Lively: What Are the Pros and Cons?
- Good for seniors
- Offers and supports medical alert devices
- Phone selection limited
- Plans designed for a limited audience
- Can be expensive
Since 2013, I’ve been researching, reviewing, and writing about the wireless industry through BestMVNO with a focus on MVNOs.
In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know about Lively 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 Lively so that you can make an informed decision on if this is the best place for you to spend your money.
Prepaid Phone Plans – No Credit Check
How Lively Plans Work
GreatCall is an MVNO that was founded in 2005 and provides service on Verizon’s network. In May of 2021, GreatCall was rebranded to become Lively. Phone plans are geared towards older adults and their family caregivers. The company also sells medical alert bracelets, and connected watches that allow their users to press a button for help. The devices are also capable of automatic fall detection and automatic calls for help.
In August of 2018, GreatCall was purchased by Best Buy in a deal valued at $800 million. To date it was the largest acquisition ever made by Best Buy.
Supported Phones And BYOD Devices
Lively does not support bring your own device (BYOD). Instead, the company sells what it calls the Jitterbug smartphone and Jitterbug fliphone. Both phones are designed with the elderly and visually impaired in mind. They feature big screens, big texts and big buttons where applicable.
Both phones can be considered budget devices and both come with Lively’s 5star button. The 5star button gives its user quick and immediate access to help when needed. When pressed, the button establishes a connection to a Lively agent who can then track the users location and get them the help that they need.
What methods of payment are available