Visible, the pre-paid operator owned by Verizon, is adding some new services that make its use a little more like signing up with one of the major wireless operators. As of today, Visible now supports service activation via eSIM. It only works with recent and compatible iPhones, but Visible says it will add support for Android devices soon. The company also offers 5G service (with limits) and free calls and messages to Canada and Mexico.
Visible client access to Verizon’s 5G network has some important fine print: both Nationwide and Ultra Wideband are included, but data speeds will be limited to 200 Mbps. Subscribers to direct carriers (customers also known as Verizon) also take priority at the fastest data speeds in times of congestion. This is also a common practice for MVNOs. While they may offer plans with competitive prices, they are generally subject to limitations such as speed reductions for heavy data users and video streaming at just 480p.
Support for eSIM makes a lot of sense with Visible’s all-digital philosophy: customers with compatible phones can switch to Visible without waiting for a physical SIM card to be mailed. By choosing a built-in SIM card instead of a removable one, eSIM technology makes it easy to switch carriers using an existing device. This is also very attractive for MVNOs who try to compete with the major operators.
Visible’s announcement today also includes news about its Party Pay plans, which allow customers to share plan costs while maintaining separate accounts and billing. Previously limited to four people, these plans can now include an unlimited number of lines.
Finally, Visible will no longer charge for calls and text messages between the continent of the USA and Canada, Mexico, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. It is increasingly the norm for US operators to include calls and SMS from the USA to neighboring regions without an extra fee or with a low monthly flat rate. All of these features (except support for Android eSIM) are available starting today.
Update, February 9: An earlier version of this post identified Visible as an “MVNO”. An MVNO is an operator that does not have the infrastructure used to provide service, but instead leases it. Visible is wholly owned by Verizon, so the company prefers not to be called an MVNO.