Verizon announced on October 19, 2026 that Straight Talk plans now include 5G Ultra Wideband access and more hotspot data, with no price increase. Silver Unlimited stays $45 with 15GB of hotspot. Gold Unlimited stays $55 with 50GB. Platinum Unlimited stays $65. You do not need to switch carriers or change your number.
Straight Talk plans: the facts
| Carrier | Straight Talk Wireless, a Verizon Value prepaid brand sold at Walmart and straighttalk.com |
|---|---|
| Network | Verizon. The unlimited plans now include Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband |
| Change | 5G Ultra Wideband on Silver, Gold and Platinum Unlimited; more hotspot on Silver and Gold; more international calling and roaming; $10 off Straight Talk Home Internet with a phone plan |
| Prices | Unchanged: Silver $45, Gold $55, Platinum $65 per month |
| Effective date | Announced October 19, 2026. Verizon did not give a separate start date |
| Who is affected | Customers on Silver, Gold and Platinum Unlimited. Verizon did not say how existing customers receive the changes |
| Source | Verizon press release, October 19, 2026 |
What changed in Straight Talk plans
Verizon issued the release from New York on October 19, 2026. Straight Talk is part of Verizon Value, the group that runs Verizon’s prepaid brands. All three Straight Talk plans keep their prices. Verizon says Silver Unlimited has cost $45 since 2009.
Silver Unlimited — $45 a month
- 5G Ultra Wideband access. Verizon says it is up to 3x faster than standard 5G.
- 15GB of hotspot data. Verizon calls this 50% more than before.
- Unlimited international talk and text to Canada, Mexico, India and China.
Gold Unlimited — $55 a month
- 5G Ultra Wideband access.
- 50GB of hotspot data. Verizon calls this 66% more than before.
- Unlimited international talk and text to more than 200 destinations, plus 10GB of roaming in Canada and Mexico.
- Walmart+ membership and 100GB of cloud storage.
Platinum Unlimited — $65 a month
- 5G Ultra Wideband access.
- Unlimited premium data and hotspot, as Verizon describes it.
- Tablet service for $10 a month when you bring your own tablet.
- Unlimited international talk and text to more than 200 destinations, plus 10GB of roaming in Canada and Mexico.
- Walmart+ membership and 500GB of cloud storage.
Home Internet discount. Customers on any of the three plans can add Straight Talk Home Internet for $35 a month. That is $10 off its $45 base price.
Mike Sarcone, Vice President of Commercial Growth & Retention at Verizon Value, said in the release: “We know every dollar counts right now, and families are feeling the squeeze every time they shop.”
What the new Straight Talk plans mean for you
If you already pay for one of these Straight Talk plans, your price does not change. The release does not say whether current customers get the new hotspot amounts and 5G Ultra Wideband on their next renewal or need to take any step. Check your plan details in the Straight Talk app or on straighttalk.com before you count on the higher hotspot limit.
Your Straight Talk account number and Number Transfer PIN are not affected. Nothing in this announcement changes how you port out.
To use 5G Ultra Wideband, your phone must support it and you must be in a covered area. Verizon’s release does not list compatible phones.
What to do now
- Check your plan. Open the Straight Talk app or log in at straighttalk.com. Confirm your plan name and the hotspot amount shown.
- Compare before you renew. If you are on Silver and use a lot of hotspot, Gold now includes 50GB. Pick the plan that matches how you use your phone.
- Switching away anyway? Get your account number and Number Transfer PIN first. The steps are on Straight Talk Account Number & PIN.
- If a port is rejected, use Port Out Rejected to find the cause. To look up any carrier’s steps, use the port-out tool.
Straight Talk plans FAQ
Did Straight Talk plans go up in price?
No. Verizon says Silver Unlimited stays $45, Gold Unlimited stays $55 and Platinum Unlimited stays $65 a month.
Does Straight Talk have 5G Ultra Wideband now?
Yes. Verizon’s October 19, 2026 release says all three unlimited plans include access to 5G Ultra Wideband. You need a compatible phone and coverage in your area.
How much hotspot does Straight Talk Silver Unlimited include?
15GB a month, according to Verizon. Gold Unlimited includes 50GB. Platinum Unlimited includes what Verizon calls unlimited premium hotspot.
What network does Straight Talk use?
Straight Talk is a Verizon prepaid brand and runs on the Verizon network. These plan changes do not move it to another network.
Do I need a new account number or transfer PIN?
No. This is a plan update, not a change to your account. If you leave Straight Talk, see Straight Talk for how to get both.
Verified October 20, 2026. BestCellular.com is an independent reference site operated by Assertive Holdings, LLC. It is not a wireless carrier and does not sell service. Straight Talk, Verizon, Walmart and Walmart+ are trademarks of their respective owners.
Sources
- Verizon, “Straight Talk Supercharges Unlimited Plans with More Data, Faster 5G and Expanded Benefits,” October 19, 2026 (primary source): GlobeNewswire
- Phone Scoop, “Straight Talk Gives its Plans Faster 5G,” October 19, 2026: phonescoop.com