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Consumer Cellular In 2024: What You Need To Know

Since 2013, I've been researching, reviewing, and writing about the wireless industry.

In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know about Consumer Cellular before you subscribe. I'll review each of their phone plans with you, and go over any gotchas that they might have. I want you to learn the ins and outs of Consumer Cellular so that you can make an informed decision on if this is the best place for you to spend your hard-earned cash.

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At A Glance

Consumer Cellular Logo:
Consumer Cellular Logo Small

Year Founded: 1995
Subscribers: 4,000,000
Networks Used: AT&T
LTE Bands Used: 245121417293066
5G Bands Used: n5 (850MHz)n77 (3.7GHz)n260 (39GHz)
Support For BYOD: Yes
Sells Phones: Yes
All Taxes And Fees Included In Price? No
Online Payment Options: Credit Cards, Debit Cards

Consumer Cellular Customer Service & Contact Information

Website:
Phone Number: 1-(888)-345-5509
Address/Headquarters:

12123 and 12447
SW 69th Ave.
Tigard, Oregon


Social Media Accounts
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

A Summary Of Consumer Cellular Phone Plans

Last Updated: Aug 24, 2023

Single Line Postpaid Plans

1 GB
$20/Mo
$240/Annually
  • Unlimited Minutes
  • Unlimited Texts
  • Hotspot
5 GB
$25/Mo
$300/Annually
  • Unlimited Minutes
  • Unlimited Texts
  • Hotspot
10 GB
$35/Mo
$420/Annually
  • Unlimited Minutes
  • Unlimited Texts
  • Hotspot
50 GB
$50/Mo
$600/Annually
  • Unlimited Minutes
  • Unlimited Texts
  • Hotspot

Postpaid Plans With Family Discounts Applied

1 GB
$35/Mo
$420/Annually
  • Unlimited Minutes
  • Unlimited Texts
  • Hotspot
5 GB
$40/Mo
$480/Annually
  • Unlimited Minutes
  • Unlimited Texts
  • Hotspot
10 GB
$50/Mo
$600/Annually
  • Unlimited Minutes
  • Unlimited Texts
  • Hotspot
50 GB
$65/Mo
$780/Annually
  • Unlimited Minutes
  • Unlimited Texts
  • Hotspot
1 GB
$50/Mo
$600/Annually
  • Unlimited Minutes
  • Unlimited Texts
  • Hotspot
5 GB
$55/Mo
$660/Annually
  • Unlimited Minutes
  • Unlimited Texts
  • Hotspot
10 GB
$65/Mo
$780/Annually
  • Unlimited Minutes
  • Unlimited Texts
  • Hotspot
50 GB
$80/Mo
$960/Annually
  • Unlimited Minutes
  • Unlimited Texts
  • Hotspot
No items found
No items found

Postpaid Plans For 55+ Seniors With Family Discounts Applied

50 GB
$55/Mo
$660/Annually
  • Unlimited Minutes
  • Unlimited Texts
  • Hotspot
No items found
No items found
No items found


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Things To Know About Consumer Cellular Before You Subscribe

Consumer Cellular is an MVNO that operates on the AT&T network. The company was founded in 1995 by John Marick and Greg Pryor and it is currently one of the largest and oldest MVNOs in the USA ((source: Consumer Cellular)). It was purchased in October of 2020, by the investment firm GTCR for $2.3 billion.

Consumer Cellular’s target demographic are those aged 50 years and up.  It has been an AARP provider since 2008 and it offers exclusive discounts and benefits to those who are AARP members.

In terms of customer satisfaction, the company has consistently ranked tops by various organizations such as Consumer Reports, J.D. Power and Market Force.

Voice only plans are available as are shared family plans. Customers can add a line to an account at a price of $20/month for the first additional line and $15 for each line thereafter. Data is shared between lines. Except for times of heavy network traffic, network speeds are equivalent to AT&T’s and T-Mobile’s.

In the fall of 2021, Consumer Cellular lowered the price of its single-line plans by offering $5/month auto-pay billing discounts. A new 7GB plan was also introduced at that time but has since been discontinued.

In March of 2023, Consumer Cellular reduced the number of plans offered to a total of three. A 1GB $20 plan, a 10GB $35 plan, and a $50 50GB unlimited data plan. The 50GB plan includes data speeds at 1.5Mbps after the high-speed allotment has been reached. Customers going over their allotted data on the 1GB and 10GB plans will automatically have their plan upgraded to the next higher tier.

In June 2023, Consumer Cellular increased the number of plans offered to four by bringing back its $25/month 5GB plan.


Supported Phones And BYOD Devices

Consumer Cellular sells a variety of phones for those who need to purchase one.  They are also available for purchase through Target. Those who already have an out of contract AT&T device or T-Mobile device can bring it to the network if they so wish.  Most universally unlocked phones from manufacturer’s such as Motorola and Samsung are compatible with the network.


Where To Buy Service Plans And SIM Cards

Cell phone plans can be purchased online directly from Consumer Cellular, through several independent dealers, and through regional stores such as Bi-Mart. Consumer Cellular has an in-store partnership with Target, where Target serves as a support and activation center for provider.



How To Port Out Of Consumer Cellular

Porting out requires you to know your account number and PIN number. Your account number can be found on any bill or invoice that you may have, in your online account or by calling the company at 1-(888)-345-5509. Your PIN number is the last 4 digits of your social security number.


Phone Unlock Policy

Consumer Cellular will unlock your device for you free of charge if:

  1. Your phone has been fully paid off
  2. It has been used on the network for at least 6 months
  3. Your account is in good standing and no money is owed
  4. Your phone has not been reported lost or stolen

If you meet all requirements, you can call Consumer Cellular at 1 (800) 686-4460 to obtain your device unlock code.





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