Consumer Cellular
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Telecommunications |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | John Marick, Greg Pryor |
| Headquarters | Scottsdale, Arizona , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Ed Evans (CEO) |
| Products | Mobile phone plans, devices, accessories, GrandPad tablets |
Number of employees | 3100+ |
| Parent | GTCR (since October 2020) |
Consumer Cellular, Inc. is a U.S.-based postpaid mobile virtual network operator established in 1995 by founders John Marick and Greg Pryor in Portland, Oregon. Catering primarily to customers aged 50 and older, the company provides no-contract mobile plans, devices, and accessories. Its headquarters are located in Scottsdale, Arizona, and it employs more than 3,100 staff members across Arizona, Oregon, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Texas.
The company’s operational model utilizes network resources from AT&T and T-Mobile; however, starting in 2024, all new activations rely solely on AT&T’s network. Additionally, Consumer Cellular wholesales AT&T wireless services to other virtual operators. The firm has demonstrated steady growth, securing a place on the Inc 5000 list of fastest-growing companies every year from 2009 through 2020. By August 2020, its subscriber base approached 4 million.
Highlighting its market prominence and financial strength, Consumer Cellular was acquired in October 2020 by Chicago-based private equity firm GTCR for an estimated $2.3 billion.
History
Consumer Cellular was launched in 1995 by John Marick and Greg Pryor with the goal of offering affordable mobile service tailored for casual users. In 2008, it became the preferred wireless provider for AARP members, focusing on the demographic aged 50 and above.
The company grew its retail footprint through collaborations with major retailers including Sears (2011), Target (2014), and Best Buy (2018). In 2013, it introduced EasyPay, a financing option for smartphones priced over $200, and partnered with SquareTrade to provide device protection plans.
Key milestones include surpassing one million customers in 2013 accompanied by a $1 million donation benefiting employees and nonprofits. By 2015, after reaching two million subscribers, Consumer Cellular donated $2 million to the Knight Cancer Challenge. With a customer base of 2.5 million in 2017, it contributed 2.5 million meals through Feeding America. Upon achieving three million customers in 2018, it donated $1.5 million to charities chosen by employees.
In May 2018, the company invested in GrandPad tablets and became the exclusive U.S. distributor targeting senior users. By August 2019, having grown to 3.5 million customers, Consumer Cellular donated $350,000 to the American Red Cross. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2020, it contributed $2.5 million to Toys for Tots.
Founders Marick and Pryor retired in October 2020; Ed Evans took over as CEO during the company’s acquisition by a private equity firm valued at $2.3 billion.
Products
Consumer Cellular provides affordable monthly cellphone plans without contracts and features straightforward cutoff points for ease of use. Its product range includes basic flip phones from Doro—where it holds exclusive U.S. carrier rights—designed especially for seniors, as well as budget-friendly and high-end Android smartphones from Motorola and Samsung. Since 2015, the company has also supported Apple’s iPhone lineup. Expanding beyond traditional phones, Consumer Cellular launched GrandPad in 2018—a user-friendly tablet developed specifically for older adults.
Marketing and awards
Consumer Cellular has been recognized seven times by Consumer Reports subscribers as the top-rated cellphone service provider based on value, voice and text quality, and customer support.
From 2016 through 2021, the company received J.D. Power’s "#1 in Customer Service among Non-Contract Value Wireless Providers" award for ten consecutive years—an acknowledgment reflecting customer satisfaction with wireless service transactions.
In 2017, Market Force Information named Consumer Cellular the leading wireless carrier among non-contract providers for the second year running, ranking highest in value, coverage reliability, minimal dropped calls, plan change simplicity, and flexibility.
PC Magazine readers voted Consumer Cellular as their top mobile carrier on the 2018 "Consumer Recommended" list with a net promoter score of 87 out of 100. It has also been honored as "Favorite Wireless Carrier" by PC Magazine readers for six consecutive years.
In 2024, Consumer Cellular commenced sponsoring NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski of RFK Racing in select races during the season and plans to continue sponsorships with both Keselowski and Ryan Preece into the following year.