Everything you need to know about Straight Talk Wireless plans

As a player in the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) space, Straight Talk Wireless owns none of its own cell towers. Instead, Straight Talk purchases use of towers owned by AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon. Because of those agreements, Straight Talk provides great coverage for customers across the country. 

Of course, the most immediate issues for wireless subscribers today center on personal usage. Cheap plans quickly become worthless when limits barely last through the end of the first week of the month. Straight Talk’s Ultimate Unlimited plan, which includes 60GB of data each month, eliminates this issue. And if you agree to their Auto-Refill program at three-month increments, you can save $5 and pay $50/mo.

As one of many providers in the wireless industry, Straight Talk stands out as a company with a solid product at cheap prices.

Straight Talk Wireless unlimited data plans

Straight Talk offers four unlimited plans, each designed to accommodate a different type of user. For the most casual users, Straight Talk offers a 5GB plan then steps up the unlimited plans to 25GB of high-speed data. The Ultimate Unlimited Plan provides extreme users with at least 60GB of high-speed data per month. With the Unlimited International Plan, users access up to 25GB of high-speed data per month that extends to Canada, China, India and Mexico.

Interestingly, even though Straight Talk labels the plans as unlimited, the cap on gigabytes acts as a de facto limit. Once users reach data limits in their selected plan, Straight Talk reduces the speed down to 2G, which average around 0.04 Mbps. None of Straight Talk’s plans require a contract. Straight Talk doesn’t offer a traditional family plan, either, and limits multiple line discounts on bundles of two.

*Speeds slowed to 2G after limit is reached.
Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 08/12/20.

Besides the monthly plans, Straight Talk also offers extended plans in three, six and 12 month increments. Each of these plans comes with unlimited nationwide talk and text and unlimited data to 25GB before dropping to 2G speed.

• Three months: $130
• Six months: $255
• Once year: $495

Extra perks

Straight Talk Wireless mirrors credit card points rewards programs. Each plan renewal earns you automatic points for international calling, additional data each month and free service for months.

Straight Talk also takes advantage of phone location tracking capabilities to offer local promotions. Beside credits for additional services, users also receive discounts to select local restaurants and activities. 

Straight Talk Wireless add-ons

Data add-ons

Running low on data before the month’s over? Straight Talk sells several data add-ons you can purchase to hold you over:

• 1GB for $5
• 2GB for $10

The data usage with these packages kicks in once you consume all your active plan data and never expires, so you can roll over unused data to the next month.

Mobile hotspots

For subscribers who occasionally need more data around mobile hotspots, Straight Talk sells:

• 1GB for $15, good for 30 days
• 2GB for $25, good for 30 days
• 4GB for $40, good for 60 days
• 5GB for $50, good for 60 days
• 7GB for $75, good for 60 days

Remote Alert

Straight Talk Remote Alert System, a wireless module that can send SMS messages or place a phone call to up to eight pre-assigned numbers by triggering a sensor. The alert system includes a remote arm/disarm function through a smartphone. 

This device, available at Walmart for $18, is only compatible with Straight Talk Remote Alert service plans: $10 for a 30-day service plan or $100 for a 365-day plan.

Straight Talk Wireless discounts

Straight Talk subscribers earn bonus data and additional discounts with Auto-Refill, which enrolls you for automatic renewals. The purchase of extended three-, six- and 12-month plans can also save subscribers up to $45 on the overall monthly plan cost. Other discounts include friend referrals as well as local restaurant and activity savings.

How do Straight Talk Wireless’ plans compare to other carriers?

The prices for Straight Talk’s plans are about average for prepaid cellphone companies. You’ll pay $55/mo. for unlimited data — cheaper than AT&T and Verizon’s prepaid plans, but more expensive than Boost and Metro by T-Mobile. 

Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 08/12/20.

But Straight Talk does have advantage when it comes to coverage. It’s one of the only prepaid carriers that can connect to any cellular network, so it’s usually pretty reliable. Straight Talk received “Good” scores for both data and reception from Consumer Reports readers — higher than both Sprint and AT&T. Still, other prepaid carriers like Consumer Cellular and Republic Wireless scored even higher than Straight Talk.

Straight Talk Wireless FAQs

How fast are Straight Talk’s data speeds?

As Straight Talk contracts with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon for use of their networks, the data speeds are above average when compared to other prepaid carriers.

Which phones work with Straight Talk Wireless plans?

Because Straight Talk contracts with all four major U.S. carriers — AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon — you can use just about any phones with the service. As long as the devices aren’t under contract and no financial obligations are attached to them, Straight Talk invites you to use any of them with the service. You can also purchase a phone from Straight Talk, often at a discounted price.

Where are Straight Talk Wireless plans sold?

Find Straight Talk services for purchase on the Straight Talk website. Walmart stores, the exclusive Straight Talk retail partner, also sells their service plans and devices. 

What does Straight Talk offer in terms of customer support?

Straight Talk customer support includes online chat, phone and social media channels available everyday from 8 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. EST.

By Romona Paden