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Mobile phone carriers: Visible by Verizon vs. US Cellular

Quick Verdict

Visible by Verizon is a strong choice for users seeking broad coverage, transparent pricing, and unlimited data, particularly if they are comfortable with online customer service. US Cellular may be a better fit for those in the Midwest and Northwest who prefer phone-based customer support and may benefit from military or veteran discounts, but they should be aware of potential added taxes and fees.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeVisible by VerizonUS Cellular
Network CoverageUses Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G networks, covering 99% of the US population. Offers 5G and 5G Ultra Wideband (in select areas with compatible device).US Cellular uses its own 4G LTE and 5G networks, focusing on the midwestern and northwestern US. 4G LTE covers about 9.9% of the US. 5G coverage is smaller, around 7.5% of the country. They have roaming agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile for nationwide coverage.
Data Speed and Reliability5G: 35–143 Mbps download, 5–31 Mbps upload. 4G LTE: 11–75 Mbps download, 1–13 Mbps upload. Visible+ plans offer premium data that is not subject to slowdowns (after 50GB of usage).Median download speed is 51.0 Mbps, and median upload speed is 15.2 Mbps. Speeds may be slower during network congestion.
Monthly Plan CostVisible plan: $25/month. Visible+ plan: $35/month. Visible+ Pro plan: $45/month. Prices include taxes and fees.Unlimited Plans: Basic: $30/month, Everyday: $40/month, Even Better: $50/month, Even Better 3.0: $60/month. Prepaid Unlimited Plan: $40 per month, or $35 with Auto-Pay. These prices do not include taxes and fees, which can add 10-12% to the advertised price.
Data AllowanceAll Visible plans include unlimited data.Unlimited plans offer different amounts of premium data. Everyday Unlimited includes 50GB of premium data. After the premium data limit, speeds may be slowed. Prepaid Unlimited includes 15GB of high-speed data.
Hotspot Availability and Data LimitsAll plans include mobile hotspot. Visible: up to 5 Mbps. Visible+: up to 10 Mbps. Visible+ Pro: up to 15 Mbps.Everyday Unlimited includes 25GB of hotspot data. Unlimited Even Better 3.0 includes 50GB hotspot access. Prepaid Unlimited includes 15GB mobile hotspot. Hotspot access is available up to the data limit of each prepaid plan.
International RoamingFree talk and text to Canada and Mexico on all plans. Visible+ and Visible+ Pro: unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico. Global Pass: $10/day for unlimited talk and text, and 2GB of high-speed data in over 140 destinations.Unlimited talk, text, and LTE data in Mexico and Canada are included in some plans. International Travel Passes are available. Daily Travel Pass: $15 or $25 depending on the destination. Monthly Travel Pass: $100. Mexico & Canada Travel Passes: $5 daily or $35 monthly. Cruise ship rates start at $3.50/min and $3.50/MB.
Talk and TextAll Visible plans include unlimited talk and text to US, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and Saipan.Unlimited talk and text are included in unlimited plans. Family Talk & Text plan: $10/month for unlimited talk and text.
Device CompatibilityBYOD or purchase a device from Visible.You can bring your own device (BYOD). The device must be compatible with the US Cellular network and unlocked. Use the compatibility checker on the US Cellular website. eSIM is supported on compatible devices.
Customer ServiceCustomer service primarily via online chat.Primary customer support number: 1-888-944-9400. Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am-10pm CT, Sat/Sun: 9am-6pm CT. Callback service is available during high call volume. Online chat is available 7am-10pm CT. Some customers have reported long wait times.
Contract RequirementsPrepaid, no contract.Prepaid plans: No contract. Postpaid plans: Contract required.
Discounts and PromotionsDiscounts for new customers and extended network usage. Promo codes like "SAVE5" or "SPRING5". Referral program.Military and veterans get a 15% discount. Deals on phones with trade-in. Discounts may be available for employee partners. Coupons and promo codes are often available.
Hidden Fees and TaxesTransparent pricing with no hidden fees. Taxes and fees included in the monthly price.Taxes and governmental surcharges can impact the monthly bill. Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee and Administrative Fee. Equipment rental fees may apply. Activation fees for new devices.

Overall Comparison

Visible by Verizon: 99% US coverage, $25-$45/month (taxes included), unlimited data. US Cellular: Regional coverage, $30-$60/month (plus taxes), tiered data.

Pros and Cons

Visible by Verizon

Pros:
  • Uses Verizon's reliable network
  • Unlimited data on all plans
  • Hotspot availability
  • International options available
  • Transparent pricing with taxes and fees included
  • Good value for money compared to major carriers
Cons:
  • Data speeds may be slower during network congestion (basic plan)
  • Hotspot speeds are capped
  • Customer service primarily online

US Cellular

Pros:
  • Roaming agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile provide service outside their native coverage area.
  • Competitive pricing for everyday consumers.
  • BYOD option available.
  • Discounts for military and veterans.
Cons:
  • Limited 5G coverage compared to other major carriers.
  • Coverage is strongest in the Midwest and parts of the Northwest.
  • Speeds may vary and can be temporarily slowed during network congestion.
  • Taxes and fees can add 10-12% to the advertised price.
  • Some customers have reported long wait times for customer service.

User Experiences and Feedback