Latest news with #VerizonValue
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How To Navigate The New Frontier Of Market Segmentation
Nancy Clark is President of Verizon Value, redefining the prepaid wireless landscape via customer-centric innovation and digital excellence. In today's competitive market, companies must rethink how they connect with customers. Market segmentation—the practice of dividing a broad market into subgroups based onshared characteristics—has long been a cornerstone of the industry. But as customer preferences evolve, segmentation strategies must go beyond demographics to deliver personalized, meaningful experiences. At my company, we use data-driven insights with a human-centered approach to create solutions that resonate more personally. Here's how you can do the same. Understand customer context. Effective segmentation begins with a deep understanding of customers' unique contexts, moving beyond surface-level factors like basic demographics. For example, with our value brands in the prepaid market, we consider a variety of factors to help shape our offerings. This helps us align not only the products and services we offer but also how and where we distribute them. Consider these factors as you're honing your customer experience strategies: In my industry, prepaid customers' financial realities play a big role in their needs. Our value-conscious customers often prioritize the affordability and predictability of no-contract plans, which allow them to stay within budget without long-term commitments. Meanwhile, others may look for features such as premium data or enhanced add-ons. Designing tailored, cost-effective solutions ensures that customers of all spending levels can find a service or product that fits their budget and lifestyle. Customer needs and preferences can vary greatly by location. In urban areas, customers may seek affordable, high-speed connectivity and seamless 5G coverage in densely populated areas. Rural prepaid customers may focus more on reliable, widespread connectivity and the convenience of accessing products and services in a single trip. By understanding geographic differences, companies can strategically allocate resources to better serve their customers. Customers come from diverse household types. A single professional living in the city might value flexibility, opting for data-heavy plans suited for streaming and social media. A head of household managing a family may prioritize family-friendly plans with shared data, add-a-line options and helpful features like parental controls or device upgrades. Creating solutions that accommodate these varied needs can strengthen your relationships with different customer segments. The rise of the gig economy is reshaping how people work, making flexibility a requirement. We see many of our customers juggling multiple roles and they need wireless plans that can keep up with them. I'm passionate about creating solutions that truly serve these workers, offering flexibility, reliability and the data they need to thrive in the ever-evolving work landscape. Think about how you can better understand this growing demographic's needs and offer solutions. Tailor offerings with customer priorities in mind. Tailoring value propositions to match customer priorities is at the heart of segmentation. Customers today expect solutions tailored to their lifestyles, whether it's affordability, flexibility or premium features. Data plays a critical role in understanding these preferences and companies that leverage customer insights to create targeted, personalized experiences can deliver greater value. For example, before refreshing one of our lead pre-paid brands, we conducted extensive research to identify key customer pain points, such as pricing confusion, data speeds and limited service options. Here are some of the things we learned and the actions we took as a result: Consumers didn't have clarity on the monthly out-of-pocket cost of their plan, so we decided to offer a five-year price guarantee, with taxes and fees included. This provided stability and predictability. Consumers told us they wanted more consistent high-speed data, especially during peak times. So, we offered access to our premium network with priority data, so they could achieve significantly faster speeds than 4G LTE. Consumers reported being offered restricted devices with limited upgrade options. Instead, we offered free 5G phones when customers switched to our 5G plan and gave an anniversary credit toward any new 5G phone after 12 months. Remember that personalization is key to building loyalty. Personalization is a key driver of customer experience and customer loyalty. Digital-first brands need to excel at creating tailored experiences. For example, one of our pre-paid brands thrives in digital channels, offering a fully online experience for customers who value simplicity and autonomy. The all-in-one self-service app lets customers adjust their plans easily to meet current needs. Meeting unique needs in real time helps promote loyalty. Prioritize the customer experience. From product design to communication, every touchpoint must resonate with the target audience. Equally important is creating seamless experiences once customers are onboarded. We've found that features like device financing, timely alerts and flexible options make customers feel valued and understood. Personalization becomes even more powerful when paired with first-contact resolution. By leveraging individualized data and predictive insights, we can deploy smarter tools that address concerns quickly and effectively. Resolving issues on the first try not only minimizes frustration but also builds trust and loyalty. We've seen firsthand how this works: By applying targeted technologies and streamlining processes, we improved our first-contact resolution rate by 13% in just a few months. In the prepaid wireless space, loyalty is earned month by month. Whether it's affordable pricing, flexibility or premium features, tailoring plans to fit a customer's lifestyle increases the chance they'll stick around. Digital tools play a key role here, too. Mobile apps that offer automated troubleshooting, real-time updates and user-friendly interfaces empower customers to manage their accounts on their own terms. Think of segmentation as a strategic imperative. The key is blending data and digital tools with a personal touch. The future of market segmentation is its ability to fuel personalization. By designing products, services and experiences tailored to specific needs, companies can create lasting connections with their customers. We view market segmentation and customer experience as ongoing opportunities to refine how we serve our customers. By keeping their needs at the center of our strategy, we aim to build more authentic connections, deliver better service and create experiences that resonate. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Visible Reimagines Traditional Family Plans with the Launch of Visible Inner Circle
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Visible, Verizon's digital-first wireless brand, is launching Visible Inner Circle, a groundbreaking wireless offering that transforms how people connect, pay and save on wireless service. Beginning August 21, Inner Circle will allow Visible customers to connect their wireless accounts with up to six other people, saving on their premium plans and offering new payment flexibility, while maintaining complete control over their individual lines and privacy. "Visible Inner Circle embodies the philosophy that wireless service should flex with our customers' lives, not the other way around," said David Kim, Chief Revenue Officer at Verizon Value. Share Today's families and social circles don't always fit the mold of traditional wireless family plan structures. People need flexibility that matches how they live and connect. Traditional family plans can create coordination headaches: one person holds financial responsibility for everyone, plan changes affect the entire group, and leaving means disrupting others. These rigid structures are not built for roommates, chosen family, or groups of people who value financial independence. Visible Inner Circle eliminates these pain points by allowing customers to connect wireless accounts without having to be on a single bill. Each member manages their own account independently, with no primary account holder requirement and no need to coordinate payments or plan changes with others. Inner Circle allows group savings with individual freedom, meaning users can enjoy many of the same advantages as a family plan, including potential savings, without sacrificing personal control or privacy. "We recognize that most carriers are still trying to force everyone into a one-size-fits-all family plan model," said David Kim, Chief Revenue Officer at Verizon Value. "Visible Inner Circle embodies the philosophy that wireless service should flex with our customers' lives, not the other way around. From college friends to multigenerational families, Inner Circle knows meaningful connections come in all forms and helps members unlock and hack savings that traditional carriers don't offer, making premium wireless more accessible to more people in more places." Key features of Visible Inner Circle include: Savings that Scale: Up to 7 members can join for $25/month on the Visible plan with unlimited 5G data. Those choosing premium plans (Visible+ or Visible+ Pro) can save $5/month off our standard rates when part of a Circle with 2 or more members. Complete Autonomy: Connect accounts without connecting payments – each member maintains full control over their individual service and account decisions, including how each member pays for their service. Flexible Circles: Create your Inner Circle with anyone – friends, family, neighbors, or roommates. No traditional family structure required. Ultimate Flexibility: Mix and match your plans. Leave, change, or switch anytime with no strings attached. Members can join or leave without disrupting wireless service for others. Personalized Payments: Choose who you want to pay for right from your App. Privacy First: Connect accounts while keeping your personal information private. Members control what details they share within their Inner Circle. Premium Network: All plans are powered by Verizon's nationwide network. Our Visible+ and Visible+ Pro plans offer a premium network experience with unlimited data, talk, and text, plus access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network for premium plan subscribers. Visible Inner Circle launches August 21 and will be available at and through the Visible app. About Visible Visible is Verizon's digital-first wireless service, offering unlimited data, messages, minutes, and hotspot, powered by Verizon, 5G included. On a mission to dramatically change the wireless service experience, Visible has been named to Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies list and has been named "Best Telecom Brand" in Adweek's Challenger Brand Awards. Known for its commitment to giving back to the community it serves, Visible's social impact platform, Connection Protection, offers three months of wireless service to eligible members at no cost to ensure those who get laid off won't lose their wireless plan, too. Visible is a division of Verizon and powered by Verizon's award-winning networks. For more information, visit or search for our service in the App Store or the Play Store.
Business Wire
30-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Straight Talk Launches Mission to Help Families Build Healthy Digital Habits with 'The First Phone Pact'
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As families prepare for the back-to-school season, Straight Talk Wireless, a leading prepaid brand covered by Verizon's 5G network, is addressing one of parents' most pressing concerns: helping children develop healthy phone habits from the start. The wireless carrier today released "The First Phone Pact," a resource that goes beyond connectivity to provide families with practical tools for establishing digital boundaries together. The new resource was developed in partnership with Dr. Jacqueline Nesi, a psychologist who studies the impact of digital technology on kids' well-being. "The First Phone Pact gives families the blueprint they need to establish healthy digital habits from day one and includes expert-backed guidance parents can trust," said Nancy Clark, President at Verizon Value. Share The First Phone Pact offers an elevated, user-friendly experience designed to help families create an agreement that reflects their specific values, parenting style, and child's maturity. This pact creates clear expectations upfront — shaping their child's first phone experience with clarity and care. This customizable pact helps parents establish their own ground rules around: Screen time limits and phone-free zones Appropriate apps and content guidelines Consequences for misuse Digital citizenship and online etiquette Age-appropriate milestones and privileges "At Straight Talk, we believe that anyone's first exposure to a phone should come with a plan for how to use it," said Nancy Clark, President at Verizon Value. "The First Phone Pact gives families the blueprint they need to establish healthy digital habits from day one and includes expert-backed guidance parents can trust. Families deserve a smooth, confident digital transition." The campaign responds to growing parental anxiety around children's first exposure to phones. Back-to-school preparation now extends beyond supplies and clothes to include digital boundaries as families grapple with questions about appropriate screen time, online safety, and responsible technology use. "A child's first phone is an important milestone for families,' said Dr. Nesi. "It's the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for healthy digital habits in the future. Having open, honest conversations and setting clear boundaries upfront goes a long way and we're here to help parents do that by providing practical, personalized tools." The First Phone Pact is available as a free resource for all families, regardless of their wireless carrier. Supporting families goes beyond digital guidance. In addition to The First Phone Pact, Straight Talk is making back-to-school easier with affordable device deals available only at Walmart and For a limited time through 10/19/25, families can take advantage of special back-to-school savings on top devices, including: Samsung A26 – Only $99 (a $100 savings) with a $55+ plan $50 off select iPhone models (iPhone 14, 15, 15+, 15 Pro and 16e) with activation of a $55+ plan Moto G 5G (128 GB) – Free (on us) with activation of a $55+ plan, for new lines or upgrades The downloadable First Phone Pact template is available in English and Spanish. For more information, visit About Straight Talk Straight Talk Wireless provides quality no-contract wireless solutions to value-conscious consumers and is available exclusively at Walmart, and Straight Talk is part of the Verizon Value portfolio of prepaid brands, which includes Total Wireless, Visible, Tracfone, Simple Mobile, SafeLink, Walmart Family Mobile, and Verizon Prepaid.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Verizon's Total Wireless Supports Working Students with First-Ever Social Impact Program, "Total Spark"
Working students in Chicago invited to one-of-a-kind 'Career Spark' fair on June 27 offering resources to balance work and life, apply to jobs in real time, and access professional headshots, networking swag and more NEW YORK, June 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Total Wireless, a leading provider of premium, affordable and flexible wireless plans covered by the Verizon 5G network, today announces the launch of Total Spark, the latest social impact program from the Verizon Value portfolio. Designed to support working students, Total Spark is tailor-made to meet the Total Wireless community where they are - whether they're working full-time and going to school at night, balancing family obligations with school, part-time students pursuing additional training and more. To help Total Spark truly meet the needs of working students everywhere, the brand commissioned a custom survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adult students1 to uncover insights on the true needs of working students across the country and found: A third (32%) of working students have a job to support their families. Additionally, one-third (32%) of working students rely on government subsidy programs to get by, and a large majority (89%) working students have student loans. Nearly three quarters (73%) of working students wish they had additional support to help them with pursuing a career. Career mentorship was indicated as the most useful support service for all students. Only 1 in 10 working students strongly agree that they have adequate free time. Time is short for many, as unaided, general time management is the number one obstacle among working students. Mobile phones are seen as an essential tool for staying connected by a large majority of working students (90%). This is especially true for students who work full-time, who indicate they rely on mobile phones to stay connected for work and for job searching. That's why Total Wireless partnered with Empower Work, a national nonprofit on a mission to build healthier workplaces, to support programs that addressed each of these pain points. Together, Total Wireless and Empower Work identified five nonprofit organizations in Chicago, Dallas, and Detroit to receive grants between $50,000 - $150,000. The grants will fund existing community-oriented programs supporting working students – from job training and skill development to job placement and career advancement. Additionally, Total Spark will enable each grant recipient to host in-person events for working students at predetermined, independently operated Total Wireless retail locations in each city later this year. With many working students indicating the need for career support, Total Spark events will focus programming in this area and on other pressing needs of working students today. "Our Total Wireless customers are the ultimate go-getters – and we know nobody hustles harder than working students," Nancy Clark, President of the Verizon Value segment said. "Whether our customers are returning to school or celebrating a recent graduation, connections on-line and off are crucial – our Total Spark program is just a reminder that we are 'in your corner' no matter the stage of that journey. We're proud to support our communities when and where they need it most." In its first year, Total Spark will support the following nonprofits in three cities, with additional expansions planned for the coming years. Chicago, IL The Jane Addams Resource Corporation promotes strong communities, businesses, and households to ensure that people who work do not live in poverty. Throughout the year, JARC offers free manufacturing training in Welding and CNC (Computer Numerical Control), along with wraparound support services to help adults build skills and secure steady, living-wage jobs that bring financial stability to themselves and their families. LIFT-Chicago programs invest in families with children ages 0-8 through integrated financial coaching and direct cash support. Additionally, they offer educational and employment coaching for adults, empowering parents to set and achieve goals that put families on the path toward economic mobility through support for going back to school, improving credit, eliminating debt, or securing a living wage. Dallas, TX The Wilkinson Center – whose mission is to transform the lives of Dallas families by providing pathways to self-sufficiency with dignity and respect – serves approximately 24,000 individuals annually through a wide range of programming, including financial coaching, emergency support services, as well as adult education and workforce training. Detroit, MI NPower Michigan is rooted in community and dedicated to empowering young adults and military-connected individuals from low-income communities to thrive in the digital economy. Through transformative, no-cost IT training, industry-recognized credentialing, job placement assistance, and comprehensive social support services, NPower creates clear career pathways to economic mobility and sustainability. TechTown Detroit's mission is to drive economic growth by supporting entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses, particularly those in tech and innovation. For working students, TechTown provides access to resources, networking, and career development opportunities to help them balance work, education, and entrepreneurial goals. To mark the Total Spark debut, Total is hosting a one-of-a-kind "Career Spark" Fair in Chicago on Friday, June 27 near Wicker Park. Total's "Career Spark" fair will provide working students in the area with the tools they need to achieve success. Stations are focused on student well-being and career growth and include tips and resources to manage work/life balance, short and long term career opportunities, community resources from our nonprofit partners & Total Spark grant recipients, a headshot station, plenty of Total swag, and more. On Thursday, June 26, the brand will also take coffee, career and community to new heights at its takeover of the buzzy Oro Coffee & Chocolate coffee shop pop-up, where working students in Chicago can grab a midweek pick-me-up on us, enjoy a quiet place to study and work and get connected to personal and professional development resources. The Total Spark launch is the latest social impact program under the new Value Cares platform, which reinforces the Verizon Value segment's focus of empowering communities with the reliable connectivity they need to thrive. Total Spark launched following the success of Visible and its award-winning impact program, Connection Protection, where individuals who experience job loss can receive three months of service with costs covered by Visible and get connected to additional career services support, also provided by Empower Work's text-line. "We're thrilled to build on the success of the Visible Connection Protection program by launching Total Spark," Jaime-Alexis Fowler, Founder and Executive Director at Empower Work said. "Empower Work exists to help address these very gaps and concerns of today's diverse workforce – students included. Now through Total Spark, we're helping to scale support for this population in a moment where it is most needed." For more information on Total Spark and forthcoming programs with its partners, go to Interested attendees may reserve a spot for the Total Career Spark Fair in Chicago on Friday, June 27 by signing up here: About Total Wireless Total Wireless is a fast-growing, no-contract wireless provider covered by the Verizon 5G network, with over 1,000 exclusive stores across the country, and counting. On a mission to raise the bar in prepaid wireless, Total Wireless disrupts the status quo by offering more value than any other no-contract provider. Total Wireless offers plans with unlimited data and access to Verizon's 5G Ultra-Wideband network, prices guaranteed for five years (taxes and fees included), select free 5G phones with qualifying purchase plans, and more. Total Wireless is part of the Verizon Value portfolio of prepaid brands, which includes Straight Talk, Visible, Tracfone, Simple Mobile, SafeLink, Walmart Family Mobile, and Verizon Prepaid. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. For more information on Total Wireless, visit one of its exclusive storefronts across the country, or check out 1 Total Wireless commissioned KRC Research to conduct a survey among U.S. adult students (n=1,004), including non-working students (n=200) and working students (n=804). The study was fielded between May 9-15, 2025. View source version on Contacts Media contact Value Media RelationsValuemediarelations@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Verizon's Total Wireless Supports Working Students with First-Ever Social Impact Program, 'Total Spark'
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Total Wireless, a leading provider of premium, affordable and flexible wireless plans covered by the Verizon 5G network, today announces the launch of Total Spark, the latest social impact program from the Verizon Value portfolio. Designed to support working students, Total Spark is tailor-made to meet the Total Wireless community where they are - whether they're working full-time and going to school at night, balancing family obligations with school, part-time students pursuing additional training and more. To help Total Spark truly meet the needs of working students everywhere, the brand commissioned a custom survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adult students 1 to uncover insights on the true needs of working students across the country and found: A third (32%) of working students have a job to support their families. Additionally, one-third (32%) of working students rely on government subsidy programs to get by, and a large majority (89%) working students have student loans. Nearly three quarters (73%) of working students wish they had additional support to help them with pursuing a career. Career mentorship was indicated as the most useful support service for all students. Only 1 in 10 working students strongly agree that they have adequate free time. Time is short for many, as unaided, general time management is the number one obstacle among working students. Mobile phones are seen as an essential tool for staying connected by a large majority of working students (90%). This is especially true for students who work full-time, who indicate they rely on mobile phones to stay connected for work and for job searching. That's why Total Wireless partnered with Empower Work, a national nonprofit on a mission to build healthier workplaces, to support programs that addressed each of these pain points. Together, Total Wireless and Empower Work identified five nonprofit organizations in Chicago, Dallas, and Detroit to receive grants between $50,000 - $150,000. The grants will fund existing community-oriented programs supporting working students – from job training and skill development to job placement and career advancement. Additionally, Total Spark will enable each grant recipient to host in-person events for working students at predetermined, independently operated Total Wireless retail locations in each city later this year. With many working students indicating the need for career support, Total Spark events will focus programming in this area and on other pressing needs of working students today. 'Our Total Wireless customers are the ultimate go-getters – and we know nobody hustles harder than working students,' Nancy Clark, President of the Verizon Value segment said. 'Whether our customers are returning to school or celebrating a recent graduation, connections on-line and off are crucial – our Total Spark program is just a reminder that we are 'in your corner' no matter the stage of that journey. We're proud to support our communities when and where they need it most.' In its first year, Total Spark will support the following nonprofits in three cities, with additional expansions planned for the coming years. Chicago, IL The Jane Addams Resource Corporation promotes strong communities, businesses, and households to ensure that people who work do not live in poverty. Throughout the year, JARC offers free manufacturing training in Welding and CNC (Computer Numerical Control), along with wraparound support services to help adults build skills and secure steady, living-wage jobs that bring financial stability to themselves and their families. LIFT-Chicago programs invest in families with children ages 0-8 through integrated financial coaching and direct cash support. Additionally, they offer educational and employment coaching for adults, empowering parents to set and achieve goals that put families on the path toward economic mobility through support for going back to school, improving credit, eliminating debt, or securing a living wage. Dallas, TX The Wilkinson Center – whose mission is to transform the lives of Dallas families by providing pathways to self-sufficiency with dignity and respect – serves approximately 24,000 individuals annually through a wide range of programming, including financial coaching, emergency support services, as well as adult education and workforce training. Detroit, MI NPower Michigan is rooted in community and dedicated to empowering young adults and military-connected individuals from low-income communities to thrive in the digital economy. Through transformative, no-cost IT training, industry-recognized credentialing, job placement assistance, and comprehensive social support services, NPower creates clear career pathways to economic mobility and sustainability. TechTown Detroit 's mission is to drive economic growth by supporting entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses, particularly those in tech and innovation. For working students, TechTown provides access to resources, networking, and career development opportunities to help them balance work, education, and entrepreneurial goals. To mark the Total Spark debut, Total is hosting a one-of-a-kind 'Career Spark' Fair in Chicago on Friday, June 27 near Wicker Park. Total's 'Career Spark' fair will provide working students in the area with the tools they need to achieve success. Stations are focused on student well-being and career growth and include tips and resources to manage work/life balance, short and long term career opportunities, community resources from our nonprofit partners & Total Spark grant recipients, a headshot station, plenty of Total swag, and more. On Thursday, June 26, the brand will also take coffee, career and community to new heights at its takeover of the buzzy Oro Coffee & Chocolate coffee shop pop-up, where working students in Chicago can grab a midweek pick-me-up on us, enjoy a quiet place to study and work and get connected to personal and professional development resources. The Total Spark launch is the latest social impact program under the new Value Cares platform, which reinforces the Verizon Value segment's focus of empowering communities with the reliable connectivity they need to thrive. Total Spark launched following the success of Visible and its award-winning impact program, Connection Protection, where individuals who experience job loss can receive three months of service with costs covered by Visible and get connected to additional career services support, also provided by Empower Work's text-line. 'We're thrilled to build on the success of the Visible Connection Protection program by launching Total Spark,' Jaime-Alexis Fowler, Founder and Executive Director at Empower Work said. 'Empower Work exists to help address these very gaps and concerns of today's diverse workforce – students included. Now through Total Spark, we're helping to scale support for this population in a moment where it is most needed.' For more information on Total Spark and forthcoming programs with its partners, go to Interested attendees may reserve a spot for the Total Career Spark Fair in Chicago on Friday, June 27 by signing up here: About Total Wireless Total Wireless is a fast-growing, no-contract wireless provider covered by the Verizon 5G network, with over 1,000 exclusive stores across the country, and counting. On a mission to raise the bar in prepaid wireless, Total Wireless disrupts the status quo by offering more value than any other no-contract provider. Total Wireless offers plans with unlimited data and access to Verizon's 5G Ultra-Wideband network, prices guaranteed for five years (taxes and fees included), select free 5G phones with qualifying purchase plans, and more. Total Wireless is part of the Verizon Value portfolio of prepaid brands, which includes Straight Talk, Visible, Tracfone, Simple Mobile, SafeLink, Walmart Family Mobile, and Verizon Prepaid. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. For more information on Total Wireless, visit one of its exclusive storefronts across the country, or check out 1 Total Wireless commissioned KRC Research to conduct a survey among U.S. adult students (n=1,004), including non-working students (n=200) and working students (n=804). The study was fielded between May 9-15, 2025.
