Verizon Prepaid offers a hotspot device (Jetpack) data only plan that is worth a second look for folks needing a decent sized bucket of shareable, Verizon based data.

Verizon is a major US cellular carrier.

For those who want a flexible plan or are not eligible for a postpaid account, Verizon's direct prepaid accounts are available for data-only devices.

Currently Available Prepaid Jetpack Plans:

• 15GB 30GB Tablet/Hotspot Device: $65 ($70 w/o autopay) **TOP PICK**

• 8GB 16GB Tablet/Hotspot Device: $45 ($50 w/o autopay)
• 3GB 6GB Tablet/Hotspot Device: $35 ($40 w/o autopay)
• 500MB 1GB Tablet/Hotspot Device: $30

Family Plan Discounts:

• 500MB 1GB Tablet/Hotspot Device: $30
  • No discount on Family Account
• 3GB 6GB Tablet/Hotspot Device: $40 ($35 w/ autopay)
  • Save $10/month on Family Account
• 8GB 16GB Tablet/Hotspot Device: $50 ($45 w/ autopay)
  • Save $15/month on Family Account
• 15GB 30GB Tablet/Hotspot Device: $70 ($65 w/ autopay)
  • Save $20/month on Family Account

For Our Comparative Pricing Grid:
Guide to Cellular Data Plan Pricing

Testing Status

We have tested, and keep a (now grandfathered) Verizon Prepaid Unlimited Hotspot Device plan in our arsenal.

Policies & Perks:

• Carrier Networks Used: Verizon
• Carrier Relation: Direct, prepaid
• Plan Types Available: Data only
• Device Types Permitted: Hotspots, Tablets
  • Hotspot (Jetpack) Devices: Can be added as a line on an account for the full price of line, including as the only line on the account, except for the 500mb plan.
• Device Purchase Required: No, but can purchase a device
• Mobile Hotspot Use: Hotspot/Jetpack and Tablet devices are permitted to use all data via hotspot.
• Throttling: After the data bucket on most tiered plans is used, on-device speeds and hotspot speeds are throttled to 2G/128kbps for the remainder of the cycle - except for the 15GB (30GB with promo) Jetpack plan, which is throttled to 3G/600kbps.
• Network Management: All prepaid plans are always subject to deprioritization behind postpaid customers on congested towers.
• International Roaming: None - and no option to add TravelPass
• Domestic Roaming: Some - but not full. Verizon prepaid utilizes most of Verizon postpaid domestic roaming for calls or data when you are off their network domestically. To view the disparities, see Verizon's map comparisons here. There are no additional charges for domestic roaming when it is supported - but you may see slowed data speeds (3G/2G speeds).
• Plan Period: 30 days
• Data Roll Over: No
• Overage Charges: There are no overage charges on prepaid plans.
• Streaming: No streaming services are provided with prepaid accounts. All video streaming is capped at 1080p for tablets, 720p for hotspot devices, and 480p for phones.
• Unlimited Data Plans: None currently available. pUDP Jetpack lines were retired to new customers on May 21st, 2019, but those who maintain those lines can utilize unlimited, network managed hotspot data from their hotspot device.
• Lines permitted per account:
  • 10 lines are allowed per account.
  • Additional lines after the first are eligible for up to a $20/month discount depending on device and plan.
  • A family plan allows for the ability to mix-and-match line types on a single account.

Related Articles:

• Visible Removes Speed Cap from $40/month Unlimited Verizon Plan - Mobile Hotspot Remains Throttled at 5Mbps Posted on: June 26, 2019
• Caution: Misleading Retired Verizon pUDP Banner Offer Posted on: June 12, 2019
• RIP Verizon Prepaid Unlimited Jetpack Plan (pUDP) - Double Data Promotions Posted on: May 21, 2019

Potential Alternatives to Consider:

For other featured cellular data plans ideal for RVers and Crusiers - here's some other options to consider:

Verizon Postpaid Plans

Verizon postpaid native cellular phone & data plans, with "unlimited" plans offering 15-30GB of high speed mobile hotspot use.

Sprint Postpaid Plans

Sprint's postpaid plans, some offering 50-100GB of high speed mobile hotspot use from phones and data devices.

Verizon Prepaid Jetpack Plan

Verizon's prepaid Jetpack data plan - currently offering a double data promo of 30GB of high-speed data for $65/month.

T-Mobile Global Plus 15GB Plan

T-Mobile's offers the Global Plus 15GB add-on to their Magenta plans - which allows for unlimited high speed mobile hotspot from a smartphone for $120/month.

AT&T RV Data Plans

AT&T's data plans available with the Togo Roadlink 2 and Airstream Connected Kit. Top pick plan is $360/year for unlimited data.

Visible

Verizon's prepaid brand for select smartphones, offering unlimited on device data and mobile hotspot use capped at 5 Mbps for $40/month.

FMCA Sprint Unlimited Data Plan

FMCA offers a Sprint based unlimited data plan to their members on a month to month basis for $49.99/mo.

Wireless Internet Router & Data Plans - AT&T

AT&T's cellular data plans & mobile router intended for homes. They offer a 100GB data plan for $100/month that is suitable on the road.

AT&T Unlimited Tablet Plan

AT&T's DataConnect prepaid unlimited plan for tablets starting at $34.99/month. While intended for tablets only, the SIM cards currently just work when placed in hotspots.

AT&T Unlimited Data Rental/Lease Plans

3rd party rental vendors (ie. OTR Mobile, Netbuddy, LivinLite, etc) offer AT&T based unlimited data plans ranging in price from $49-$200/month - on a month-to-month no contract basis.

T-Mobile Unlimited Data Rental/Lease Plans

3rd party rental vendors (ie. InfiniteLTE, Unlimited LTE, etc) offer T-Mobile based unlimited data plans ranging in price from $60-$150/month - on a month-to-month, no contract basis.

Non-Profit Sprint Unlimited Data Plans

A clause in the Sprint's terms allows some non-profits (ie. Calyx, PCs for People) to offer low cost unlimited data plans to their members, ranging from $10-33/month.

Learn More About Selecting Cellular Data Plans

Purchasing Options

Verizon Prepaid Wireless

Further Reading & Research Cellular Data Plan Selection

Selecting the right cellular data plan for your mobile internet needs is only one part of the equation. Here's some further guides on understanding the selection process as well as the additional gear you might need. 

Unlimited Data Plan Options for Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile & Sprint

Ways to Use Cellular Data To Get Online: Mobile Hotspot, Smartphone or Router?

Considerations for Selecting Cellular Data Plans

Understanding & Optimizing Your Cellular Data Performance

The Four Major US Carriers: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint – Which is Best for RVers & Cruisers?

Cellular Carrier Pricing & Data Plan Guide

Top Cellular Data Plans for RVers & Cruisers – Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint