Does the Verizon 55+ plan include 5G?

Posted on: 13 Aug 2024

Introduction

For seniors seeking reliable and cost-effective mobile plans, Verizon’s 55+ Unlimited Plan is a popular choice, offering unlimited talk, text, and data at a discounted rate. However, with the rapid rollout of 5G technology, many potential customers wonder whether this plan includes access to Verizon’s 5G network. As of July 29, 2025, the Verizon 55+ plan, available exclusively to new customers in Florida aged 55 and older, does include 5G access, specifically to Verizon’s 5G Nationwide network. However, it does not include 5G Ultra Wideband, the carrier’s fastest 5G network, which is reserved for premium plans like Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Ultimate.

This comprehensive guide explores the Verizon 55+ plan’s features, clarifies its 5G access, compares it to other Verizon plans, and provides practical advice for seniors considering this option. We’ll also address common questions in a detailed FAQ section to help you make an informed decision about your mobile service needs.

Understanding the Verizon 55+ Plan

Overview of the Plan

The Verizon 55+ Unlimited Plan, officially part of the "Unlimited Welcome" family, is designed for Florida residents aged 55 and older. It offers a cost-effective way for seniors to stay connected with unlimited talk, text, and data. Key features include:

Pricing: $45 per month for one line or $80 per month for two lines (with Auto Pay and paper-free billing discounts).
Network Access: Unlimited access to Verizon’s 4G LTE and 5G Nationwide networks.
Eligibility: Available only to new Verizon customers with a Florida billing address who are 55 or older.
No Contracts: The plan is contract-free, providing flexibility to switch or cancel without penalties.
Additional Benefits: Unlimited calling and texting to Mexico and Canada, mobile hotspot access (up to 6 Mbps after 200 GB of premium data), and a $15/month discount on Verizon Home Internet when bundled.

The plan is tailored for seniors who want reliable connectivity without the higher costs of premium plans, making it ideal for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and staying in touch with loved ones.

5G Access in the Verizon 55+ Plan

The Verizon 55+ plan includes access to 5G Nationwide, Verizon’s widely available 5G network, which covers over 2,700 cities across the U.S. This network offers faster speeds than 4G LTE, typically ranging from 20–100 Mbps, depending on location and network conditions. However, the plan does not include 5G Ultra Wideband, Verizon’s fastest 5G network, which can deliver speeds up to 100–200+ Mbps in select urban and suburban areas.

5G Nationwide vs. 5G Ultra Wideband

5G Nationwide: Uses low-band spectrum to provide broad coverage, making it suitable for rural and suburban areas. It offers improved performance over 4G LTE but is not as fast as Ultra Wideband.
5G Ultra Wideband: Utilizes mid-band and high-band (mmWave) spectrum for ultra-fast speeds, ideal for data-intensive tasks like 4K streaming or gaming. It is available in select areas and requires a compatible device and plan (e.g., Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate).

The absence of 5G Ultra Wideband in the 55+ plan may not significantly impact most users, as 5G Nationwide provides sufficient speed for common activities like video calls, streaming, and browsing. However, seniors in areas with Ultra Wideband coverage may prefer a higher-tier plan for faster performance.

Device Requirements

To access 5G Nationwide, you need a 5G-capable device, such as recent models of the iPhone (e.g., iPhone 12 or newer), Samsung Galaxy (e.g., S21 or newer), or Google Pixel (e.g., Pixel 5 or newer). You can verify device compatibility using Verizon’s BYOD tool.

Why 5G Matters for Seniors

5G technology offers several benefits for seniors, enhancing their mobile experience:

Faster Speeds: 5G Nationwide provides quicker downloads and uploads, making it easier to stream videos, share photos, or use telehealth services.
Lower Latency: Reduced lag improves the quality of video calls, which is crucial for staying connected with family or healthcare providers.
Reliable Coverage: Verizon’s 5G Nationwide network, combined with its robust 4G LTE network, ensures connectivity in both urban and rural areas, as noted by SeniorLiving.org.

For seniors, these improvements can make daily tasks more efficient and enjoyable, particularly for those transitioning from landlines to smartphones.

Comparing the Verizon 55+ Plan to Other Verizon Plans

To assess the value of the 55+ plan, it’s helpful to compare it to other Verizon plans available in 2025:

Plan Name	Price (Single Line)	5G Access	Key Features	Best For
Verizon 55+ Plan	$45/mo (with discounts)	5G Nationwide	Unlimited talk, text, data; $20/mo discount for Florida seniors	Florida residents aged 55+
Unlimited Welcome	$65/mo	5G Nationwide	Unlimited talk, text, data; no 5G Ultra Wideband	General users wanting basic unlimited
Unlimited Plus	$80/mo	5G Nationwide + Ultra Wideband	Unlimited talk, text, data; 30GB hotspot data; faster speeds	Users wanting faster 5G speeds
Unlimited Ultimate	$90/mo	5G Nationwide + Ultra Wideband	Unlimited talk, text, data; unlimited hotspot; international perks	Power users needing premium features

Cost Advantage: The 55+ plan is significantly cheaper than other Verizon plans, offering the same 5G Nationwide access as Unlimited Welcome but at a lower price.
5G Limitations: The lack of 5G Ultra Wideband makes the 55+ plan less suitable for users in areas with Ultra Wideband coverage who need the fastest speeds.
Eligibility Restriction: The plan’s availability is limited to new customers in Florida, unlike other plans that are available nationwide.

Alternatives for Seniors Outside Florida

For seniors living outside Florida, Verizon does not offer a comparable 55+ plan. However, several alternatives are worth considering:

Verizon Unlimited Welcome: Priced at $65 per month for a single line, this plan offers the same 5G Nationwide access as the 55+ plan, making it a viable option for seniors nationwide.
T-Mobile 55+ Plans: T-Mobile’s Essentials Choice 55, Go5G 55, and Go5G Plus 55 plans are available nationwide for seniors aged 55 and older. These plans include 5G access, with higher-tier plans offering 5G Ultra Wideband, and start at $30 per line for two lines (T-Mobile).
AT&T 55+ Plan: Like Verizon, AT&T’s 55+ plan is limited to Florida residents, offering unlimited data for $40 per month per line. Its 5G access is comparable to Verizon’s 5G Nationwide (CNET).
Visible by Verizon: A prepaid option starting at $25 per month, Visible offers unlimited data with 5G Nationwide and Ultra Wideband access, making it a cost-effective alternative (Visible).

How to Sign Up for the Verizon 55+ Plan

To enroll in the Verizon 55+ plan, follow these steps:

Verify Eligibility: Confirm you are 55 or older and have a Florida billing address.
Visit Verizon’s Website: Go to Verizon’s 55+ plan page for details and eligibility checks.
Contact Verizon:
- New customers: Call 800-256-4646.
- Existing customers: Call 866-749-1036 or visit a Verizon store (Verizon Store Locator).
Provide Documentation: Submit your date of birth and billing address to verify eligibility.
Choose a Device: Bring your own 5G-capable device or purchase one from Verizon to access 5G Nationwide.
Enroll in Auto Pay and Paper-Free Billing: This is required to receive the $10 per line monthly discount.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

Geographic Limitation: The plan’s restriction to Florida residents limits its accessibility for seniors nationwide.
5G Ultra Wideband Exclusion: Users in areas with Ultra Wideband coverage may miss out on faster speeds, which could be a drawback for data-intensive tasks.
Network Congestion: In times of heavy network traffic, data speeds may be temporarily slowed, as noted in Verizon’s plan details.
Device Compatibility: A 5G-capable device is required to access 5G Nationwide, which may necessitate an upgrade for users with older phones.

Tips for Maximizing the Verizon 55+ Plan

Check 5G Coverage: Use Verizon’s coverage map to confirm 5G Nationwide availability in your area.
Bundle for Savings: Pair the 55+ plan with Verizon Home Internet (Fios, 5G Home, or LTE Home) to save $15 per month.
Use a 5G-Capable Device: Ensure your phone supports 5G to take full advantage of the plan’s network access.
Monitor Promotions: Verizon frequently offers deals, such as free devices or additional discounts, which can enhance the plan’s value.

Conclusion

The Verizon 55+ Unlimited Plan offers a compelling option for Florida residents aged 55 and older, providing unlimited talk, text, and data with access to Verizon’s 5G Nationwide network at a discounted price. While it does not include 5G Ultra Wideband, the plan’s 5G Nationwide access ensures faster speeds than 4G LTE for most users, making it suitable for everyday tasks like streaming and video calls. Seniors outside Florida may need to explore alternatives like Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome plan or T-Mobile’s nationwide 55+ plans for similar benefits. To confirm plan details and eligibility, visit Verizon’s 55+ plan page or contact Verizon at 800-256-4646 (new customers) or 866-749-1036 (existing customers). By understanding the plan’s features and limitations, you can choose the best mobile service for your needs.

Faq

Does the Verizon 55+ plan include 5G?

Yes, the Verizon 55+ plan includes access to 5G Nationwide, but it does not include 5G Ultra Wideband, Verizon’s fastest 5G network.

What is the difference between 5G Nationwide and 5G Ultra Wideband?

5G Nationwide offers broader coverage with speeds faster than 4G LTE, while 5G Ultra Wideband provides significantly faster speeds (up to 100–200+ Mbps) but is limited to select areas and higher-tier plans.

Is the Verizon 55+ plan available outside Florida?

No, the plan is only available to new Verizon customers with a Florida billing address.

Can existing Verizon customers switch to the 55+ plan?

No, the 55+ plan is exclusive to new customers. Existing customers can contact Verizon to explore other plan options.

Do I need a 5G-capable phone for the Verizon 55+ plan?

Yes, a 5G-capable phone is required to access 5G Nationwide. You can check compatibility using Verizon’s BYOD tool.