Verizon has acquired Tracfone and all its assets, including Straight Talk and Walmart Family mobile

[DrMrLordX]

https://support.tracfone.com/expresshelp/verizon-acquisition

For anyone that went to Straight Talk as a shelter from Verizon and AT&T, this acquisition can't be a pleasant one. Granted they were using their towers anyway, but it's not quite the same thing. Plus with Verizon making a full acquisition, it calls into question how it will affect people with GSM-only devices. The only thing the FAQ has to say about it is:

Tracfone customers will be able to keep their current devices. If a customer’s Tracfone plan is served on a network other than Verizon's, Tracfone will have a carefully managed transition during which customers will be able to move to the Verizon network, including obtaining a device compatible with Verizon's network if necessary. We will communicate with such customers and you do not need to worry about being surprised.

Sounds like anyone with an unlocked GSM device is going to be forced to switch carriers if they want to keep using it, at least if they're a Tracfone customer. Not sure how that will affect Straight Talk or Walmart Family customers. I know a few people that put unlocked GSM devices on Straight Talk and were quite happy with the service. This can't be good news for them.

Anyone here have any insights on what will happen to GSM phone owners that are currently customers of Tracfone/Straight Talk/etc.?

 

[lxskllr]

I use a walmart(tracfone serviced) hotspot phone for my home internet. It uses the Tmobile network. When the time comes I have to switch, I'm gonna get a Tmobile hotspot. The walmart plan is somewhat bandwidth constrained, but it's useful having a second portable phone as a device. I'm not interested in giving att or verizon my money, so the static hotspot will have to work.

 

[balloonshark]

I guess we might have until Nov 23rd, 2024.

TracFone to Verizon Forced ....

We’re excited to announce that Tracfone is now part of the Verizon family! To make sure you’re getting the most out of your Tracfone service, you’re entitled to a FREE SIM card replacement that will allow you to start using the Verizon network. Plus, to celebrate your transition to the Verizon...

forums.anandtech.com

Verizon Migration

You can also stay on a plan that TracFone offered prior to being acquired by Verizon until at least November 23, 2024. If you wish to purchase any of these plans, please call the toll-free 800 number for your wireless service brand.

 

[DrMrLordX]

I guess we might have until Nov 23rd, 2024.

I've read that, but at the same time it looks like a lot of existing Tracfone and Straight Talk customers are being badgered into switching to Verizon sim cards. They'll interrupt your calls and do other things. A few on reddit have reported being "forced" to switch SIM. Many who switch report problems with calls, text, and/or data. Not a good situation for people that were happy with AT&T SIM cards.

 

[balloonshark]

I've read that, but at the same time it looks like a lot of existing Tracfone and Straight Talk customers are being badgered into switching to Verizon sim cards. They'll interrupt your calls and do other things. A few on reddit have reported being "forced" to switch SIM. Many who switch report problems with calls, text, and/or data. Not a good situation for people that were happy with AT&T SIM cards.

I bought a refurb phone from tracfone this year. I was told they are only selling verizon enabled phones from now on. I had to use it two months by activating using a Verizon service area zipcode since there is no Verizon in the part of WV. I waited two months to unlock the phone and then combined and transferred over to a tracfone GSMA sim. Not sure how much longer you'll be able to find those sims though. That doesn't help those getting badgered to switch to Verizon though. I guess I haven't gotten harassed since there is no option for Verizon here.