A MVNO called Total Wireless is launching exclusively through Walmart, and it is likely partnering with Verizon Wireless (NYSE: VZ), though the company did not confirm it is a Verizon MVNO. What sets Total Wireless apart from some of its MVNO brethren is that it will let customers purchase data that doesn't expire after a month.
According to a February PhoneNews report, Total Wireless is owned by América Móvil, which also operates the TracFone Wireless family of MVNO brands. The report also said that the Total Wireless service runs on Verizon's network.
A Total Wireless spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and a Verizon spokesman did not immediately have a comment. However, Total Wireless' coverage map closely resembles Verizon's' map (and is even in red, Verizon's corporate color). The Total Wireless website also says that it provides nationwide coverage on "America's largest, most reliable network," language similar to that Verizon uses in its marketing.
Total Wireless offers three plans:
- $35 per month: A single-line plan with unlimited voice and texting and 2.5 GB of data.
- $60 per month: A two-line family plan with unlimited voice and texting and 5 GB of data shared across devices.
- $110 per month: A four line family plan with unlimited voice and texting and 12 GB of data shared across devices.
In each of those three plans, the data allotment is only available during the month and it does not carry over to the next month.
However, Total Wireless offers $10 "Carryover" data cards that do not expire. Total said that unused Carryover data doesn't expire as long as a customer has active service, so consumers can keep that additional data they buy. That offer fits with the trend that C Spire Wireless, T-Mobile US (NYSE:TMUS) and AT&T Mobility (NYSE: T) have embraced with their respective rollover data offerings.
Customers can switch to Total Wireless without a contract or credit check, the company said.
Total Wireless' device selection is somewhat lacking though. For instance, the company offers the entry-level Motorola Moto E Android smartphone, which is relatively recent, for $90, as well as the Alcatel One Touch Pop Icon, which was released last fall, for $150. However, the service also offers the older Samsung Galaxy S III, which came out in 2012, for $250.
For more:
- see this Total Wireless site
- see this Phone News article
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