Who Owns Straight Talk & What Network Do They Use?

In today’s world there are lots of different wireless carriers to choose from, and finding the right one for you can take a lot of time and research. Today we’re taking a look at one of the more popular providers: Straight Talk Wireless. Straight Talk has had its name in the ring for a wide range of cell phone plans for the phone users who don’t need heavy amounts of data coverage. Perfect for the low to medium data users, Straight Talk has a lot of interesting things to look at. But who owns Straight Talk and what network do they use for your coverage? Both those questions and more answered. Let’s talk about it!

In this article, we plan to discuss the ins and outs of Straight Talk while also diving into:

• A Quick Summary on Straight Talk Wireless
• Who Owns the Carrier
• What Network Does Straight Talk Use? Is it a MVNO or MNO?
• Plans, Prices, and Features
• A Few FAQs

A Quick Summary on Straight Talk

Straight Talk, or Straight Talk Wireless, first got into the wireless game back in 2009 when more and more people were slowly transitioning from flip phones to the new innovative Smartphones- (oh how far we’ve come in such a short amount of time, now we have mini computers in our pockets). Straight Talk Wireless offers a range of deals and bundles along with a “Refill” page where you can add on data if you need extra for the month for any particular reason. This means this provider is great for versatile phone users who track their usage per month to save money, only ever using exactly what you need. For instance, one month you might only use 10GB of data while another month you need twenty- with constantly changing phone habits, having a provider that allows for flexibility is important. 

Who owns Straight Talk Wireless?

Straight Talk Wireless is a brand of TracFone Wireless, Inc. and TracFone was bought by Verizon officially back in 2021 after some talks were announced the previous year. Originally you might have heard Straight Talk shared networks with more than one carrier, but since Verizon Wireless officially got its foot in the door they have been moving Tracfone customers, and subsequent Straight Talk Wireless customers, to just be under Verizon which is America’s biggest wireless network.

What Network does Straight Talk use?

When you’re shopping for a new cell phone plan one of the first things you do is look to see what type of network connection you’ll have. Traditionally there are two major options in the US: MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, and MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). MVNOs purchase service access wholesale from one of the MNOs that own infrastructure across the country, which gives customers service at a much lower price.

Straight Talk Wireless is a MVNO of Verizon.

MVNO - What Should You Know:

A common aspect of MVNOs you should know about is they are more likely to subject users to data deprioritization and throttled speeds. Data deprioritization is “the temporary slowing of data speeds for certain customers in order to give priority to other customers.” Which means that those who are direct customers of the “parent” company will get network priority when you’re in a high traffic area like a concert hall or sports stadium, or when there’s network congestion.

Throttling is also more likely to occur with MVNOs and “the dramatic slowing of your data speeds to the point that it becomes almost unusable.” This will happen when you go over a certain number of gigabytes of data for the month, which is referred to as a “data cap.” You’ll see this number displayed somewhere on your carrier’s website. Your normal speeds will slow down until the start of your next billing cycle.

Verizon has the most nation-wide 4G LTE coverage out of every wireless carrier in the country which is no small feat. Covering over 70% of the country, Verizon has had its footprints all over the map giving reliable coverage to even the most rural of areas when it comes to LTE. 

When it comes to 5G however, Verizon loses a few credibility points as they are lower in volume compared to T-Mobile and AT&T. Both T-Mobile and AT&T have more widespread 5G coverage than Verizon, but Verizon’s 5G speeds are definitely performing at a higher rate. They’ve gotten the highest marks in “5G Games Experience, 5G Voice App Experience, and 5G Video Experience,” which means that when you’re in 5G Verizon covered area you’ll get some pretty amazing performance power.

One feature you’ll find on most provider’s websites is a “Coverage” or “Coverage Map” tab, this shows off the network’s coverage all throughout the country and subsequent regions. This is a look at Straight Talk’s:

TIP: Straight Talk’s coverage map works a bit differently than your average coverage map as you have to input your ZIP code and phone model to get an accurate account of their coverage.

And if you need any more data Ookla’s coverage map allows you to see where cellular towers are located and which company owns them. This coverage map provides information about coverage from 2G to 5G for several providers.

Straight Talk’s Plans, Prices, and Features

Now that we have some background, let’s take a look at the plan(s), prices, and features of the carrier:

Straight Talk Plans

Straight Talk plans offer varying talk, text, and data capabilities.

Straight Talk offers eight plans. It’s important to note that Straight Talk’s plans allow up to 5 lines, but some only allow 2 depending on the deal. As an MVNO of Verizon, Straight Talk is on tier 9 of the QCI levels. The plans they offer renew at varying service lengths, and taxes and fees are not included with the advertised price.

‍

Basic Phone Plan

This plan includes limited talk, but unlimited text. 

This plan comes with 1500 minutes of talk and 100MB of data, as well as unlimited texting. 

This plan doesn’t include hotspot access, and data speeds slow to 2G speeds once you’ve used your 100MB of data. With 2G speeds, you can still browse the internet or send emails and texts, but you need WiFi to play games or stream video. 

The plan costs $30 per month. At this rate, you get 100MB at 30 cents per MB. 

Bronze Unlimited Plan 

This plan slows data after the cap. 

This plan gives you 10GB of full speed data before slowing to 2G speeds. You also get unlimited talk and text. 

The plan costs $35 per month. At this rate, you get 10GB of data in total at $3.50 per GB. 

Silver Unlimited Plan

This plan gives you 60GB before slowing down.  

This plan gives their users 60GB of full speed data before slowing down to 2G speeds. Users also get access to 10GB of mobile hotspot data before access stops. You also get unlimited talk and text.

The plan costs $45 per month. At this rate, you get 60GB at $0.75 per GB. 

Gold Unlimited Plan

This plan allows for up to 2 lines. 

This plan offers 60GB of full speed data, which slows down to 2G speeds after the cap. You also get 15GB of hotspot data before access stops. 

The plan costs $55 per month for one line. At this rate, you get 60GB at $0.92 per GB.

Platinum Unlimited Plan

This plan offers 20GB of plan data and 20GB of hotspot data.  

This plan comes with 60GB of full speed data included, which then slows down to 2G speeds. It also comes with 20GB of mobile hotspot data. 

The plan costs $65 per month. At this rate, you get 60GB at $1.08 per GB. 

Extended Silver Unlimited Plan(s)

This plan has multiple service lengths to choose from.

This plan comes with 25GB of full speed data before slowing to 2G speeds. This plan renews monthly, but you pay for multiple services upfront. You also get 10GB of hotspot data included.

The plan costs $130 for 90 service days, $255 for 180 service days, and $495 for 365 service days.

The Features:

While Straight Talk offers a wide range of phone plans it’s good to take a look at their features. If you’re someone who considers themselves to be a traveler, talk to your international friends and family a lot, or are looking for a bit more “perk” with your plan then this section will break down all of that juicy info so you can know what you’re potentially gonna get: 

‍

• Domestic Roaming Data

• Straight Talk does not include this feature.

• Mexico & Canada Connection

• Straight Talk offers talk in Mexico and Canada on all plans except the Basic Phone Plan which is for flip-phones only.

• International Connection

• Straight Talk offers Global Calling on their Platinum Unlimited plan. They offer international calling as an add-on on other plans. 

• Video Streaming Quality

• All Straight Talk plans stream at 480p Standard Definition.

• Streaming Services and Cloud Storage + Extras

• Straight Talk offers 100GB of cloud storage on their Silver, Gold, and Platinum Unlimited Plans. They also offer a Walmart+ Membership with their Platinum and Gold Unlimited plans.

• Device Financing

• Straight Talk does not offer this feature.

• WiFi Calling

• Straight Talk Wireless offers WiFi calling, which allows you to send and receive phone calls over a WiFi connection rather than cellular reception.

• Spam Protection and Free Trial

• Straight Talk does not offer these features.

A Few FAQs - What You Need to Know about Straight Talk

You’ve read a lot about the carrier, but you still might have a few questions regarding specific things and this section is all about answering them.

• Does the carrier support dual SIM, allowing you to use more than one plan on the device?

Yes! Straight Talk Wireless supports dual SIM which allows you to use more than one on your phone. Straight Talk has an entire Support section dedicated to answering your eSIM and Dual SIM questions but two we will highlight here is:

If you have a dual SIM for two phone numbers and both numbers are from Straight Talk then the customer can decide if they want them to be under the same account or two different ones. This might come in handy should you need one plan for one number and another plan for the other.

You can also have one phone number for a physical SIM card and a different phone number for an eSIM on the same device as long as your phone has two IMEIs or both the IMEIs are eSIM capable courtesy of the Straight Talk Customer Support page.

• Is the network GSM or CDMA?

“GSM” and “CDMA” are two slightly outdated terms and technologies describing wireless networks. Nowadays it’s VoLTE or 5G and if you sign up for Straight Talk today you will be placed on Verizon’s network. However Straight Talk supports both GSM and CDMA technology compatible devices as does most MVNOs.

• What are some MVNOs that leverage the same towers?

Since Straight Talk uses Verizon to provide network coverage to its customers you will be on the same network as these other popular MVNOs:

-Visible Wireless

-US Mobile

-Red Pocket Mobile

-XFinity Mobile

-Total Wireless

• What if I have a question and need help? What is the best way to reach them?

Straight Talk does not have physical stores, leaving all of their customer service to online support. However, Straight Talk users can contact customer service online or over the phone. Their support number is 1 (800) 746-4726. Straight Talk offers support over the phone at 1-877-430-2355 from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. EST every day. They also have a Live Bot on their website able to assist with quick inquiries.

Wrapping Up

Straight Talk Wireless is a good service for those who are looking to save some money and manage their data usage as they have plans for almost all types of data users. Of course it isn’t perfect, there’s certainly a number of things they can improve on, but if you don’t mind what you’ve read and like the idea of knowing exactly what you’re getting each month then you might like Straight Talk. You can always check your data usage before committing to a plan or carrier.

Want to compare other carriers?

Really.com helps users compare between features, coverage, price, reviews, and more!

And if you want to compare and contrast Straight Talk Wireless to over 1,200 other phone plans so you know you’re getting the service that’s right for you, then make sure to check out the REALLY compare page which allows you to look at pricing, coverage, what phone plans are available, current deals and steals, and how you can make the most of your potential phone bill.