Very slow speeds on Verizon Prepaid Vs Postpaid.
srikant711
Enthusiast - Level 1

This is my observation for far.

Joined Verizon`s prepaid network: 01-Jul-18. Previously Att prepaid customer for 5+ years.

Phone: Pixel 2 XL.

I switched from Att just to check out Verizon's network in Boston and I am sorry to say that it is the worst. Even worse than Sprint.

Fact: I was on a train with my friend who had Verizon postpaid and was even able to stream video while I with my prepaid service was struggling to open a website. I wonder why this would be the case. I tried turning my data/phone on and off but that did not work.

Fact: The speeds drop drastically when I am commuting during rush hour when the train is jam-packed. Many people on the train are able to stream Netflix etc, but I struggle to stream basic radio and open websites. When the train is barely full I get decent speeds.

I am going back to Att at the end of the billing cycle unless this issue is addressed. I could care less but just want to put this out for folks who are considering the switch to Verizon. Stay away!

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Re: Very slow speeds on Verizon Prepaid Vs Postpaid.
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

We certainly don't want you to leave us, srikant711! I use my data to stream radio as well as other data services. I definitely would like to look into this further with you. Which prepaid plan are you currently on? Do you experience this decline in quality only while on the train with many passengers on it? How is your service everywhere else? 

 

Marshall_VZW
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Re: Very slow speeds on Verizon Prepaid Vs Postpaid.
glitchedpixel
Specialist - Level 1

You pay less, you get less. Postpaid gets highest tier of service followed by prepaid and then other carriers that lease Verizon's network.

Re: Very slow speeds on Verizon Prepaid Vs Postpaid.
TommyBoy212
Enthusiast - Level 1

I just switched to prepaid and was told same network and same speeds.  Everyone in my family is complaining.  Verizon what is different? 

Re: Very slow speeds on Verizon Prepaid Vs Postpaid.
deloused
Master - Level 3

They lied to you

Re: Very slow speeds on Verizon Prepaid Vs Postpaid.
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

This isn't the type of feedback that we like hearing TommyBoy. I can assure you that you certainly are connected to the same network as if you were on a post pay account. What speeds are you seeing while using your data? You can check online using www.speedtest.net Keep us posted.

Erin_VZW
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Re: Very slow speeds on Verizon Prepaid Vs Postpaid.
TommyBoy212
Enthusiast - Level 1

I started running speed tests on Friday (9/28) and over the weekend through today once my family started complaining that whenever they were out of the house (i.e. no wifi) they had issues.  The average download speed is less than 1 Mbps vs. our home WIFI at about 70 MBPS.  (Note I ran the tests on an iphone 8+, 7 and 6; all with the same results).

I never tested our speed on the postpaid plan because we were always satisfied; no matter the location.   

Note that we tried to change our plan roughly 6 - months ago to an Unlimited plan and the same thing happened.  As soon as we changed plans our speeds were so slow we immediately switched back.  This happened immediately so the problem wasn't that we hit the 22 GB limit where Verizon throttles speeds. 

Due to our prior frustrations when we switched to the Unlimited plan I was weary about switching to a prepaid plan.  So I specifically asked the agent several times to verify that there would be no difference in quality of service as I didn't want to go through that again.  She confirmed repeatedly that there are no differences.  I believe this is wrong and I believe your response is wrong too.  I'm guessing that employees are not being trained appropriately on the differences, there is a technical reason for the difference (Verizon has supposedly ruled this out though), or Verizon is deceiving it's customers.      

So Verizon what is really causing the slow down?  Are you prioritizing post paid plans over prepaid?  What are the differences in network, # of towers, different towers, etc.?  

I have been a customer through work and/or personally for 20+- years, but my loyalty is about finished when it comes to who I buy service from and how I personally support the company.  Very disappointed.

Re: Very slow speeds on Verizon Prepaid Vs Postpaid.
glitchedpixel
Specialist - Level 1

You expect steak for the price of bologna. Prepaid plans are always going to have less priority than their postpaid counterparts regardless of carrier.

If prepaid plans gave the same levels of service as postpaid, why would people go through the hassle of a postpaid account?

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Re: Very slow speeds on Verizon Prepaid Vs Postpaid.
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

TommyBoy212, we certainly want to get to the bottom of your data issues. I have gone ahead and sent you a private message so we may look further into everything for you. 

 

ChristineK_VZW
Follow us on TWITTER @VZWSupport
If my response answered your question please click the _Correct Answer_ button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

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Re: Very slow speeds on Verizon Prepaid Vs Postpaid.
morgan10260
Enthusiast - Level 1

Verizon seems to give everyone different answers, which is wrong. I was told by Verizon signal is better with postpaid because postpaid gets a network extender built in.. so which is it!?