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Consumer Cellular continues to run its second month free offer as detailed in the latest prepaid report from the firm Wave7 Research. The promotion is supported by national TV ads, including a spot launched on April 10 featuring longtime spokesperson Ted Danson and golfer Fred Couples. Danson has been their spokesperson since March, 2022.
A promotional page on Consumer Cellular’s website states the company has “nearly 4.2 million” customers. That’s a modest increase from the 4 million reported when private equity firm GTCR invested $2.3 billion in October 2020, suggesting relatively flat growth over nearly five years. However, the company has taken steps to reaccelerate that growth.
In the second half of 2022, BestMVNO reported that Consumer Cellular had opened its first branded stores. By April 2024, the store count had reached 25. A recent LinkedIn post from Justin Gorman, VP of National Retail, announced the opening of the 39th store, with “plenty more on the way for 2025.” That was quickly followed up by a post announcing the 40th store opening.
Grand openings in 2025 have included:
- Albuquerque, NM
- Schenectady, NY
- Boise, ID
- Midwest City, OK
- Spokane, WA
- Springfield, IL
- Sarasota, Fl
- Evansville, IN
- Tulsa, OK
Jeff Moore, Principal of Wave7 Research, recently had the opportunity to visit one of the newest stores in Oklahoma. He came away impressed, noting they had advanced electronic screens, including a large touchscreen display placed in an area featuring a couch and comfortable chairs. There was also a Keurig on site providing prospective and current customers with their choice of coffee or tea. Consumer Cellular's retail store webpage highlights that they offer in person support with free coffee. Moore found the venue to be a welcoming sales environment, staffed with store reps that were very friendly, and experienced in the wireless industry. He also noted the store was located in a competitive area with AT&T and Boost Mobile in close proximity.
“This was my first visit ever to a Consumer Cellular store, and I was impressed. The store was new with a lot of updated electronics and experienced reps, but what impressed me most of all was the area set aside for closing sales. In addition to the Keurig machine, a comfortable couch and chairs were poised near a large touchscreen, which makes it easy for reps to pitch Consumer Cellular plans and services.” – Jeff Moore, Principal of Wave7 Research
Consumer Cellular's target demographic continues to be the senior market with special deals available for AARP members such as two unlimited lines for $55/month. Aside from their branded stores, they sell plans and phones in a variety of retail stores including Target, Walmart, and Bi-Mart. The company invests heavily in marketing with constant TV, and radio ads running. They also are a sponsor of NASCAR's RFK Racing, have been seen advertising during pro pickleball matches, PBS news broadcasts, and major ice-skating events.
The second month free offer is valid through May 18, 2025. It applies to all new lines added to an account when using the code 2NDFREE at checkout, even multiple lines. Customers must not have had service with Consumer Cellular within the past 90 days to qualify. Plans start at $20/month for unlimited talk and text with 1GB of shared 5G data. Additional lines are $15 each. A 50GB unlimited plan for $50/month is available to customers aged 50 and older.
The only competitive I see offered if the $55 for two lines. The rest are ridiculously priced for a MVNO. Hard no.