Are you curious about the reach of one of America's telecommunications giants? Do you find yourself wondering just how many people rely on the "can you hear me now?" network? Well, you've come to the right place! Understanding the customer base of a company like Verizon gives us a fascinating glimpse into the digital landscape of the United States.
Verizon is a powerhouse in the telecommunications industry, consistently ranking as one of the largest wireless carriers in the U.S. Their extensive network and diverse range of services, from mobile to internet, cater to millions of Americans. But what are the exact numbers? Let's dive in and uncover the facts about Verizon's presence in American households and businesses.
Understanding Verizon's American Footprint: A Step-by-Step Guide
To truly grasp how many Americans use Verizon, we need to look at various aspects of their operations, from mobile subscribers to broadband connections. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:
Step 1: Identifying the Core of Verizon's Customer Base – Wireless Subscribers
When most people think of Verizon, they think of cell phones. And for good reason! Verizon's wireless network is its flagship offering and the primary driver of its customer count.
Wireless Retail Connections: As of March 31, 2025, Verizon reported a staggering 146 million total wireless retail connections in the United States. This makes them the largest wireless carrier in the country.
Breaking Down Wireless Connections: This 146 million figure is comprised of both postpaid and prepaid connections.
Postpaid Connections: These are typically individuals or businesses with contracts, who pay at the end of their billing cycle. As of Q1 2025, Verizon had 115.1 million wireless retail connections in its Consumer Group and 30.9 million wireless retail postpaid connections in its Business Group. The majority of their individual users fall into the postpaid category, highlighting a loyal customer base.
Prepaid Connections: These users pay in advance for their service. Verizon's Consumer Group reported 19.0 million wireless retail core prepaid connections in Q1 2025. This segment often attracts users looking for more flexibility or budget-friendly options.
Step 2: Expanding the View – Beyond Mobile Phones
Verizon's services extend far beyond just mobile phones. They also provide crucial internet and television services to millions of homes and businesses.
Broadband Connections: A significant portion of Americans also rely on Verizon for their internet access.
Fios Internet: Verizon's fiber-optic internet service, Fios, is a major player in the broadband market. As of Q1 2025, Verizon had 10.2 million broadband connections in its Consumer Group, with 7.2 million specifically being Fios Internet connections. This demonstrates their strong presence in the home internet sector.
Business Broadband: Businesses also heavily utilize Verizon's broadband services. In Q1 2025, Verizon's Business Group had 2.4 million broadband connections. This includes a growing number of fixed wireless net additions, indicating their expansion in alternative internet solutions.
Step 3: Understanding the Market Share Landscape
To truly appreciate Verizon's user base, it's helpful to see how they stack up against their competitors in the U.S. market.
Market Dominance in Wireless: Verizon holds a significant share of the U.S. wireless market. While market share figures can vary slightly depending on the reporting agency and the specific quarter, Verizon consistently maintains a leading position. For instance, some reports indicate Verizon has a market share of around 38.7% in the US wireless segment as of 2023, with forecasts showing a slight increase to 39.4% by 2028. This solidifies their position as a dominant force.
Competition: While Verizon is a leader, it operates in a highly competitive market with other major players like T-Mobile and AT&T.
T-Mobile US: As of Q1 2025, T-Mobile reported approximately 131 million subscribers.
AT&T Mobility: Also in Q1 2025, AT&T Mobility had around 118 million subscribers.
This illustrates that while Verizon leads, the market is a close race among the top three carriers.
Step 4: Delving into Verizon's Reach and Infrastructure
The sheer number of subscribers and connections is supported by a massive and robust network infrastructure.
Extensive Network Coverage: Verizon boasts impressive network coverage across the United States.
4G LTE: Their 4G LTE network covers over 99% of the U.S. population, ensuring widespread accessibility for their users.
5G Network: Verizon is also a leader in 5G deployment. By 2024, their 5G Ultra Wideband network covered 250 million people, continually expanding to offer faster and more reliable service.
This vast network is a key factor in attracting and retaining their large customer base, providing reliable connectivity for daily life and business operations.
Step 5: Considering Affiliated Brands and Services
Verizon's reach is further extended through its ownership of other popular wireless brands.
Visible by Verizon: This is a prepaid mobile phone service that operates on Verizon's network, catering to a specific segment of the market.
TracFone Wireless: In November 2021, Verizon acquired TracFone Wireless, a major prepaid mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that serves millions of customers. This acquisition significantly expanded Verizon's overall customer base, particularly within the prepaid market segment.
In Summary: The Millions Behind Verizon
Bringing it all together, it's clear that millions upon millions of Americans use Verizon's services. With 146 million wireless subscribers as of Q1 2025, and millions more relying on their broadband and other services, Verizon is deeply integrated into the fabric of American communication. Their extensive network, diverse service offerings, and strategic acquisitions ensure their continued prominence in the U.S. telecommunications landscape.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Verizon's customer base and related topics:
How to find out Verizon's current subscriber count?
You can typically find the most up-to-date subscriber count in Verizon's quarterly earnings reports or their official "Fact Sheet" which they release periodically on their investor relations website.
How to compare Verizon's customer base to other major US carriers?
You can compare Verizon's customer base to other major US carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T by looking at industry reports from telecommunications analysts, market research firms, and the carriers' own quarterly financial statements, which often detail their subscriber numbers.
How to understand the difference between postpaid and prepaid subscribers?
Postpaid subscribers typically sign contracts and receive a bill at the end of their service period, often with better credit checks and device financing options. Prepaid subscribers pay for their service in advance, offering more flexibility and no long-term commitments.
How to check Verizon's network coverage in a specific area?
You can check Verizon's network coverage by visiting their official website and using their interactive coverage map tool, where you can enter a specific address or zip code.
How to switch from another carrier to Verizon?
To switch to Verizon, you typically need to check your phone's compatibility, choose a plan, and either transfer your existing number or get a new one. Verizon often offers incentives for switching, and their sales representatives can guide you through the process.
How to get Verizon Fios internet service?
Verizon Fios internet service is available in select areas where fiber-optic infrastructure has been deployed. You can check for Fios availability on Verizon's website by entering your address.
How to determine if Verizon is the right carrier for my needs?
Consider factors like network coverage in your most frequented areas, plan costs and data allowances, included perks (like streaming services), customer service reputation, and device selection when determining if Verizon is the right fit for you.
How to contact Verizon customer service?
You can contact Verizon customer service through various channels including their official website (chat support), phone number (usually 1-800-922-0204), social media, or by visiting a Verizon retail store.
How to save money on a Verizon plan?
To save money on a Verizon plan, consider multi-line discounts for families, utilizing prepaid options, opting for older phone models, taking advantage of trade-in programs, or looking for promotions and bundles that combine services like internet and mobile.
How to stay updated on Verizon's latest services and offerings?
You can stay updated on Verizon's latest services and offerings by regularly visiting their official website, subscribing to their newsletters, following their social media channels, and keeping an eye on telecommunications news outlets.
