Why Is My Total By Verizon So Deprioritized Should I Switch - Complete Guide

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If you're experiencing severe data slowdowns with Total by Verizon, you're not alone. Many users report frustrating speeds during busy periods, and the reason comes down to network prioritization. Total by Verizon customers get the lowest priority on Verizon's network, which means your data gets throttled when towers are congested.

Understanding Total by Verizon's Deprioritization Problem

Total by Verizon operates as a prepaid brand on Verizon's network, but it occupies the lowest priority tier in Verizon's network management system. This means when cell towers get busy, your data speeds get throttled first and most severely.

Here's how Verizon's priority system works:

Highest Priority: Postpaid Verizon customers with premium unlimited plans

High Priority: Regular postpaid Verizon customers

Medium Priority: Verizon prepaid customers

Low Priority: Most MVNOs using Verizon's network

Lowest Priority: Total by Verizon customers

This tiered system explains why your speeds might be blazing fast at 3 AM but crawl to unusable levels during lunch hours or evening commutes. When network congestion hits, you're essentially last in line for data bandwidth.

Real-World Impact of Deprioritization

The deprioritization problem isn't just theoretical. Users consistently report speeds dropping from 50+ Mbps during off-peak hours to under 1 Mbps during busy periods. This makes basic tasks like loading web pages, streaming music, or using GPS navigation frustratingly slow or impossible.

Urban areas suffer the most because cell towers reach capacity more frequently. If you live in a city or work in a busy commercial district, Total by Verizon's deprioritization becomes a daily frustration. Even suburban areas with decent Verizon coverage can experience significant slowdowns during peak usage times.

The problem compounds during special events, emergencies, or even busy shopping periods when more people are using their phones simultaneously. While postpaid Verizon customers maintain good speeds, Total by Verizon users often find their service becomes virtually unusable.

Better Alternatives: Our Top Recommendations

Visible: Best Overall Alternative (10/11)

Visible stands out as our top recommendation for former Total by Verizon users. Here's why it's dramatically better:

Network Priority: Visible uses Verizon's network with much better prioritization than Total by Verizon. While not quite at postpaid levels, Visible customers experience far less severe throttling during congestion.

Pricing: At $25/month with taxes included, Visible costs the same or less than most Total by Verizon plans while delivering superior performance.

Features: Unlimited talk, text, and data with unlimited mobile hotspot (capped at 10 Mbps). International calling to Mexico and Canada is included.

No Data Breaches: Unlike many carriers, Visible has maintained a clean security record with no major data breaches affecting customer information.

The key advantage is that Visible operates as Verizon's own prepaid brand, giving it better network access than third-party MVNOs like Total by Verizon.

Tello: Best Budget Option (9.5/11)

If you're open to switching networks, Tello offers exceptional value on T-Mobile's network:

Flexible Plans: Build your own plan starting at just $8/month for basic needs, or get unlimited everything for $25/month.

Network Quality: T-Mobile's network has improved dramatically and now rivals Verizon in many areas, especially for data speeds.

No Deprioritization Issues: Tello customers get the same network priority as T-Mobile prepaid customers, avoiding the severe throttling that plagues Total by Verizon.

Unlimited Hotspot: Unlike most carriers, Tello includes unlimited mobile hotspot data at the same speed as your phone data.

US Mobile: Most Flexible (9.5/11)

US Mobile earns points for letting you choose your network:

Multi-Network Support: Access Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T networks depending on what works best in your area.

Build-a-Plan: Customize exactly what you need, from basic talk and text to unlimited everything.

Premium Features: International calling options, eSIM support, and family plan discounts.

Clean Security Record: No major data breaches, which is increasingly important in today's digital landscape.

Network Comparison: What to Expect After Switching

Switching away from Total by Verizon means choosing a new network or getting better access to Verizon's network. Here's what to expect:

Staying on Verizon (via Visible): You'll keep the same coverage you're used to, but with dramatically improved data speeds during busy periods. Areas that were slow with Total by Verizon will perform much better.

Switching to T-Mobile (via Tello): T-Mobile generally offers faster data speeds than Verizon, especially in urban areas. Coverage might differ slightly, but most users find T-Mobile perfectly adequate for daily use.

Trying AT&T (via US Mobile): AT&T provides solid coverage as a middle ground between Verizon and T-Mobile. Data speeds are typically reliable, though not always the fastest.

The most important change you'll notice is consistent performance. Instead of speeds varying wildly based on network congestion, you'll get more predictable service throughout the day.

Cost Analysis: How Much You'll Save or Spend

Total by Verizon plans typically range from $30-50/month depending on the specific plan and any promotions. Here's how our recommended alternatives compare:

Visible at $25/month often costs less than Total by Verizon while providing superior network access. You're getting better service for less money.

Tello starting at $8/month offers massive savings if you don't need unlimited everything. Even their unlimited plan at $25/month matches Visible's pricing.

US Mobile varies by configuration, but most users find comparable or better value than Total by Verizon, especially when factoring in the improved network performance.

The hidden cost of staying with Total by Verizon is the frustration and lost productivity from unreliable data service. When your phone becomes unreliable for work, navigation, or emergencies, the true cost extends far beyond the monthly bill.

Making the Switch: Practical Steps

Switching carriers might seem daunting, but the process is straightforward:

Keep Your Number: All our recommended carriers support number porting, so you won't lose your phone number.

Check Phone Compatibility: Most modern phones work with multiple networks, but verify your specific model is compatible.

Time the Switch: You can usually port your number and activate new service the same day, minimizing downtime.

Test Coverage: Most carriers offer trial periods or money-back guarantees, letting you test service in your specific areas.

Cancel Old Service: Once your number ports successfully, your Total by Verizon service automatically cancels.

The biggest risk is waiting too long and continuing to suffer through poor service when better options are readily available.

When NOT to Switch

Despite Total by Verizon's deprioritization issues, a few scenarios might make staying worthwhile:

Excellent Local Coverage: If Verizon significantly outperforms other networks in your specific area and you rarely experience congestion, the coverage advantage might outweigh speed issues.

Minimal Data Usage: Users who primarily use Wi-Fi and rarely need cellular data might not notice deprioritization problems.

Specific Plan Features: Some Total by Verizon plans include features that are important to your specific situation.

However, these situations are increasingly rare. Most users benefit significantly from switching to a carrier with better network prioritization.

Best Phone to Pair With This Plan

If you need an unlocked phone that works perfectly with Visible, we recommend the Google Pixel 9a. It's our top budget phone pick for 2026:

• Works with all US carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T networks)
• Supports eSIM + physical SIM for easy switching
• 7 years of software updates
• Excellent camera and battery life
• Around $499 unlocked

View Pixel 9a on Amazon →

The Bottom Line

Total by Verizon's severe deprioritization makes it one of the worst values in the prepaid market. If you're experiencing frustratingly slow speeds, especially during busy periods, switching carriers will likely solve your problems immediately.

Visible offers the best overall solution at 10/11, giving you better access to Verizon's network for $25/month. Tello at 9.5/11 provides excellent value starting at $8/month on T-Mobile's network. US Mobile at 9.5/11 lets you choose the best network for your area.

Don't continue suffering through poor service when better options cost the same or less. Your time and connectivity are worth more than the temporary inconvenience of switching carriers.

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