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{{short description|American postpaid mobile virtual network operator}}
{{Short description|American postpaid mobile virtual network operator}}
{{COI|date=October 2017}}
{{advertisement|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Consumer Cellular
| name = Consumer Cellular, Inc.
| logo = Consumer Cellular logo.svg
| logo = Consumer Cellular logo.svg
| type = Private
| type = [[Privately held company|Private]]
| foundation = 1995
| parent =
| foundation = {{start date and age|1995}}
⚫
| owners = [[GTCR]]
| founder = John Marick and Greg Pryor
| founder = John Marick and Greg Pryor
| location = [[Tigard, Oregon]], [[United States|USA]]<br />{{Coord|45.3984|-122.7499|type:landmark_region:US-OR|display=inline,title}}<!-- geolocated off address of 7204 Southwest Durham Road # 300 Tigard, OR 97224-->
| location = [[Scottsdale, Arizona]], US<br />{{Coord|33.636666|-111.879729|type:landmark_region:US-AZ|display=inline,title}}<!-- geolocated off address of 7204 Southwest Durham Road # 300 Tigard, OR 97224-->
| area_served = [[United States]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consumercellular.com/coverage|title=Coverage Map {{!}} Consumer Cellular|website=www.consumercellular.com|language=en|access-date=2017-12-18}}</ref>
| area_served = [[United States]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consumercellular.com/coverage|title=Coverage Map {{!}} Consumer Cellular|website=www.consumercellular.com|language=en|access-date=2017-12-18}}</ref>
| industry = [[Telecommunications]]
| industry = [[Telecommunications]]
⚫
| owner = [[GTCR]]
| num_employees = 2,400<ref>[[Consumer Cellular Fact Sheet, www.consumercellular.com|Consumer Cellular Fact Sheet]], www.consumercellular.com</ref>
| num_employees = 3,100<ref name=factsheet />
| homepage = {{official}}
| homepage = {{url|https://consumercellular.com}}
}}
}}


'''Consumer Cellular''' is an American [[postpaid mobile phone|postpaid]] [[mobile virtual network operator]] founded by John Marick and Greg Pryor in October 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/baig/2017/07/03/cell-phone-plans-seniors-offer-more-service-lighter-data/103037490/|title=Cellphone plans for seniors offer more service, lighter data|website=USA TODAY}}</ref> The company offers cellphones, no-contract cellphone plans, and accessories with a focus on users age 50-plus. Including its corporate headquarters in Portland, Oregon, Consumer Cellular is completely U.S. based, employing more than 2,400 people at three additional locations in Phoenix, Arizona,<ref>[https://www.consumercellular.com/Assets/Press/Consumer_Cellular_Fact_Sheet-8-6-2019.pdf Consumer Cellular Fact Sheet], www.consumercellular.com</ref> and a support center in Redmond, Oregon.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ktvz.com/news/consumer-cellular-still-growing-in-redmond/68712619|title=Consumer Cellular still growing in Redmond|first=KTVZ COM news|last=sources|date=27 May 2014|website=KTVZ}}</ref>
'''Consumer Cellular, Inc.''' is an American [[postpaid mobile phone|postpaid]] [[mobile virtual network operator]] founded by John Marick and Greg Pryor in Portland, Oregon in October 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/baig/2017/07/03/cell-phone-plans-seniors-offer-more-service-lighter-data/103037490/|title=Cellphone plans for seniors offer more service, lighter data|website=USA TODAY}}</ref> The company offers cellphones, no-contract cellphone plans, and accessories with a focus on users over age 50. Including its corporate headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona, Consumer Cellular is completely U.S. based, employing more than 3,100 people in Arizona, Oregon, Oklahoma, Kentucky and Texas.<ref name=factsheet>[https://www.consumercellular.com/content/dam/consumercellularincprogram/web/pages/press/PR%20Fact%20Sheet%202024.pdf Consumer Cellular Fact Sheet], www.consumercellular.com</ref>


Consumer Cellular provides wireless service using network capacity from AT&T and T-Mobile and also resells AT&T wholesale wireless services to other virtual operators. The company has been included on the Inc 5000 list as one of America’s fastest growing companies every year since 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inc.com/profile/consumer-cellular|title=Consumer Cellular is on the Private Titans|website=Inc.com}}</ref> {{As of|2020}}, the company has close to 4 million subscribers.<ref>https://www.lightreading.com/services/consumer-cellular-fielding-interest-from-buyers---sources/d/d-id/763109?</ref>
Consumer Cellular provides wireless service using network capacity from [[AT&T]] and [[T-Mobile US|T-Mobile]], with only AT&T being used for new activations as of 2024,<ref name="ConsumerCellularInc">{{cite web | title=Determining which provider | author=ConsumerCellularInc | publisher=Reddit | url=https://www.reddit.com/r/consumercellular/comments/1e1ks2q/comment/ld6fv6q | accessdate=2024-11-04}}</ref> and also resells AT&T wholesale wireless services to other virtual operators. The company was included on the Inc 5000 list as one of America's fastest growing companies every year between 2009 and 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inc.com/profile/consumer-cellular|title=Consumer Cellular is on the Private Titans|website=Inc.com}}</ref> {{As of| August 2020}}, when it put itself up for sale, the company had close to 4&nbsp;million subscribers.<ref>{{Cite web|work=[[Light Reading]]|first=Mike|last=Dano|url=https://www.lightreading.com/services/consumer-cellular-fielding-interest-from-buyers---sources/d/d-id/763109?|title = Consumer Cellular fielding interest from buyers - sources|date=August 11, 2020|access-date=November 15, 2023}}</ref> In October 2020, Chicago private equity company [[GTCR]] purchased Consumer Cellular for about $2.3 billion.<ref>{{Citation|work=[[Light Reading]]|first=Mike|last=Dano|title=Consumer Cellular sold to private equity firm for around $2.3B|url=https://www.lightreading.com/oss-bss-cx/consumer-cellular-sold-to-private-equity-firm-for-around-2-3b|date=October 27, 2020|access-date=November 15, 2023}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
John Marick and Greg Pryor founded Consumer Cellular in 1995 with a goal of providing low-cost service to casual mobile users of all ages.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/227569|title=Catering to Boomers, a Cell Phone Company Takes Off|first=Sarah|last=Max|date=30 July 2013|website=Entrepreneur}}</ref> In 2008, Consumer Cellular became a preferred provider for [[AARP]] members, becoming the first cellphone company to market extensively to the over-50 demographic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.opb.org/news/article/small-portland-cellular-provider-teams-aarp/|title=Small Portland Cellular Provider Teams Up With AARP|first=Pete|last=Springer|website=www.opb.org}}</ref>
John Marick and Greg Pryor founded Consumer Cellular in 1995 with a goal of providing low-cost service to casual mobile users of all ages.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/227569|title=Catering to Boomers, a Cell Phone Company Takes Off|first=Sarah|last=Max|date=30 July 2013|website=Entrepreneur}}</ref> In 2008, Consumer Cellular became a preferred provider for [[AARP]] members, becoming the first cellphone company to market extensively to the over-50 demographic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.opb.org/news/article/small-portland-cellular-provider-teams-aarp/|title=Small Portland Cellular Provider Teams Up With AARP|first=Pete|last=Springer|website=www.opb.org}}</ref>


The company's first retail presence was established in 2011 with a partnership with [[Sears]] stores. In 2014, Consumer Cellular was introduced in [[Target Corporation|Target]] stores,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/2014/03/consumer_cellular_approaching_1.html|title=Consumer Cellular, approaching a half-billion dollars in annual sales, gets tryout with Target|first=Mike Rogoway |last=Oregonian/OregonLive|date=30 March 2014|website=oregonlive.com}}</ref> and in 2018 became available at select U.S. [[Best Buy]] stores.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bestmvno.com/consumer-cellular/consumer-cellular-now-available-at-best-buy-on-track-for-3-million-subscribers/|title=Consumer Cellular Now Available At Best Buy, On Track For 3 Million Subscribers|date=10 August 2018|publisher=}}</ref> In 2013, the company introduced a smartphone financing program called EasyPay that is available to consumers purchasing smartphones that cost $200 and up.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=12705|title=Consumer Cellular Intros EasyPay Financing Program|website=Phone Scoop}}</ref> That same year, the company partnered with [[SquareTrade]] to begin providing cellphone protection plans.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/consumer-cellular-adds-squaretrade-protection-plans--964821 |title=Consumer Cellular adds SquareTrade protection plans |website=www.telecompaper.com}}</ref>
The company's first retail presence was established in 2011 with a partnership with [[Sears]] stores. In 2014, Consumer Cellular was introduced in [[Target Corporation|Target]] stores,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/2014/03/consumer_cellular_approaching_1.html|title=Consumer Cellular, approaching a half-billion dollars in annual sales, gets tryout with Target|first=Mike|last=Rogoway |date=30 March 2014|website=oregonlive.com}}</ref> and in 2018 became available at select U.S. [[Best Buy]] stores.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bestmvno.com/consumer-cellular/consumer-cellular-now-available-at-best-buy-on-track-for-3-million-subscribers/|title=Consumer Cellular Now Available At Best Buy, On Track For 3 Million Subscribers|date=10 August 2018|publisher=}}</ref> In 2013, the company introduced a smartphone financing program called EasyPay that is available to consumers purchasing smartphones that cost $200 and up.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=12705|title=Consumer Cellular Intros EasyPay Financing Program|website=Phone Scoop}}</ref> That same year, the company partnered with [[SquareTrade]] to begin providing cellphone protection plans.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/consumer-cellular-adds-squaretrade-protection-plans--964821 |title=Consumer Cellular adds SquareTrade protection plans |website=www.telecompaper.com}}</ref>


In February 2013, in celebration of its one millionth customer, Consumer Cellular donated $1&nbsp;million: $100,000 to each of five non-profit partners, and the remainder to its employees. To celebrate its 20th anniversary and its milestone of 2&nbsp;million customers, it donated $2&nbsp;million to the Knight Cancer Challenge on behalf of their customers in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/health-care-inc/2015/06/portland-company-gives-2m-to-knight-cancer.html|title=Portland company gives $2M to Knight Cancer Challenge|website=Portland Business Journal}}</ref> After reaching 2.5&nbsp;million customers in the summer of 2017, it donated 2.5&nbsp;million meals via [[Feeding America]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://1859oregonmagazine.com/think-oregon/business/consumer-cellular-gives-back-to-fight-hunger/|title=Consumer Cellular Gives Back to Fight Hunger|date=24 May 2017|publisher=}}</ref> and to mark the addition of its 3&nbsp;millionth customer in October 2018, the company donated $500,000 to each of three charities selected by its employees.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/464481279/consumer-cellular-commemorates-three-millionth-customer-by-gifting-three-million-dollars |title=Consumer Cellular Commemorates Three Millionth Customer by Gifting Three Million Dollars |publisher=EIN News |date=2018-10-09 |accessdate=2019-04-03}}</ref> In August 2019, the company celebrated its 3.5 millionth customer by donating $350,000 to the American Red Cross through the Disaster Responder Program.<ref>[https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2019/consumer-cellular-celebrates-3-5-millionth-customer-by-gifting-350000-to-the-american-red-cross.html Consumer Cellular Celebrates 3.5 Millionth Customer by Gifting $350,000 to the American Red Cross]</ref> In the fall of 2020, to honor its 25th anniversary, Consumer Cellular donated $2.5&nbsp;million to [[Toys for Tots]].<ref>https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2020/10/15/consumer-cellular-gives-2-5m-to-toys-for-tots.html {{Bare URL inline|date=November 2021}}</ref>
In February 2013, in celebration of its one millionth customer, Consumer Cellular donated $1&nbsp;million: $100,000 to each of five non-profit partners, and the remainder to its employees. To celebrate its 20th anniversary and its milestone of 2&nbsp;million customers, it donated $2&nbsp;million to the Knight Cancer Challenge on behalf of their customers in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/health-care-inc/2015/06/portland-company-gives-2m-to-knight-cancer.html|title=Portland company gives $2M to Knight Cancer Challenge|website=Portland Business Journal}}</ref> After reaching 2.5&nbsp;million customers in the summer of 2017, it donated 2.5&nbsp;million meals via [[Feeding America]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://1859oregonmagazine.com/think-oregon/business/consumer-cellular-gives-back-to-fight-hunger/|title=Consumer Cellular Gives Back to Fight Hunger|date=24 May 2017|publisher=}}</ref> and to mark the addition of its 3&nbsp;millionth customer in October 2018, the company donated $500,000 to each of three charities selected by its employees.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/464481279/consumer-cellular-commemorates-three-millionth-customer-by-gifting-three-million-dollars |title=Consumer Cellular Commemorates Three Millionth Customer by Gifting Three Million Dollars |publisher=EIN News |date=2018-10-09 |accessdate=2019-04-03}}</ref> In May 2018, Consumer Cellular announced an investment in GrandPad<ref name="biz">{{cite news |last=Spencer |first=Malia |title=Consumer Cellular invests in senior-aimed tablet startup |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2018/05/21/consumer-cellular-invests-in-senior-focused-tablet.html |date=May 21, 2018 |newspaper=Portland Business Journal |access-date=May 13, 2020 }}</ref> and also became a distributor of the GrandPad tablet in the United States.<ref name="seattle">{{cite news |last=Kharif |first=Olga |title=An iPad for 80-year-olds: Senior-citizen carrier Consumer Cellular bets on tablets |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/an-ipad-for-80-year-olds-senior-citizen-carrier-consumer-cellular-bets-on-tablets/ |date=May 13, 2018 |newspaper=The Seattle Times |access-date=May 13, 2020 }}</ref>


In October 2020, upon the decision of Marick and Pryor to retire, Consumer Cellular history was sold to the Chicago-based venture capital firm [[GTCR]] for a reported $2.3&nbsp;billion. Ed Evans was installed as CEO, replacing Marick.<ref>https://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/2020/10/consumer-cellular-one-of-oregons-biggest-tech-companies-sold-to-private-equity-firm-for-more-than-2-billion.html</ref>
In August 2019, the company celebrated its 3.5 millionth customer by donating $350,000 to the American Red Cross through the Disaster Responder Program.<ref>[https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2019/consumer-cellular-celebrates-3-5-millionth-customer-by-gifting-350000-to-the-american-red-cross.html Consumer Cellular Celebrates 3.5 Millionth Customer by Gifting $350,000 to the American Red Cross]</ref> In the fall of 2020, to honor its 25th anniversary, Consumer Cellular donated $2.5&nbsp;million to [[Toys for Tots]].<ref>[https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2020/10/15/consumer-cellular-gives-2-5m-to-toys-for-tots.html Consumer Cellular gives $2.5M to Toys for Tots] Portland Business Journal. October 15, 2020</ref> In October 2020, upon the decision of Marick and Pryor to retire, Ed Evans was installed as CEO, replacing Marick.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/2020/10/consumer-cellular-one-of-oregons-biggest-tech-companies-sold-to-private-equity-firm-for-more-than-2-billion.html|title=Consumer Cellular sells in deal pegged at $2.3B|date=28 October 2020}}</ref>

==GrandPad==
In 2018 it acquired the American rights to [[GrandPad]], a touch-screen tablet designed for older people. The interface is designed for users to video chat with family members, view photos or check up on news. It can be connected to a network of motion sensors and a wireless hub.<ref>{{cite news |title=An iPad for 80-Year-Olds: Senior-Citizen Carrier Bets on Tablets |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-07/an-ipad-for-80-year-olds-senior-citizen-carrier-bets-on-tablets |accessdate=30 March 2019 |publisher=Bloomberg |date=7 May 2018}}</ref>


==Products==
==Products==
Consumer Cellular offers low-cost,<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.consumerreports.org/smartphones/how-to-save-money-with-cheap-cell-phone-service/|title=How to Save Money With a Cheap Cell-Phone Service|first=Bree|last=Fowler|website=Consumer Reports}}</ref> no-contract monthly cellphone plans with simple cutoff points to offer flexibility.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lifehacker.com/why-i-love-this-mobile-carrier-for-old-people-1823732082|title=Why I Love This Mobile Carrier for Old People [Updated]|first=Nick|last=Douglas|website=Lifehacker}}</ref> Its cellphone selections include basic flip phones from Doro (of which the provider is the exclusive U.S. carrier) aimed toward seniors<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/more-tech-for-seniors/|title=More Tech for Older People|first=Eric A.|last=Taub|date=3 November 2009|publisher=}}</ref> as well as budget and premium Android smartphones from Motorola and Samsung.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consumercellular.com/blog/go-day-motorola-moto-e4-plus/|title=Go All Day and More with the Motorola Moto E4 Plus|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consumercellular.com/blog/experience-innovation-step-up-to-the-samsung-galaxy-note9/|title=Experience Innovation with the Samsung Galaxy Note9 Smartphone|publisher=}}</ref> In 2015, Consumer Cellular also began supporting the iPhone.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consumercellular.com/blog/our-best-deal-ever-on-your-next-iphone/|title=Our best deal ever on your next iPhone.|publisher=}}</ref> The company expanded beyond cellphones in 2018 with the introduction of GrandPad,<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-05-07|title=An iPad for 80-Year-Olds: Senior-Citizen Carrier Bets on Tablets|language=en|work=Bloomberg.com|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-07/an-ipad-for-80-year-olds-senior-citizen-carrier-bets-on-tablets|access-date=2020-09-09}}</ref> a simplified tablet designed for older users.
Consumer Cellular offers low-cost,<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.consumerreports.org/smartphones/how-to-save-money-with-cheap-cell-phone-service/|title=How to Save Money With a Cheap Cell-Phone Service|first=Bree|last=Fowler|website=Consumer Reports|date=19 February 2022 }}</ref> no-contract monthly cellphone plans with simple cutoff points to offer flexibility.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lifehacker.com/why-i-love-this-mobile-carrier-for-old-people-1823732082|title=Why I Love This Mobile Carrier for Old People [Updated]|first=Nick|last=Douglas|website=Lifehacker|date=13 March 2018 }}</ref> Its cellphone selections include basic flip phones from Doro (of which the provider is the exclusive U.S. carrier) aimed toward seniors<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/more-tech-for-seniors/|title=More Tech for Older People|first=Eric A.|last=Taub|date=3 November 2009|publisher=}}</ref> as well as budget and premium Android smartphones from Motorola and Samsung.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consumercellular.com/blog/go-day-motorola-moto-e4-plus/|title=Go All Day and More with the Motorola Moto E4 Plus|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consumercellular.com/blog/experience-innovation-step-up-to-the-samsung-galaxy-note9/|title=Experience Innovation with the Samsung Galaxy Note9 Smartphone|publisher=}}</ref> In 2015, Consumer Cellular also began supporting the iPhone.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consumercellular.com/blog/our-best-deal-ever-on-your-next-iphone/|title=Our best deal ever on your next iPhone.|publisher=}}</ref> The company expanded beyond cellphones in 2018 with the introduction of GrandPad,<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-05-07|title=An iPad for 80-Year-Olds: Senior-Citizen Carrier Bets on Tablets|language=en|work=Bloomberg.com|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-07/an-ipad-for-80-year-olds-senior-citizen-carrier-bets-on-tablets|access-date=2020-09-09}}</ref> a simplified tablet designed for older users.


==Marketing and awards==
==Marketing and awards==
''Consumer Reports'' subscribers have rated Consumer Cellular highest in the magazine's annual review of cellphone service providers seven times. The magazine’s rankings are compiled from a survey of subscribers who grade carriers in eight different categories including value, voice and text quality, and customer support.<ref>[https://www.consumerreports.org/cell-phone-service-providers/best-cell-phone-companies-is-bigger-better/ Best Cell-Phone Companies: Is Bigger Better?], Consumer Reports</ref>
''Consumer Reports'' subscribers have rated Consumer Cellular highest in the magazine's annual review of cellphone service providers seven times. The magazine’s rankings are compiled from a survey of subscribers who grade carriers in eight different categories including value, voice and text quality, and customer support.<ref>[https://www.consumerreports.org/cell-phone-service-providers/best-cell-phone-companies-is-bigger-better/ Best Cell-Phone Companies: Is Bigger Better?], Consumer Reports</ref>


Consumer Cellular has been ranked by J.D. Power as “#1 in Customer Service among Non-Contract Value Wireless Providers, 10 Times in a Row.” The awards are based on the results of the J.D. Power 2016 V2 - 2020 V2 U.S. Wireless Non-Contract Customer Care Performance Studies and 2021 (V1) Wireless Customer Care Mobile Virtual Network Operator Performance Study, which focus on the experiences of wireless service customers who made a sales transaction with their current carrier.<ref>https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2021-us-wireless-customer-care-studies-volume-1</ref>
Consumer Cellular has been ranked by J.D. Power as "#1 in Customer Service among Non-Contract Value Wireless Providers, 10 Times in a Row". The awards are based on the results of the J.D. Power 2016 V2 - 2020 V2 U.S. Wireless Non-Contract Customer Care Performance Studies and 2021 (V1) Wireless Customer Care Mobile Virtual Network Operator Performance Study, which focus on the experiences of wireless service customers who made a sales transaction with their current carrier.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2021-us-wireless-customer-care-studies-volume-1|title = 2021 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Studies - Volume 1}}</ref>


In June 2017, a consumer survey conducted by the customer experience firm Market Force Information named Consumer Cellular the favorite wireless cellphone carrier among non-contract providers for the second year in a row. Carriers were ranked in multiple categories to determine customer satisfaction and loyalty. Consumer Cellular came out on top for best value, best coverage, fewest dropped calls, easiest to change plan, and best flexibility, among others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marketforce.com/2017-study-on-americas-favorite-wireless-carriers|title=New Market Force Study Finds T-Mobile and Consumer Cellular Are America's Favorite Wireless Carriers - Market Force Information, Inc.|website=www.marketforce.com}}</ref>
In June 2017, a consumer survey conducted by the customer experience firm Market Force Information named Consumer Cellular the favorite wireless cellphone carrier among non-contract providers for the second year in a row. Carriers were ranked in multiple categories to determine customer satisfaction and loyalty. Consumer Cellular came out on top for best value, best coverage, fewest dropped calls, easiest to change plan, and best flexibility, among others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marketforce.com/2017-study-on-americas-favorite-wireless-carriers|title=New Market Force Study Finds T-Mobile and Consumer Cellular Are America's Favorite Wireless Carriers - Market Force Information, Inc.|website=www.marketforce.com}}</ref>


Readers polled by ''PC Magazine'' ranked Consumer Cellular as top mobile carrier in its annual “Consumer Recommended” list for 2018. The rankings were based on a company’s net promoter score, with Consumer Cellular’s score of 87 out of 100 being described by the magazine as “user love that is almost unheard of in the tech world.”<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/365392/consumer-recommended-2018-the-tech-brands-you-love-most|title=Consumer Recommended 2018: The Tech Brands You Love Most|first1=Eric|last1=Griffith|first2=2018 11:13AM EST|last2=December 12|first3=2018|last3=December 12|website=PCMAG}}</ref> Consumer Cellular has also been selected as “Favorite Wireless Carrier” by PC Magazine readers 6 years in a row in its “Reader’s Choice” survey.<ref>[https://www.pcmag.com/news/367381/buying-a-new-phone-these-are-the-brands-carriers-and-oses Buying a New Phone? These Are the Brands, Carriers, and OSes to Pick]</ref>
Readers polled by ''PC Magazine'' ranked Consumer Cellular as top mobile carrier in its annual "Consumer Recommended" list for 2018. The rankings were based on a company’s net promoter score, with Consumer Cellular’s score of 87 out of 100 being described by the magazine as "user love that is almost unheard of in the tech world."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/365392/consumer-recommended-2018-the-tech-brands-you-love-most|title=Consumer Recommended 2018: The Tech Brands You Love Most|first=Eric|last=Griffith|date=December 12, 2018|website=PC Magazine}}</ref> Consumer Cellular has also been selected as "Favorite Wireless Carrier" by ''PC Magazine'' readers six years in a row in its "Reader’s Choice" survey.<ref>[https://www.pcmag.com/news/367381/buying-a-new-phone-these-are-the-brands-carriers-and-oses Buying a New Phone? These Are the Brands, Carriers, and OSes to Pick]</ref>

In 2024, Consumer Cellular entered a sponsorship deal with [[NASCAR Cup Series]] team [[RFK Racing]] to sponsor [[Brad Keselowski]] in multiple races during the [[2024 NASCAR Cup Series|2024 season]]. During the [[2025 NASCAR Cup Series|2025 season]], they will continue to sponsor Keselowski and [[Ryan Preece]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=January 24, 2024 |title=Consumer Cellular joins RFK Racing, will sponsor Brad Keselowski in multiple races |url=https://www.jayski.com/2024/01/24/consumer-cellular-joins-rfk-racing-will-sponsor-brad-keselowski-in-multiple-races/ |access-date=December 10, 2024 |website=[[Jayski's Silly Season Site]] |language=}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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{{Oregon Companies|state=autocollapse}}
{{Oregon Companies|state=autocollapse}}


[[Category:Mobile virtual network operators]]
[[Category:1995 establishments in Oregon]]
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[[Category:Companies based in Tigard, Oregon]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1995]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1995]]
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[[Category:Companies based in Tigard, Oregon]]
[[Category:Mobile virtual network operators]]
[[Category:Telecommunications companies established in 1995]]
[[Category:Telecommunications companies established in 1995]]
[[Category:Privately held companies based in Oregon]]
[[Category:Privately held companies based in Oregon]]
[[Category:1995 establishments in Oregon]]

Latest revision as of 23:55, 14 December 2024

Consumer Cellular, Inc.
Company typePrivate
IndustryTelecommunications
Founded1995; 29 years ago (1995)
FounderJohn Marick and Greg Pryor
HeadquartersScottsdale, Arizona, US
33°38′12″N 111°52′47″W / 33.636666°N 111.879729°W / 33.636666; -111.879729
Area served
United States[1]
OwnerGTCR
Number of employees
3,100[2]
Websiteconsumercellular.com

Consumer Cellular, Inc. is an American postpaid mobile virtual network operator founded by John Marick and Greg Pryor in Portland, Oregon in October 1995.[3] The company offers cellphones, no-contract cellphone plans, and accessories with a focus on users over age 50. Including its corporate headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona, Consumer Cellular is completely U.S. based, employing more than 3,100 people in Arizona, Oregon, Oklahoma, Kentucky and Texas.[2]

Consumer Cellular provides wireless service using network capacity from AT&T and T-Mobile, with only AT&T being used for new activations as of 2024,[4] and also resells AT&T wholesale wireless services to other virtual operators. The company was included on the Inc 5000 list as one of America's fastest growing companies every year between 2009 and 2020.[5] As of August 2020, when it put itself up for sale, the company had close to 4 million subscribers.[6] In October 2020, Chicago private equity company GTCR purchased Consumer Cellular for about $2.3 billion.[7]

History

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John Marick and Greg Pryor founded Consumer Cellular in 1995 with a goal of providing low-cost service to casual mobile users of all ages.[8] In 2008, Consumer Cellular became a preferred provider for AARP members, becoming the first cellphone company to market extensively to the over-50 demographic.[9]

The company's first retail presence was established in 2011 with a partnership with Sears stores. In 2014, Consumer Cellular was introduced in Target stores,[10] and in 2018 became available at select U.S. Best Buy stores.[11] In 2013, the company introduced a smartphone financing program called EasyPay that is available to consumers purchasing smartphones that cost $200 and up.[12] That same year, the company partnered with SquareTrade to begin providing cellphone protection plans.[13]

In February 2013, in celebration of its one millionth customer, Consumer Cellular donated $1 million: $100,000 to each of five non-profit partners, and the remainder to its employees. To celebrate its 20th anniversary and its milestone of 2 million customers, it donated $2 million to the Knight Cancer Challenge on behalf of their customers in 2015.[14] After reaching 2.5 million customers in the summer of 2017, it donated 2.5 million meals via Feeding America,[15] and to mark the addition of its 3 millionth customer in October 2018, the company donated $500,000 to each of three charities selected by its employees.[16] In May 2018, Consumer Cellular announced an investment in GrandPad[17] and also became a distributor of the GrandPad tablet in the United States.[18]

In August 2019, the company celebrated its 3.5 millionth customer by donating $350,000 to the American Red Cross through the Disaster Responder Program.[19] In the fall of 2020, to honor its 25th anniversary, Consumer Cellular donated $2.5 million to Toys for Tots.[20] In October 2020, upon the decision of Marick and Pryor to retire, Ed Evans was installed as CEO, replacing Marick.[21]

Products

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Consumer Cellular offers low-cost,[22] no-contract monthly cellphone plans with simple cutoff points to offer flexibility.[23] Its cellphone selections include basic flip phones from Doro (of which the provider is the exclusive U.S. carrier) aimed toward seniors[24] as well as budget and premium Android smartphones from Motorola and Samsung.[25][26] In 2015, Consumer Cellular also began supporting the iPhone.[27] The company expanded beyond cellphones in 2018 with the introduction of GrandPad,[28] a simplified tablet designed for older users.

Marketing and awards

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Consumer Reports subscribers have rated Consumer Cellular highest in the magazine's annual review of cellphone service providers seven times. The magazine’s rankings are compiled from a survey of subscribers who grade carriers in eight different categories including value, voice and text quality, and customer support.[29]

Consumer Cellular has been ranked by J.D. Power as "#1 in Customer Service among Non-Contract Value Wireless Providers, 10 Times in a Row". The awards are based on the results of the J.D. Power 2016 V2 - 2020 V2 U.S. Wireless Non-Contract Customer Care Performance Studies and 2021 (V1) Wireless Customer Care Mobile Virtual Network Operator Performance Study, which focus on the experiences of wireless service customers who made a sales transaction with their current carrier.[30]

In June 2017, a consumer survey conducted by the customer experience firm Market Force Information named Consumer Cellular the favorite wireless cellphone carrier among non-contract providers for the second year in a row. Carriers were ranked in multiple categories to determine customer satisfaction and loyalty. Consumer Cellular came out on top for best value, best coverage, fewest dropped calls, easiest to change plan, and best flexibility, among others.[31]

Readers polled by PC Magazine ranked Consumer Cellular as top mobile carrier in its annual "Consumer Recommended" list for 2018. The rankings were based on a company’s net promoter score, with Consumer Cellular’s score of 87 out of 100 being described by the magazine as "user love that is almost unheard of in the tech world."[32] Consumer Cellular has also been selected as "Favorite Wireless Carrier" by PC Magazine readers six years in a row in its "Reader’s Choice" survey.[33]

In 2024, Consumer Cellular entered a sponsorship deal with NASCAR Cup Series team RFK Racing to sponsor Brad Keselowski in multiple races during the 2024 season. During the 2025 season, they will continue to sponsor Keselowski and Ryan Preece.[34]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Coverage Map | Consumer Cellular". www.consumercellular.com. Retrieved 2017-12-18.
  2. ^ a b Consumer Cellular Fact Sheet, www.consumercellular.com
  3. ^ "Cellphone plans for seniors offer more service, lighter data". USA TODAY.
  4. ^ ConsumerCellularInc. "Determining which provider". Reddit. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  5. ^ "Consumer Cellular is on the Private Titans". Inc.com.
  6. ^ Dano, Mike (August 11, 2020). "Consumer Cellular fielding interest from buyers - sources". Light Reading. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  7. ^ Dano, Mike (October 27, 2020), "Consumer Cellular sold to private equity firm for around $2.3B", Light Reading, retrieved November 15, 2023
  8. ^ Max, Sarah (30 July 2013). "Catering to Boomers, a Cell Phone Company Takes Off". Entrepreneur.
  9. ^ Springer, Pete. "Small Portland Cellular Provider Teams Up With AARP". www.opb.org.
  10. ^ Rogoway, Mike (30 March 2014). "Consumer Cellular, approaching a half-billion dollars in annual sales, gets tryout with Target". oregonlive.com.
  11. ^ "Consumer Cellular Now Available At Best Buy, On Track For 3 Million Subscribers". 10 August 2018.
  12. ^ "Consumer Cellular Intros EasyPay Financing Program". Phone Scoop.
  13. ^ "Consumer Cellular adds SquareTrade protection plans". www.telecompaper.com.
  14. ^ "Portland company gives $2M to Knight Cancer Challenge". Portland Business Journal.
  15. ^ "Consumer Cellular Gives Back to Fight Hunger". 24 May 2017.
  16. ^ "Consumer Cellular Commemorates Three Millionth Customer by Gifting Three Million Dollars". EIN News. 2018-10-09. Retrieved 2019-04-03.
  17. ^ Spencer, Malia (May 21, 2018). "Consumer Cellular invests in senior-aimed tablet startup". Portland Business Journal. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  18. ^ Kharif, Olga (May 13, 2018). "An iPad for 80-year-olds: Senior-citizen carrier Consumer Cellular bets on tablets". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  19. ^ Consumer Cellular Celebrates 3.5 Millionth Customer by Gifting $350,000 to the American Red Cross
  20. ^ Consumer Cellular gives $2.5M to Toys for Tots Portland Business Journal. October 15, 2020
  21. ^ "Consumer Cellular sells in deal pegged at $2.3B". 28 October 2020.
  22. ^ Fowler, Bree (19 February 2022). "How to Save Money With a Cheap Cell-Phone Service". Consumer Reports.
  23. ^ Douglas, Nick (13 March 2018). "Why I Love This Mobile Carrier for Old People [Updated]". Lifehacker.
  24. ^ Taub, Eric A. (3 November 2009). "More Tech for Older People".
  25. ^ "Go All Day and More with the Motorola Moto E4 Plus".
  26. ^ "Experience Innovation with the Samsung Galaxy Note9 Smartphone".
  27. ^ "Our best deal ever on your next iPhone".
  28. ^ "An iPad for 80-Year-Olds: Senior-Citizen Carrier Bets on Tablets". Bloomberg.com. 2018-05-07. Retrieved 2020-09-09.
  29. ^ Best Cell-Phone Companies: Is Bigger Better?, Consumer Reports
  30. ^ "2021 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Studies - Volume 1".
  31. ^ "New Market Force Study Finds T-Mobile and Consumer Cellular Are America's Favorite Wireless Carriers - Market Force Information, Inc". www.marketforce.com.
  32. ^ Griffith, Eric (December 12, 2018). "Consumer Recommended 2018: The Tech Brands You Love Most". PC Magazine.
  33. ^ Buying a New Phone? These Are the Brands, Carriers, and OSes to Pick
  34. ^ "Consumer Cellular joins RFK Racing, will sponsor Brad Keselowski in multiple races". Jayski's Silly Season Site. January 24, 2024. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
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