TracFone Wireless, Inc.

What TracFone Wireless, Inc. does

TracFone Wireless, Inc. is a Miami-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Verizon Communications that operates as a multi-brand Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) delivering prepaid, no-contract wireless service to over 19 million subscribers across the United States. Founded in 1996 and acquired by Verizon in 2021 for approximately $6.25 billion, TracFone runs a portfolio of 10+ consumer brands — including Straight Talk, Tracfone, SIMPLE Mobile, Total by Verizon, SafeLink Wireless, Walmart Family Mobile, NET10, Page Plus Cellular, GoSmart Mobile, and Clearway Wireless — each targeting a distinct customer segment from budget-conscious individuals to Lifeline-eligible low-income households to small businesses. The core technical model is MVNO: TracFone leases network capacity from major U.S. carriers and is transitioning its entire subscriber base onto Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G networks post-acquisition.

The company monetizes through recurring subscription revenue (monthly plans ranging from $9.99 entry-level to $100+ multi-line family plans, with 30/60/90/365-day billing options), Lifeline federal assistance reimbursements, and device sales from Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and Alcatel. Distribution spans more than 90,000 retail locations nationwide, anchored by an exclusive Walmart partnership for Straight Talk and Walmart Family Mobile, complemented by Amazon.com, dollar stores (Family Dollar, Dollar General), and electronics retailers (Best Buy, Target). Each brand maintains a dedicated bilingual (English/Spanish) website and social presence across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. Product features include Unlimited Carryover Data, the Keep Your Own Phone (KYOP) program, 5G Nationwide access, international calling to 60-85+ destinations, and multi-line family plans with shared data pools.

The business model is essentially a customer-acquisition and brand-management platform layered on top of wholesale network access, with Verizon network ownership now internalized post-acquisition. Customer segmentation is horizontal — primarily consumer prepaid across price tiers ($10 basic to $100+ family) with a secondary SMB segment through Clearway Wireless. Revenue concentration risk sits primarily with the Walmart exclusive distribution relationship for the flagship Straight Talk brand rather than with any single end-customer. The firm has 723 employees based at its Miami, FL headquarters (9700 N.W. 112th Avenue) and operates as part of Verizon's value-brands portfolio alongside Visible.

Name

TracFone Wireless, Inc.

Legal name

TracFone Wireless, Inc.

Website

https://tracfonewirelessinc.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Acquired

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

TracFone Wireless, Inc. is a Verizon-owned MVNO that delivers prepaid, no-contract wireless service to 19+ million U.S. subscribers through 10+ consumer brands (Straight Talk, Tracfone, SafeLink, Walmart Family Mobile, etc.), distributed across 90,000+ retail locations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Prepaid Wireless Services

NAICS

Telecommunications Resellers (517121), Agents for Wireless Telecommunications Services (517122)

SIC

Radiotelephone Communications (4812)

akta.pro primary industry

Mobile Wholesale & Roaming Providers (Interconnect, IOT, Roaming Hubs) (HDAIAAAD)

Keywords

• Prepaid wireless service
• No-contract cell phone plans
• Mobile virtual network operator
• Lifeline assistance program
• Multi-line family plans

Headquarters

HQ city

Miami

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Prepaid Wireless Service Plans: Monthly prepaid wireless service plans with no contracts. Plans include unlimited talk and text options starting at $20/month, with data plans ranging from basic to unlimited. Customers purchase plans in 30-day, 60-day, 90-day, or 365-day increments. Revenue generated from recurring plan purchases across 10+ brand portfolio.
2. Lifeline Government Assistance Program: Federal assistance program providing free or discounted wireless service to eligible low-income households. SafeLink and Walmart Family Mobile participate, offering at least $9.25 monthly discount to qualifying customers. Additional tribal land discounts up to $25 available.
3. Device Sales: Sale of smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and Alcatel. Customers can purchase devices or bring their own phone through KYOP program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

TracFone Wireless, Inc. is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that sells prepaid, no-contract wireless service through a portfolio of 10+ brands (Straight Talk, TracFone, SIMPLE Mobile, Total by Verizon, SafeLink, Walmart Family Mobile, NET10, Page Plus, GoSmart Mobile, and Clearway) to 19+ million subscribers across the United States. The company generates revenue from recurring monthly plan subscriptions ranging from $10 basic tiers to $65+ premium unlimited plans, Lifeline-supported free service for eligible low-income households, and device sales of Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and Alcatel smartphones. Service is delivered via Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G networks and distributed through 90,000+ retail locations including Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Family Dollar, and Dollar General.

Product overview

TracFone Wireless, Inc. operates as a portfolio of no-contract, prepaid wireless service brands under Verizon ownership, serving over 19 million subscribers across America. The company offers a diverse family of brands including Straight Talk Wireless, TracFone, SIMPLE Mobile, Total by Verizon, SafeLink Wireless, Walmart Family Mobile, NET10 Wireless, Page Plus Cellular, GoSmart Mobile, and Clearway Wireless. These brands range from budget-friendly options with basic voice and data plans to Lifeline-supported free services for income-qualifying households. Products are available at over 90,000 retail locations nationwide including Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Dollar General, and Family Dollar. The company leverages Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G networks to provide coverage and targets value-conscious consumers, families, and underserved communities seeking affordable wireless service without contracts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Straight Talk Wireless: No-contract wireless service provider offering coverage on 4G LTE networks, sold exclusively at Walmart, Walmart.com, and StraightTalk.com.
• Tracfone
• SIMPLE Mobile
• Total by Verizon
• SafeLink Wireless
• Walmart Family Mobile
• NET10 Wireless
• Page Plus Cellular
• GoSmart Mobile
• Clearway Wireless

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 50% less than major carriers for comparable plans
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• VerizoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 September 2021Verizon acquired TracFone Wireless, Inc. in 2021 for approximately $6.25 billion. The acquisition brought TracFone's 19+ million subscribers and 10+ prepaid brands under the Verizon umbrella. TracFone brands are now transitioning to operate on Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G networks.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Republic Wireless: MVNO offering no-contract wireless plans with Wi-Fi-first capabilities on T-Mobile's network. Emerging niche competitor to TracFone targeting budget-conscious consumers who want flexible plan structures.
• US Mobile: Digital-first MVNO offering no-contract prepaid and postpaid plans on Verizon and T-Mobile networks. Emerging challenger to TracFone's value-conscious customers with customizable plans and strong online customer experience.
• Spectrum Mobile: Charter Communications' MVNO offering mobile service bundled with Spectrum Internet. Emerges as a competitor to TracFone by leveraging cable broadband customer relationships and Verizon network access for hybrid value propositions.

Direct peers

• Google Fi: Google-owned MVNO offering no-contract wireless on T-Mobile and US Cellular networks. Competes with TracFone in the value/no-contract segment with a digital-first model and unique international roaming features.
• Visible (Verizon): Verizon-owned digital-first prepaid brand operating on Verizon's network. Sister brand to TracFone within Verizon's portfolio, directly overlapping in the no-contract value segment and a potential source of brand cannibalization.
• Mint Mobile: Digital-first MVNO owned by T-Mobile targeting budget-conscious prepaid customers. Directly competes with TracFone sub-brands (Straight Talk, TracFone) on no-contract value pricing, but with a lower-overhead online-only distribution model.
• Consumer Cellular: MVNO primarily targeting older demographics with no-contract prepaid and postpaid wireless plans. Competes with TracFone's multi-brand portfolio in the value-conscious segment, leveraging AARP and retail partnerships.
• Metro by T-Mobile: T-Mobile-owned prepaid brand offering no-contract wireless on T-Mobile's network. Direct competitor to TracFone sub-brands in the budget prepaid segment with own retail presence and value-focused plans.
• Boost Mobile: Prepaid wireless brand now owned by Dish Network operating on T-Mobile's network. Competes with TracFone in the no-contract prepaid segment, particularly targeting value-conscious consumers and Lifeline-eligible households.
• Cricket Wireless: AT&T-owned prepaid wireless brand operating on AT&T's network. Directly competes with TracFone sub-brands on no-contract plans with similar price points, distributed through own retail stores and national retailers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/tracfone
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/tracfonevideos
• Facebookfacebook.com/TracfoneWireless
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tracfone-wireless-inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/tracfone

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TracFone Wireless, Inc.