Verizon’s Data Prioritization and Deprioritization

Prioritization affects how traffic is handled when networks are congested. Verizon isn’t always straightforward about its prioritization policies, so I maintain this page as a more accessible resource.

As best as I can tell, Verizon has two tiers of priority for its consumer plans. I refer to the higher tier of plans as “highly prioritized” and the lower tier as “deprioritized”.

Highly prioritized plans on Verizon’s network

I think Verizon gives high priority to data traffic from the plans listed below.

Plans offered directly from Verizon:

• Unlimited Ultimate (QCI 8)
• Unlimited Plus (QCI 8)
• Prepaid Unlimited Plus (QCI 8)

Plans from other carriers running over Verizon’s network:

• Visible+ (QCI 8)
• Xfinity Mobile Select (QCI 8)
• Xfinity Mobile Plus (QCI 8)
• Spectrum Mobile (QCI 8)
• US Mobile Warp on 5G-capable devices (QCI 8)
• MobileX Gold Network (QCI 8)

Deprioritized traffic on Verizon’s network

I think Verizon deprioritizes traffic from the plans and subscriber categories listed below.

Plans offered directly from Verizon:

• Unlimited Welcome (QCI 9)
• Prepaid Unlimited (QCI 9)
• Prepaid 15GB (QCI 9)

Plans from other carriers running over Verizon’s network:

• Visible Base (QCI 9)
• US Mobile Warp on 4G-only devices (QCI 9)
• MobileX, excluding Gold Network (QCI 9)

Article last updated: May 2026