With the three higher-cost plans, you can also get 50% off Verizon 5G Home Internet.

Verizon 5G Home Internet has also received an update with two plans. The smaller 5G Home plan comes in at $50 per month with a Wi-Fi 6 router included. The plan also comes with a Verizon Stream TV device, a Google Nest Mini, six months of Disney+ and AMC+, and one month free. Home Plus costs $70 per month and comes with all of the above, with the Disney+ and AMC+ subscriptions upgraded to 12 months and an upgrade to the Google Nest Hub Max. Both plan prices have a $10 discount for paper-free billing and AutoPay.

When you sign up for 5G Home Internet, you also get a price guarantee for two years with 5G Home and three years with 5G Home Plus.

What you need to know

• Verizon partnered with Bang & Olufsen to create two high-end Stream TV soundbars.
• The Stream TV Soundbar costs $399.99 and the Stream TV Soundbar Pro costs $999.99.
• Android TV powers these soundbars with access to all of the latest streaming apps.

Verizon has announced that it has worked together with Bang & Olufsen to create two soundbars featuring its Stream TV. This means customers can access the features of the previous standalone Stream TV box with the expanded audio experience of a soundbar.

These soundbars each come with Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound, Wi-Fi 6, and run atop Android TV for great app support. These systems have 2GB of system RAM and 16GB of storage which should be more than enough to handle 4K streaming enabled by the HDMI 2.1 port for output with up to 4K 60Hz video support.

The cheaper Verizon Stream TV Soundbar has two HDMI ports for external devices, so you don't need to worry about taking up an HDMI port with this soundbar. You can easily plug in your game consoles or Blu-ray player into these ports to view them on your TV. This soundbar uses five speakers to produce its wide range of sound including three full-range speakers and two woofers. This soundbar should be able to stand toe-to-toe with some of the best soundbars you can get despite its low price.

The Verizon Stream TV Soundbar Pro takes things a lot further with major upgrades to the audio components. This soundbar comes with nine speakers, including four full range, three tweeters, and two woofers. Having a wider range of speakers like this allows the soundbar to recreate sounds more accurately and provide the necessary fidelity to create a convincing virtual surround effect. This soundbar also comes with wall-mounting hardware so you can keep your TV setup clean.

If you're looking for a way to save on these audio upgrades, Verizon has a promotion on accessories with up to 30% off your purchase when you buy three or more accessories.

What you need to know

• AT&T and Verizon have proposed to limit their new 5G mid-band spectrum.
• The limits would allow the carriers to potentially avoid FAA concerns over interference.
• Both carriers have maintained that their new C-Band spectrum would not pose a problem.

Verizon and AT&T are preparing to launch their new mid-band 5G spectrum in January to booth their networks for the best Android phones, but there may be some limitations in its initial rollout.

The companies have penned a letter to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel (via The Wall Street Journal), proposing power limits to their 5G towers. This would last roughly six months and allow the FAA to investigate the potential impacts that the frequencies may have on aircraft equipment, as pointed out by the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA).

The letter, which was obtained by Android Central, points out how C-Band deployment in countries like Japan, Spain, Denmark, and Finland have not posed any problems despite higher power limits than those imposed in U.S. urban areas.

"The flawed nature of the RTCA Report is underscored by real-world experience," the companies state in the letter, which points out multiple technologies in use that would potentially cause greater interference but don't.

"Given the years of study and widespread global experience with 5G using C-band, AT&T and Verizon believe that supplemental protection—beyond the existing FCC technical rules and the massive separation between 5G networks and radio altimeters—is unnecessary."

The proposal comes after both companies agreed to push back their planned mid-band rollout for January 2022 after the FAA expressed concerns that the frequencies may interfere with radar altimeters which allow aircraft to measure their distance from the ground.

"We have voluntarily agreed to certain precautionary protection measures for 5G networks in the C-band while additional evidence from radio altimeter manufacturers is evaluated," AT&T told Android Central in a statement. "Though there is no credible evidence that a legitimate interference problem exists, we agreed to take these additional steps to alleviate any safety concerns from the FAA."

While both carriers moved their rollout, they're no doubt eager to deploy the new C-Band spectrum, which they spent billions of dollars on in a bid to boost their 5G networks against T-Mobile. Meanwhile, the Magenta carrier spent much less on the newer C-Band spectrum, so it is a lot less concerned. T-Mobile is already sitting pretty on a mountain of mid-band 5G thanks to its purchase of Sprint, of which none is a concern for the FAA.

Even as Verizon and AT&T both focused on other aspects of 5G deployment, the latter highlights the urgency of rolling out the C-Band spectrum as quickly as possible, particularly amid the current rip-and-replace mandates against Chinese 5G equipment.

"Unfortunately, any further delay in the launch of C-band for 5G will not only set back U.S. 5G leadership, it will also undermine the credibility of U.S. technology leadership, and, potentially, U.S. efforts to promote a more secure and trusted global communications infrastructure."

The power limits are expected to last until June 2022, although consumers will likely face minimal impact, according to WSJ.

What you need to know

• The FCC approved Verizon's acquisition of TracFone on November 22, 2021.
• Verizon reached an agreement to buy the prepaid carrier over a year earlier, September 13, 2020, for $7 billion.
• Verizon claims that TracFone customers will benefit from Verizon's investment with better services and new features.

Verizon is applauding the FCC's approval of its acquisition of prepaid cell phone carrier TracFone. Verizon had entered an agreement to buy the carrier on September 13, 2020, for $7 billion. At the time, Tracfone was the largest MVNO in the country, with 21 million subscribers.

Senior vice president of public policy and government affairs, Kathy Grillo, said of the deal:

TracFone also has several other smaller brands, including Straight Talk, Simple Mobile, Total Wireless, and Walmart Family Mobile. TracFone customers likely won't notice much, if any, negative impact to their service given the strength of Verizon's coverage area. It will also take some time before Verizon is able to fully integrate the carrier and its customers into its own network. Grillo reaffirmed its commitment to TracFone customers:

TracFone is joining the growing number of prepaid options using Verizon's network. These carriers offer their own plans and features to allow customers to find the right fit for them. For the most part, this is a strong move with some of the best cell phone plans you can buy using Verizon's vast LTE network.

As many of us who've been suddenly forced to work from home or attend online classes have come to discover over the past year, having a reliable high-speed internet connection where you live is extremely important. Even if you're not taking tests or in business meetings, it really helps to have speed on your side whether you're streaming a movie, playing a game online, or even shopping for concert tickets. If you're ready to change how you use the internet for the better, this latest deal at Verizon Fios offers the perfect opportunity.

New Fios customers can get an entire year of AMC+ for free when signing up for one of the new Mix & Match Home Internet Plans at Fios starting at just $39.99 per month, though the deal doesn't simply end there. Verizon is also throwing in bonuses like a free Samsung Chromebook 4 or a free Galaxy Tab A7 depending on the plan you choose. Plus, if you're already a Verizon Wireless customer, you'll save an extra $20 every month.

Verizon's deal isn't simply available for those with Fios plans; new and exisiting Verizon Wireless customers can score up to 12 months of AMC+ for free as well when you activate a new line on a Play More, Do More, or Get More Unlimited plan. Meanwhile, Start Unlimited plans include a six-month subscription for free. Existing customers who upgrade on the same line can also score a free six-month subscription. Of course, becoming a Verizon Wireless member has a load of other perks including free Disney+ and free Apple Music.

Verizon Fios is a 100% fiber-optic network that offers fast upload and download speeds up to 940/880 Mbps on its Gigabit Connection tier for a virtually seamless entertainment experience — no buffering, no lag, and no waiting forever for a simple page to load. A superfast internet connection like this is especially helpful for households with multiple devices connected to the internet as it allows enough bandwidth for everyone to share without impacting other members of the family.

The first episode of the final season of The Walking Dead is now available to stream one week early on AMC+! Be sure to head to Verizon today to learn more about Fios and start your subscription while this offer is still available.

Yesterday, news broke that Verizon will be switching to offer Google Messages as its default messaging app for RCS, beginning in 2022. This marks the third of the big three carriers in the U.S. to make such a move and follows in the footsteps of T-Mobile and AT&T.

This is fantastic news for Android users, as it means that the majority of phones sold in the U.S., be they cheap devices or the best Android phones, will be able to communicate reliably and securely with each other without needing to download a third-party messaging app.

This is thanks in part to Google bringing end-to-end encrypted messaging (E2E) to the Google Messages app. E2E is a feature that has long been supported on other popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and even on Apple's iMessage. It's long felt like using the default messaging app is the easiest thing to do for most phone buyers, so with this move you shouldn't have to worry as much about trying to convince your friends and family to switch to another messaging app.

Here at AC, we were pretty psyched about this latest development, as were several members of the AC forums.

What you need to know

• Verizon won RootMetrics best overall network performance and reliability award for the 16th consecutive time.
• Verizon came in first in five of the seven categories.
• AT&T took the lead for the fastest speeds and data score from Verizon.
• T-Mobile improved its media download speeds by 50%, from 20.1Mbps to 30.3Mbps.

Verizon announced that has been awarded the best overall network performance and reliability by RootMetrics for the sixteenth time in a row. In its report for the first half of 2021, RootMetrics found Verizon to have the top network in five of its seven categories. This report includes results for network reliability, speed, and performance, including data, calls, and text. Verizon took top marks in the reliability, accessibility, call, and text performance categories giving it the top spot overall.

Verizon points out that it has won or shared 738 out of 875 Metro Area RootScore Awards. Verizon also had 43 markets with at least 40Mbps. RootMetrics tests carrier networks in the 125 most populated metropolitan markets across all 50 states.

Kyle Malady, Chief Technology Officer at Verizon, said:

It wasn't a clean sweep as AT&T took first place in speed and data from Verizon. AT&T also tied Verizon in the text category. AT&T's aggregate download speed was an impressive 40.9Mbps compared to Verizon's 34.4Mbps and T-Mobile's 30.3Mbps.

T-Mobile came in third in every category but showed improvement in each. T-Mobile scored 146 RootScore in the second half of 2020 and has increased to 235 in the first half of 2021. T-Mobile also greatly improved its median download speed from 20.1Mbps to 30.3Mbps, representing a 50 percent improvement. Not only that, but T-Mobile decreased the number of areas that had download speeds under 20Mbps from 62 to 23, providing a much better experience to many people.

Each carrier has shown improvement in this report, meaning that customers can focus more on finding the best cell phone plan rather than worrying if they will have reliable service. The networks are only getting faster as well, with T-Mobile taking in the lead in every day 5G speeds thanks to its huge 5G coverage area, but C-band spectrum will open up even greater 5G speeds for every carrier.

What you need to know

• Verizon is offering tech discounts for vaccinated customers, the company announced on Monday.
• The company will let you claim 10% off any mobile or smart home accessory. This deal will go live from Tuesday, June 15.
• Verizon will allow eligible customers to stack this discount on existing deals.

As vaccinations ramp up globally, Verizon is looking to encourage American customers to get their shots with the universal language of money. The company will offer a 10% discount on any Verizon-sold accessory to customers with at least one shot of any COVID-19 vaccination. The company will also offer this discount to public servants, including teachers, nurses, and first responders.

Verizon announced on Monday:

This offer will run through July 15, and codes will need to be redeemed by August 15 at the very latest. The company will also let you stack this code on other Verizon deals, allowing you to pick up smart home accessories, some of the best wireless headphones, and other devices the company sells but at a lower cost than you'll normally be able to.

You can take advantage of the offer from Verizon's mini-site starting on June 15. The website does not appear to be live yet, but we expect it to come online once the promotion starts.

Play More Unlimited

In the spirit of the community good, Verizon's Play More Unlimited is the best plan you can get for a family. You'll have 50GB of premium data, 5G total access, and unlimited mobile hotspot data. The company also offers Disney, Apple Music, and discovery+ packages with this plan.

• $80/mo. for one line at Verizon

What you need to know

• Verizon is offering Google Play Pass or Apple Arcade to its subscribers.
• Depending on the plan, users could get up to a full year of access for free.
• The offer requires a new line activation to qualify.

Verizon has announced a new offer for its customers, giving them free access to Google Play Pass or Apple Arcade for up to a year when you subscribe to one of its Unlimited plans. The offer is available for both new and existing customers on some of the best Verizon plans that offer unlimited data and 5G access.

With Verizon's latest offer, if you're on Verizon's Start Unlimited plan using one of the best Android phones, you'll have access to six months of Google Play Pass at no additional cost. However, if you are on Verizon's Play More or Get More unlimited plans, you'll receive a year of Google Play Pass. The same goes for iPhone users and Apple Arcade.

The offer should help to entice users onto Verizon's network, which is currently battling it out with T-Mobile for 5G dominance. Meanwhile, T-Mobile offers users deals every week with T-Mobile Tuesdays, which can vary from discounts and promotions on food to subscription offers. Late last year, the company offered its subscribers two free months of Google Play Pass.

Google Play Pass offers premium, ad-free access to some of the best Android games and apps. With more than 800 games available on the service, it can save users quite a bit of money by charging a low monthly cost for premium apps and in-app content.

Users can include up to five family members on the subscription so everyone on the account can enjoy the free games. Once the offer ends, they'll have to fork over the monthly $5 charge or ditch the subscription altogether. It's easy enough to cancel, but we can walk you through how to cancel Google Play Pass.

Verizon also highlights easier gameplay with controllers like the Razer Kishi, which is being sold through the carrier.

What you need to know

• Verizon has announced a new trade-in deal that includes broken smartphones.
• The trade-in amount will depend on the phone model and its condition.
• The deal will start April 1, and Verizon assures it's not a prank.

Tomorrow is April Fool's Day, although no one really has the patience for it. However, Verizon's new trade-in deal begins tomorrow, and it's a bit hard to believe. That's because the company is giving new customers up to $1000 when they trade in broken smartphones for a new one. That's right, Verizon wants your dead, cracked, water-damaged phones, and it'll give you money towards an upgrade to one of the best Android phones.

To take advantage of this deal, you can be either a new or existing customer, although the offer isn't as robust if you're already on the network. For example, existing customers trading in for a new smartphone will receive up to $440 of trade-in credit. That's still not bad, especially when you're looking at getting one of the best cheap Android phones. Meanwhile, new customers that port their numbers are eligible for $800 worth of trade-in credit plus an additional $200 e-gift card. That would nearly cover the cost of a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, which retails on the carrier for $1200.

It's important to keep in mind that trade-in amounts depend on the phone model and the condition it's in. The deal also requires users to be on one of the best Verizon plans, such as Do More, Play More, or Get More Unlimited. In addition to the sweet trade-in deal, new and existing customers can still take advantage of the Disney Bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, not to mention how this kind of trade-in deal could potentially help reduce electronic waste.

The deal may sound too good to be true, but Verizon assures us it's not a joke. The offer is only available for a limited time, so grab that broken LG G8 from your drawer and check with Verizon on April 1 and find out just how much it's worth.

What you need to know

• Verizon has set a date for the shut-down of its 3G CDMA network.
• The carrier states that the network will be fully decommissioned at the end of 2022.
• According to Verizon, only 1% of its customer base still relies on 3G.

Verizon is finally marking its transition into the new decade. The company has just announced the date that it plans to shut off its legacy 3G CDMA network after delaying it twice. The shutdown will happen on December 31st, 2022, which the company believes will give its customer ample time to switch to newer devices.

Shutting down older networks isn't unheard of, and it's something that all of the best 5G networks do to free up spectrum. Carriers then use this spectrum and refarm it to help boost the capacity of newer networks, in this case, 4G LTE and 5G. Verizon 5G has been largely dependent on mmWave technology, which achieves the fastest speeds but does not reach very far, so the company has recently relied on the lower-band spectrum to provide nationwide 5G to its customers. The company also uses Dynamic Spectrum Sharing to share spectrum from its 4G network to boost 5G, so the more available spectrum, the better.

Given that only 1% of Verizon's customer base is on 3G, that means nearly 2 million subscribers are still using older devices. Fortunately, newer devices are becoming much more affordable. Customers can choose from any of the best cheap Android phones like the Google Pixel 4a 5G, or even some of the best Android phones under $200, which should be compatible with Verizon's newer networks.

Verizon notes that the shutdown comes months after its competitors. T-Mobile and AT&T are both reportedly shutting down their 3G networks in early 2022.

What you need to know

• Verizon's faster C-band 5G will only be available for its premium customers.
• The carrier recently bid more than $45B in the C-band spectrum auction.
• This is the complete opposite stance than rival T-Mobile, making its complete 5G network available to all of its customers.

The 5G wars continue to rage on, and carriers are finding new ways to integrate the growing network into their business. Verizon has recently confirmed how it plans to offer its C-band (mid-band) spectrum that it just bought into its data plans, which will, unfortunately, leave lower-paying customers out of luck for faster 5G speeds.

According to CNET reporter Eli Blumenthal, Verizon plans to reserve access to its C-band spectrum for its higher tier customers:

It's not surprising that the carrier would save its expensive new 5G spectrum for its higher-paying customers, given that Verizon just spent more than $45B to secure it. It's a strategy that differs greatly from its closest rival, T-Mobile, which has been vocal about making its 5G network available to anyone with a 5G-compatible device. T-Mobile has already begun deploying its own mid-band spectrum thanks to the recent merger with Sprint, giving it the benefit of faster speeds with wider coverage.

Meanwhile, Verizon expects that its premium data plans will continue to fuel its growth, reaching 50% adoption by 2023.

As for devices, Verizon also stated in its Investor Day presentation that every 5G phone it sells from now on would be compatible with the new C-band spectrum. Some of the best Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Google Pixel 5 are already compatible. Verizon's announcement also opens up better 5G access for some of the best cheap Android phones that will arrive this year.

Verizon plans to spend an additional $10B on deploying its C-band spectrum over the next three years. The company expects as many as 7000 cell sites to be equipped with the new spectrum this year. Of course, in order to take advantage of Verizon's C-band benefits, you'll need to spend more for its best 5G plans.

It's becoming even more enticing to make the switch to America's most reliable internet service thanks to this month's new deals at Verizon Fios. Through March 17, new subscribers can score up to a year of the new Discovery+ streaming service for free when joining Fios with plans starting as low as just $39.99 monthly. By signing up for the best tier, Gigabit Connection, you'll also receive a $100 Verizon gift card and a free Stream TV device with the purchase for a limited time.

Fios is a 100% fiber-optic network that offers enough bandwidth for multiple devices and 4K streaming. The Gigabit Connection plan offers speeds up to 940/880 Mbps for a seamless entertainment experience with virtually no buffering. If you're currently a Verizon Wireless customer or planning to make the switch soon, you can save up to $20 extra as a user of both services.

There are three plans to choose from when switching to Fios: 200 Mbps for $39.99 per month, 400 Mbps for $59.99 per month, or Gigabit Connection for $79.99 monthly. The 200 Mbps plan comes with a free 3-month subscription to Discovery+, while the 400 Mbps plan includes a free 6-month subscription. However, you'll score an entire year of Discovery+ with the Gigabit Connection plan. These subscriptions will auto-renew at their regular cost of $6.99 monthly after the free period has ended unless you cancel your membership.

Discovery+ gives you access to watch popular shows and original content from networks like HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Animal Planet, and Discovery Channel among a few others. This offer from Verizon Fios includes an ad-free subscription that you'll be able to watch on your smartphone or tablet, computer, or smart TV. It's also available on Xbox consoles, Fire TV and Roku devices, and more.

Verizon is adding even more value to its holiday deals with a buy one get one deal for 5G phones when you bring two lines to Verizon's unlimited plans with Ultra Wideband service. This includes the Play More, Get More, and Do More unlimited plans. This plan comes with up to $1000 in savings applied to 24 bill credits when you buy two qualifying phones, many of which are some of the best Android phones you can get. For many devices like the Galaxy S20+ 5G, that's free. This also comes with two $250 Verizon eGift cards sent within eight weeks.

This deal applies to a handful of 5G Android phones alongside a similar deal for 5G-enabled iPhones. The discount works out to $41.66 per month for 24 months or $33.33 per month for 30 months if you prefer. The Galaxy S20+ 5G and OnePlus 8 5G UW are the standout deals thanks to existing discounts taking the monthly payments even lower than normal. When we reviewed them earlier this year, the S20 Plus and the OnePlus 8 were both great options.

It's also worth noting that this deal applies to phones over $1000 like the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G allowing you to get two of them for a great discount. It doesn't have the same ring as free, but if you're looking to get one of the most interesting, and most expensive smartphones of the year, this might be the right time. In our review of the Galaxy Z Fold 2, we liked it quite a lot.

With two new lines and 24 months

You can also mix it up

One thing to keep in mind about this deal is that you can mix and match phones as long as the second phone is of equal or lesser value. If you want something more expensive on one line, but want to save a little money on the second line, you can. Not everyone needs or wants the most expensive phone. You'll still need to sign up for the unlimited plan however so no matter what, both lines will get a ton of data.

It's not always easy to find Black Friday phone deals that are worth the purchase, but if you're planning on shopping anywhere this year, Verizon should be at the top of your list. Whether you're a Verizon member already or thinking of switching, this carrier offers some of the best Android Black Friday deals, as well as the best iPhone Black Friday deals. Verizon is considered to be one of the best wireless carriers in the U.S., especially in terms of LTE performance, though it's also one of the more expensive options. However, with great Black Friday offers come some pretty big savings to consider.

Scoring the best Black Friday deals generally requires staying prepared, so we're gathering everything you need to know before Black Friday 2020 arrives, from Verizon's Black Friday hours and the Verizon Black Friday ad to all the best Black Friday deals on phones that you don't want to miss. Though Verizon has yet to release the full details of its Black Friday 2020 sale, we do expect all of its deals to be available online with the ability to pick up your new device in-store or have it delivered with free 2-day shipping.

Best Verizon Black Friday deals

Verizon usually has a few deals on more than just phones, including Black Friday smartwatch deals and discounts on accessories for all your devices. We'll be keeping track of all of them in the space below as they're announced. Until then, we'll be showcasing the best deals currently available at Verizon that might make it worth skipping Black Friday and shopping now.

Black Friday Verizon ad

Verizon's Black Friday ad for 2020 hasn't been revealed just yet, though we'll be sharing it right here as soon as it's available. Last year, Verizon didn't release its full ad until the Tuesday before Black Friday, so it's possible that we won't see the full ad until late November again. It's also wise to keep in mind many early Black Friday deals are already live!

Black Friday Verizon hours

The 2020 Verizon Black Friday sale hasn't been announced yet, though it's likely that Verizon stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day while the online Black Friday event should feature deals on both Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday. We expect stores to open at 8AM on Black Friday, November 27. Considering all of Verizon's deals should be available online, this could be the best year yet to skip the store and shop online.

Yes, you should buy a Verizon phone on Black Friday, as long as you're happy with your Verizon coverage and don't mind signing up for a couple more years. If you are signing up for a new account or adding a line, there are some great savings available on one of the biggest and most reliable mobile networks.

Verizon phones can take full advantage of the Verizon LTE and 5G network. If you're willing to commit to a couple of years of service, you can get a great phone on a great network.

See the deals at Verizon

Black Friday can be a great time to get some amazing deals, whether you're looking to buy a phone made specifically for Verizon's network or to get one that's unlocked. Many people may be tempted to go for an unlocked phone to have more options to switch later, but you could be leaving some network performance on the table. Even so, there are many great Black Friday deals, and if you love your Verizon coverage and plan, you can get a great phone for a reduced price.

Verizon has been very competitive with its network and has continued to invest in speed and reliability. Even Verizon's 5G coverage has been making up ground in a big way since the October launch of its sub-6 nationwide 5G network, and if you're happy with the network and don't need to switch, you can get some solid Black Friday deals.

Verizon phones are also available with support for its UW, Ultra-Wideband 5G network, while many unlocked variants don't support it. The Galaxy S20 5G unlocked will only work with sub-6 5G, while the Verizon version will support the full network.

If you're looking for more immediate benefits from your phone purchase, Some discounts will come in the form of a gift card, giving you a lot more flexibility in how you use it. For the most part, it's a Verizon gift card, but there are plenty of accessories available to take your smartphone experience to the next level, from wireless headphones to cases.

If you're comfortable signing on for another two years of service, there are some great savings on phone hardware available.

Bringing your own device might be a better fit for you

Carriers would rather make money from customers every single month rather than a few large purchases every year or two. Nearly any phone you see on sale in general or on Black Friday won't be a direct coupon but a reduced monthly fee, typically through bill credits. As a result, most customers will need to stick with Verizon for 24 months minimum to truly get the discounted price. It also means that if you want to take your phone to another carrier or simply cancel your service, you need to finish paying off the phone. Still, with a trade-in promotion, you could still come out ahead.

Finally, the savings are going to be much bigger for new customers and new lines. As mentioned, the name of the game is to get more people paying monthly, and an existing customer isn't as likely to leave for a phone deal. You might be able to find a better deal unlocked or directly from the manufacturer with a trade-in.

Save whether you pay upfront or month to month

There are a lot of Black Friday deals on Android phones that you can bring to Verizon. If you can afford to buy your phone all at once, you can save money without being locked to the carrier with monthly payments. If you're happy with your Verizon service, you can get a great phone without paying the full amount.

Is Black Friday the right time to buy a new phone?

If you follow mobile technology, you already know that most of the biggest Android phones get announced and released at the beginning of the year. With that in mind, we're not too far off the next wave of phones from Samsung. However, many of the phones from earlier in the year are still easily some of the best Android phones you can get thanks to great hardware and software that will hold up for years.

Even so, Some great new releases like the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, Pixel 4a with 5G, Pixel 5, and even some interesting new form factors like the LG Wing make this a great time to get a new phone. Don't spend too much time worrying about having the newest phone but rather finding one with the features that make the most sense for you.

If you're switching to Verizon, getting one of these deals is a solid strategy, and in a couple of years, you'll be lined up to take advantage of another Black Friday or holiday sale. In addition, if you're ready to add a new line to your account for Christmas, there are a ton of deals for new lines on an existing account.

What you need to know

• 5.06Gbps has been achieved on mmWave 5G with carrier aggregation.
• These speeds were achieved by combining eight channels of spectrum totaling 800MHz of spectrum.
• This has been made possible with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X60 5G Modem and Ericsson's network equipment.

Working with Ericsson and Qualcomm, Verizon has been able to achieve 5.06Gbps on mmWave 5G with carrier aggregation. With eight channels combined adding up to 800MHz of spectrum, this is a new milestone for 5G technology. This was also made possible on a single device thanks to Qualcomm's Snapdragon X60 Modem-RF System with QTM535 mmWave antennas modules. This band is also supported by the several devices available today with the Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF System. Ericsson is behind the 5G network infrastructure used.

While still a bit off the theoretical max speeds of 10Gbps for mmWave 5G networks, Verizon has been able to get close. These speeds are faster than anything apart from commercial fiber optic connections and show the incredible speed possible with the massive amounts of spectrum available for mmWave 5G. Verizon's Ultra Wideband 5G network continues to be the fastest 5G network currently available.

Verizon's Brian Mecum, vice president, device technology:

These incredible speeds also aren't that far off of Verizon's deployed Ultra Wideband mmWave 5G network that can achieve up to 4Gbps in some locations. Verizon has also recently expanded its 5G network for consumers with nationwide 5G utilizing DSS spectrum covering over 200 million people.

What you need to know

• Verizon's nationwide 5G network is available now with the right Samsung Galaxy phone.
• More 5G capable phones will support the new network in the coming weeks with a software update.
• Several Samsung Galaxy 5G phones are receiving updates now to use the network.

Verizon Wireless recently announced a nationwide 5G network to fill in the gaps between its faster Ultra Wideband 5G. This new network was announced at Apple's iPhone event on October 13, 2020, and uses DSS to share its existing LTE spectrum with 5G as needed. Verizon says this network covers 200 million people.

Android phones are fully capable of supporting this network and according to George Koroneos, Verizon tech storyteller, few models from Samsung are the first to be updated to access nationwide 5G on Verizon. If you have a Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G series device, S20 5G UW, S20 Ultra 5G, S20+ 5G, A71 5G UW, or A51 5G UW, keep an eye out for a software update that will allow you to hop on the new network.

If you have another Verizon 5G capable device, you'll likely receive an update in the coming weeks adding support for the new 5G network. You can check out Verizon's coverage map to see if you'll be covered on by this new 5G network. Unlike Verizon's Ultra Wideband network, all Verizon customers should be able to use this network if they have a compatible phone.

On September 14, 2020, Verizon announced that it will acquire the prepaid mobile carrier Tracfone and its 21 million customers from America Movil. Verizon is paying $3.125 billion in cash, $3.125 billion in Verizon common stock, as well as $650 million in "future cash considerations related to the achievement of certain performance measures and other commercial arrangements."

If you are a Tracfone customer or are thinking about switching to one of Tracfone's brands there are a few things to consider. We have answered some of the biggest questions about this purchase.

Why is Verizon buying an MVNO?

Verizon is well known for building a great wireless network with solid speeds and some of the best coverage available. Verizon also packs its plans with a bunch of extras like Disney+, mobile hotspot, and premium data that a lot of people don't need or care about. Despite this, Verizon's comparably high prices mean a lot of people would rather sign up with a cheaper service even if it means giving up a bit of top speed.

Even Verizon's own prepaid options are quite expensive when compared to many MVNOs especially with a single line.

Tracfone provides solid low-cost service to 21 million customers and helps to round out Verizon's wireless offerings with the main Verizon Wireless brand offering premium wireless services with Tracfone's brands filling out the value segment. Verizon has already been the provider for a few value MVNOs already such as Visible and US Mobile. Tracfone already has 13 million of its customers using the Verizon network.

Light Reading reports that this transaction wasn't due to the pandemic nor was it a response to Dish acquiring Boost Mobile. It's also noted that Verizon's new CEO, Hans Vestberg, may have been more open to the prepaid market than his predecessor. Furthermore, Verizon should be able to increase profits from Tracfone's subscribers by moving them onto its own network. The Tracfone brand will allow Verizon to sell a cheaper service without negatively affecting the perception of its premium Verizon service. This is similar to what AT&T does with Cricket Wireless and T-Mobile does with Metro by T-Mobile.

Even without Tracfone, there are still some great MVNOs that use Verizon's network.

What are Tracfone's brands?

Tracfone is currently owned by America Movil which provides wireless service to millions of people in the United States as well as Mexico, Central America, South America, and Eastern Europe.

Tracfone on its own is a recognizable brand but it also operates several other well-known brands in the prepaid space. It has Net10 Wireless, Walmart Family Mobile, SafeLink, Clearway, Total Wireless, Simple Mobile, Straight Talk, and Pageplus. Some of these brands like Walmart Family Mobile currently use the T-Mobile network exclusively or offer customers a choice in which network to use.

When will it happen?

Acquisitions of this scale take quite a bit of time since they require regulatory approval. With T-Mobile's purchase of Sprint, it took years to get done. Though that was a substantially bigger transaction, it will still take a long time, perhaps years, to get all of Tracfone's customers moved over to a new network.

It's also worth keeping in mind that regulatory approval isn't always a sure thing. Years before T-Mobile was able to buy Sprint, both Sprint and AT&T had attempted and failed to buy T-Mobile. The current administration's FCC is a little friendlier to deals like this than in the past but it's not set in stone.

Verizon expects the transaction to close in the second half of 2021 with regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.

Which customers are affected?

In the near future, very little will change for customers but there is no doubt that Verizon wants to transfer all of its Tracfone customers to its network eventually. Moving millions of customers to a new network isn't an overnight process and will take many months or even years to fully complete.

The first clues of the purchase may be the elimination of the network options for new activations as well as some new plans that more closely fit Verizon's overall plans and network.

Will my Tracfone service change?

Many of Tracfone's brands offer coverage on all three of the major carrier networks and some, like Walmart Family Mobile currently only offer coverage on the T-Mobile network. If you are using Verizon's network already, your service should remain largely the same and may even improve as the deal progresses.

If you are using one of the other networks, you won't see changes immediately but over time, Tracfone will begin shuffling customers to the new network either through phone upgrades or new plans only available on the Verizon network.

Will my coverage improve?

Coverage always depends on your specific location. Verizon has a strong nationwide network and in many places, offers the best coverage or very close to it. Still, there are places where AT&T, T-Mobile, or even Sprint's legacy network may provide superior performance. If you are already using Verizon's network, you might see coverage improvements if Verizon opens up more roaming options or improved data prioritization. Most likely, you won't see much of a change.

If you are on one of the other networks, you should double-check Verizon's coverage before activating your number on a new SIM. A sales associate will tell you that Verizon has the best network in the country but every area is different.

Do I need a new phone?

Most of the best unlocked phones you can get will work on Verizon's network. If you've been hanging onto your phone for a few years already, you'll have to check with your carrier. If you're using a phone on the Sprint network, you'll probably need something new for the Verizon network.

Verizon will eventually launch a nationwide 5G network using dynamic spectrum sharing and accessing that network will likely require a new phone, even if your phone already supports T-Mobile or AT&T 5G. Verizon's mmWave Ultra Wideband 5G network hasn't made much of an impact on its MVNOs yet and with its severely limited coverage, probably won't.

If you're ready for an upgrade now, your best bet is to get a great phone that works with as many networks as possible including Verizon.

Do I have to change to Verizon's network?

One of the most important reasons to choose an MVNO is that they don't have contracts. While Tracfone's MVNOs will eventually transition to the Verizon network, you're not stuck. As long as you don't owe money on your phone, you can switch to another carrier at any time. You might even find one you like better. Don't forget, too, all carriers have been making major improvements to their networks in both 4G LTE and 5G so it might be worth checking out if you're on the best service for your area.

How will Tracfone employees be affected?

Verizon said that it's welcoming all of the nearly 850 Tracfone employees. While this doesn't provide perfect clarification for everyone involved with Tracfone, it does at least show the Verizon is serious about growing the Tracfone brand and improving service instead of eliminating its competition.

Tracfone and its brands are sold at 90,000 retail locations such as Walmart, Dollar General, and Family Dollar so there are a ton of people indirectly involved with selling the company's products.

What you need to know

• Verizon Wireless has reached a deal to purchase wireless re-seller Tracfone.
• It includes $3.125 billion in cash, $3.125 billion in Verizon stock, and up to another $650 in cash.
• Tracfone is the largest pre-paid wireless brand, touting 21 million subscribers.

Another big shift is taking place in the wireless space, with Verizon making the formal announcement on September 13 that it's now entered an agreement to purchase Tracfone.

There's a good chance you've heard of Tracfone before, and you might even use the company's services yourself. It's the largest wireless re-seller in the United States, offering affordable wireless plans through the main Tracfone brand and smaller sister brands — including Straight Talk, Simple Mobile, Total Wireless, Walmart FamilyMobile, and others.

Verizon is buying Tracfone for around $7 billion, with that being broken up into three main parts:

• $3.125 billion in cash.
• $3.125 billion in Verizon common stock.
• $650 million in "future cash consideration related to the achievement of certain performance measures and other commercial arrangements."

Commenting on the news, Verizon Chairman and CEO Hans Vestberg said:

Of the 21 million Tracfone customers, more than 13 million of them already have their service powered by Verizon's network. It's said that all Tracfone customers will have access to Verizon service "soon," though it remains unclear if Tracfone's other service options from AT&T and T-Mobile will continue to be available. Verizon will also expand its, 4G LTE and 5G services, in addition to "other innovative technologies."

The deal is expected to be completed in the second half of 2021, pending regulatory approvals. We all know how long it took for the T-Mobile and Sprint merger to happen, and while this isn't exactly the same type of acquisition, it's still possible it'll be faced with pushback and delays along the way.

Best Verizon Phones 2020

Disney Plus (Disney+) is a great streaming service if you're a Disney fan — and be real, who isn't a Disney fan? — and if you're on Verizon, things get even sweeter. Most Verizon customers are enjoying a free year of Disney+ right now thanks to Disney+ on Us, and once that year is up, customers on certain plans will not only get to keep using it for free, they're getting upgraded to the Disney+ bundle with Hulu and ESPN+! Here's what plans get the goods and how Disney+ on Us's free year works.

What is Disney Plus?

Disney+ is a streaming service from Disney similar to Netflix and Amazon Prime, with movies, TV shows, and shorts. With content from Disney, Pixar, Fox, National Geographic, and Lucasfilm, Disney+ has been getting a lot of praise. Reviews have been positive and there are a lot of reasons to sign up for the service. Especially with a Verizon unlimited plan.

You can watch on more than your phone as well. With support for most major platforms, you can watch Disney+ on your TV, computer, tablet, and current generation game consoles. Quality is up to 4K with HDR with a compatible device. Video quality looks great on a smartphone display, especially OLED displays.

Which wireless plans include Disney Plus?

For the original Disney+ on Us, all current and new Verizon Unlimited plans were eligible for a free year of Disney+. Now with Verizon and Disney's new agreement, the plans that get Disney + or the Disney Bundle are limited to the Play More Unlimited and Get More Unlimited plans, though the Start Unlimited and Do More Unlimited plans are eligible for six months of Disney+ for free.

If you have an eligible account, all you need to do is add your Disney+ account to your Verizon account in order to get that Disney movie magic back in your life. If you're not on one of these plans already, let's take a look at which one is best for you.

Pick the right Verizon plan

Verizon's unlimited plans cover a wide range of budgets and needs offering unlimited LTE service on even its Start Unlimited plan. If you don't need hotspot capabilities, cloud storage, or free music streaming with Apple Music, this plan can be a good fit. Keep in mind that video only streams at 480p on this plan. This is a pretty barebones unlimited plan and doesn't come with any premium data, and it only comes with a 6-month trial of Disney+.

Premium data is what Verizon calls data that isn't deprioritized. 50GB of premium data is included with Verizon's Premium Network Access feature. This means that your data speeds will remain high even when a tower is crowded. Deprioritized data will have to wait in line a bit longer for its connection if the tower is at or above capacity. For most people, this won't be a huge issue and often will be unnoticeable, but for someone living in a dense area with congested networks, stepping up to the next plan can help your connection's consistency.

If you want the highest quality video on the go, you'll need to grab the Play More Unlimited, Do More Unlimited, or Get More Unlimited plan. Both plans come with Premium Network Access which adds optional 720p video streaming and 50GB of premium data. Play More Unlimited and Do More Unlimited come with 15GB of LTE hotspot data. Get More Unlimited knocks hotspot data up to 30GB at LTE speeds.

If your plan comes with Premium Network Access, you will need to go into your account settings to enable 720p streaming or you'll be stuck with standard definition.

How much data does Disney Plus use?

Source: Android Central

Downloads

The most consistent way to know how much data Disney+ will use in the app is to use the download feature. This saves the video file to your phone's storage so you can play it back without using your data connection. This can be a great way to save data by taking advantage of Wi-Fi and can be a lifesaver on long flights. It's also a good option for someone without premium data that wants a consistent video experience.

Downloads come in three flavors: standard, medium, and high. High actually uses significantly more data than standard or even medium. A 39-minute episode of The Mandalorian came in at 270MB, 424MB, and 1.5GB across the three quality settings. Something shorter like the three-minute Pixar short Forky Asks a Question: What is Money, comes in at 20MB, 31MB, 112MB. Both videos come in around 7MB, 10MB, and 38MB per minute of video.

Streaming

Streaming video is always going to be less predictable and consistent that downloading. Streaming over cellular data comes in with the settings automatic and save data. On a strong LTE connection around 50Mbps down and set to automatic, I used about as much data as I would have downloading the video on high. Set to save data, I used closer to the medium setting. Both of these settings will drop the quality to avoid pauses if your connection quality is lower than it needs to be for the higher qualities.

For now, it's safe to assume you'll be operating around medium to high settings on streaming. To be honest, I couldn't see much of a difference on the smaller OLED screen on my phone.

Fios and 5G Home internet plans

New customers on Verizon's home internet plans also got one year of Disney+ for free. Unlike the wireless plans, this only applied to new customers. There is no mention of a continued Disney+ bundle for FiOS at this time, but these plans may be expanded in the future.

• Check Fios availability
• Check 5G Home Internet availability

What's the fine print?

There are a few things to remember with this promotion but it's straight forward.

How much does it cost?

Disney+ costs $6.99 per month, or $69.99 per year in the United States normally. After your free one year of Disney+ on Us, if you're not on the Play More Unlimited or Get More Unlimited plans, your Disney+ plan will automatically renew at the monthly price on your Verizon bill.

What if I already bought a year?

If you already bought a year of Disney+, don't worry. Your one-year subscription will pause until the Verizon promotion is over. You won't lose the service you paid for.

How many devices can stream at once?

Disney+ can be used on 10 unique devices but only four can stream at once. Still this is good for a family and might be one of the best things to happen to the family road trip since the Game Boy.

How do I sign up?

You will need to create a Disney+ account separately on Disney+. There is a free trial for seven days, so you won't need to pay anything right off the bat.

Then you need to add your Disney+ account to your Verizon Account. You can also add your account with the My Verizon app (Also on iOS). Once this is done, you should have unlimited access to the video service until you cancel your Verizon plan or remove Disney+ from your account.

Keep up with all things Disney+ on Android Central

If you're with Verizon in the U.S., then you know it's one of the nation's largest networks, so when there's an outage, for whatever reason, it affects a lot of people in a given area.

If your Verizon service isn't working as it should, whether it's LTE, phone calls, texts, or whatever, then here's what you can do to relieve it or at least figure out what's going on.

First off, sign up for outage alerts

By signing into your Verizon account you can change preferences for various notifications, including service outage alerts for your area. Depending on what the outage is, you'll receive SMS notifications or email notifications.

Have your tried turning it off and on again?

Always check the device that's acting up first. Whatever it happens to be, power it down, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on again. If you're experience outage issues on multiple devices, then you know something's up with your network (though it could still be isolated to your home's connection).

Try using Wi-Fi calling

Many modern phones support calling and texting over Wi-Fi which can be a great help for temporary outages or signal dead zones. You'll need to be connected to an active and working Wi-Fi connection for this to work. If you normally use a hotspot from Verizon for Wi-Fi you'll need to find something else until the issue is resolved. We generally recommend using a secure VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi but if the connection is coming from a trusted source, there isn't too much to worry about.

Check Verizon's 'Help with a Service Outage' page

Verizon's own resource for service outages is one of the first stops your should make in your research, since it can also help with potential troubleshooting tips, just in case it's not a service outage for your area and it's actually an issue that's affecting your specific device or connection.

There are then links to resources that can help you diagnose your problem and then decide whether you need an in-home technician's help or if simple online troubleshooting can help you out (if your area isn't actually experiencing an outage).

Verizon also has an FAQ page that can help you with various troubleshooting tips and any questions you might have.

Get help with a Verizon service outage

Check out an outage website

There are many websites that will report carrier outages and where you can report an outage if you think you're facing one in your area. Outage.Report is a great service because it shows you an outage map for the entire U.S., so you can see where the outage hotspots might be and whether or not a reported outage is affecting your area.

You can also check out downdetector.com, which will show you instances of outages over the last 24 hours, so you can see if problems you're having have been reported or are residual from an earlier outage.

Contact Verizon

If you can't figure out what's going on and your service outage persists, contact Verizon directly. Besides calling, you can also try social media such as tweeting @VZWSupport.

Call 1-800-922-0204 or dial *611 from your Verizon phone (unless of course calls aren't working on your mobile network).

Contact Verizon online

What you need to know

• Verizon has updated the pricing of its prepaid plans to reward users' loyalty.
• Each of the plans now offers a cumulative $5 discount after three and nine months, respectively.
• You can also save an additional $5 by using AutoPay.

Verizon today announced some major new discounts for users of its prepaid plans that reward their loyalty for staying with the carrier. All three of the prepaid plans now come with the option to save as much as $10 per month simply by sticking with the carrier for a long period of time.

Monthly costs for the plans will now go down by $5 after three months of use, while users can enjoy an additional $5 discount after nine months. With the addition of the $5 discount from AutoPay, that could represent a total $15 of savings after nine months. The breakdowns for each of the three plans with the new discounts are shown below (do note that the prices listed assume the Autopay discount is also being applied):

All three of the plans include unlimited talk time within the U.S. and unlimited texts within the U.S. and to 200 international destinations. The Unlimited plan additionally includes talk, text, and data to and from Mexico and Canada, while the 15 GB plan includes calls to Canada and Mexico.

You can find more details about Verizon's prepaid offerings and sign up for the plans here.

Best MVNOs That Use Verizon's Network in 2020