Verizon Wants to Be More Visible

As T-Mobile (TMUS) and Sprint (S) were discussing whether or not they should combine their operations to better compete in the fiercely competitive US wireless market, Verizon (VZ) was busy crafting an idea for a new type of wireless service. Earlier this year, it quietly launched Visible, a new startup that offers unlimited wireless services at $40 per month. It includes unlimited data, calls, and text messaging. Unlimited data plans for Verizon and other operators such as AT&T (T), T-Mobile, and Sprint cost at least $20 more than Visible’s entire package.

Visible subscribers can pay for their services using online payment services such as PayPal (PYPL).

Visible subscriptions are currently not open to everyone. A potential subscriber needs to get an invitation from an existing member in order to join the Visible network. And it currently only supports unlocked iPhones, although support for Android and other devices is expected in the future.

iPhones run Apple’s iOS, the most popular mobile operating system in the United States. iOS powered 53.6% of all active smartphones in the United States in April, according to StatCounter. Google’s (GOOGL) Android powered 45.8% of smartphones in the United States that month.

It’s unclear how much Verizon invested in Visible, but Visible’s executive team largely consists of former Verizon employees.