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Our takeEditorial$20 BYOD or $40 standard, on Verizon with a 5 GB hotspot -- Total Base is the entry point to Verizon's network at MVNO prices, with full deprioritization as the tradeoff.
Total Wireless
Powered by VerizonTotal by Verizon Total Base 5G Unlimited
7.5/10 UpPhone score
Verizon's network at $40/month or $20 with BYOD -- Total Wireless's entry unlimited, fully deprioritized below higher tiers, with a 5 GB hotspot.
Best for
Total Wireless subscribers who want Unlimited data and hotspot.
LTEUnlimited Data5 GB HotspotNo Contract
Data
Unlimited
Hotspot
5 GB
Talk / text
Unlimited
Network
Verizon's network
The verdict, & two little voices
Should you actually get Total by Verizon Total Base 5G Unlimited?
The editor weighs in — flanked by the optimist on her shoulder and the cynic on the other.
“Verizon's towers at $20/month with your own phone. That's what 'budget wireless' should mean.”
“Fully deprioritized on Verizon means last in line when the tower gets busy -- and Verizon towers do get busy.”
Pricing for Total by Verizon Total Base 5G Unlimited
· no autopay discount publishedAutopay discount
Many carriers offer a discount with autopay + paperless billing. Prices above may already reflect this.
Prices may vary by region, promotions, and account history. Check Total Wireless's website for current offers.
View Total by Verizon Total Base 5G Unlimited Plans Line by Line
Our review
Total Wireless's Total Base 5G Unlimited runs $40/month for a single line, taxes included.
Bring your own phone and the price drops to $20/month through a current BYOD promotion -- a significant discount worth noting upfront. The plan sits on Verizon's network and includes a 5 GB mobile hotspot. The 'unlimited' data is real but explicitly deprioritized below Total Wireless's higher-tier plans, meaning on a busy Verizon tower, this plan gets slowed before the more expensive tiers.
No international roaming. No contract.
What we love
- Verizon network coverage
- Taxes and fees included
- 5 GB mobile hotspot
- No contract
- $20/month promotional BYOD rate substantially lowers cost
What we don't
- Data explicitly deprioritized below higher Total Wireless tiers on busy towers
- No international roaming
- BYOD promo rate may not last -- regular price is $40
Full features
Talk + text
MinutesUnlimited
MessagesUnlimited
Intl calling—
Data
High-speed dataUnlimited
Hotspot5 GB
Contract
Contract typeno-contract
RoamingUS & territories
Frequently asked questions about Total by Verizon Total Base 5G Unlimited
What features does Total by Verizon Total Base 5G Unlimited include?
No contract. Taxes and fees included in the $40 rate. BYOD promotional rate of $20/month for new customers bringing their own device -- subject to change. 5 GB mobile hotspot included. No international roaming or calling. Verizon 5G access.
How much data, talk, and text does Total by Verizon Total Base 5G Unlimited include?
Unlimited talk and text. Unlimited 5G data on Verizon's network. Data is explicitly deprioritized compared to Total Wireless's higher-tier plans -- when towers are busy, this plan gets slowed first. No published deprioritization threshold in GB; the entire plan is at a lower priority level.
What is the network speed on Total by Verizon Total Base 5G Unlimited?
Verizon 5G at reduced priority compared to higher Total Wireless tiers. During peak times on busy towers, expect noticeably slower speeds. In uncongested conditions, speeds can still be solid -- Verizon's network is well-built. How much the deprioritization hurts depends heavily on location and time of day.
Does Total by Verizon Total Base 5G Unlimited include mobile hotspot?
5 GB of mobile hotspot included. After 5 GB, hotspot speed and availability aren't specified -- assume significant reduction.
What happens if you exceed your data on Total by Verizon Total Base 5G Unlimited?
No overage charges. Unlimited data that deprioritizes rather than caps or shuts off.
Does Total by Verizon Total Base 5G Unlimited require a contract?
No contract. Cancel anytime. No activation fee.
Compare Total by Verizon Total Base 5G Unlimited with similar plans
FCC Disclosure
Broadband Facts
Total Wireless · Total by Verizon Total Base 5G Unlimited
Monthly Price
$40.00
Additional Charges & Terms
Speeds Provided with Plan
| Technology | Download | Upload | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G LTE | 11-75 Mbps | 1-13 Mbps | 49-75 ms |
| 5G | 35-143 Mbps | 5-31 Mbps | 42-64 ms |
Typical ranges as reported by Total Wireless. Real speeds vary.
Data & Features
Data included with monthly priceUnlimited
Data throttleAfter 35GB, Unlimited data; may be deprioritized during network congestion after 35 GB
Mobile hotspot5 GB
Video streaming qualitySD (480p)
Disclosures