Our Story
It Started with a Simple Idea
Consumer Cellular has grown from humble beginnings as a small startup
company in the Pacific Northwest to being a respected nationwide leader in
the wireless industry by staying true to the shared vision of our co-founders,
John Marick and Greg Pryor.
In October 1995, with the fledgling wireless industry serving primarily business
users and a few early adopters of cellular technology, John and Greg started
Consumer Cellular to make the convenience and safety of cellphones
accessible—and affordable—for everyone. At the end of that year, the
company had a whopping 40 customers!
More than 20 years later, John and Greg’s passion remains the driving force
behind a privately owned, 100% U.S. based company that has grown without
mergers or buyouts to become the wireless provider of choice for millions
of loyal customers. Consumer Cellular has been recognized for providing the
best customer experience in the business in independent surveys conducted
by J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, PC Magazine and others.
Dedicated to Giving You More
What has truly set Consumer Cellular apart from the beginning is a deep
commitment to providing unmatched value. We were among the first cellular
providers to offer monthly service without contracts and have enhanced our rate
plans 10 consecutive years to deliver more minutes, texts, and data without
raising prices. We’ve consistently found new ways to delight our customers and
eliminate unpleasant surprises from the monthly cellphone bill.
We were among the first cellular
providers to offer monthly service without contracts and have enhanced our rate
plans 10 consecutive years to deliver more minutes, texts, and data without
raising prices. We’ve consistently found new ways to delight our customers and
eliminate unpleasant surprises from the monthly cellphone bill.
Since we’re privately owned, we’re not beholden to making decisions just to
satisfy the demands of shareholders or a Board of Directors. Instead, we’re able
to take a careful, strategic approach to assure that every service or product we
offer yields maximum benefits for the people we really answer to: our customers.
As cellular technology has evolved, this measured approach has produced
exciting opportunities to support our customers’ needs and lifestyles even
further. In 2013, we began offering the iPhone, while in 2014 we added Samsung
smartphones, including flagship Galaxy models, to our product line. We’ve also
established a convenient presence in Target stores nationwide.
Perhaps most importantly, we’ve always been dedicated to meeting the unique
wireless needs of users age 50-plus. In 2008, we became a preferred provider
for AARP, offering its members special discounts on our service. Our products
include senior-friendly flip phones and smartphones as well as innovative
options like the mobile hotspot and caregiving devices like GrandPad to help
families forge strong connections across multiple wireless platforms. Our patient,
friendly customer service team is always eager to help even the most
inexperienced cellphone user get the most from their service and device.
Making People & Communities Stronger
Our definition of value includes much more than just low prices and great
customer support. It also means adding value to our communities. We actively
promote a corporate culture of caring and service, including a longstanding
tradition of celebrating significant milestones by giving something back.
It also means adding value to our communities. We actively
promote a corporate culture of caring and service, including a longstanding
tradition of celebrating significant milestones by giving something back.
In 2018, in recognition of achieving our three millionth customer, we made donations
of $500,000 to each of three charities selected by our employees: Meals on Wheels
America, Providence Cancer Institute, and Shriners Hospitals for Children. Upon
reaching 3.5 million customers in 2019, we contributed $350,000 to the American
Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
Over the years, Consumer Cellular employees have volunteered countless hours
to local food banks, blood drives, and other charitable events, as well as guiding
the philanthropy of Local Community Giving Committees at our corporate
locations in Oregon and Arizona. Throughout the year, these committees make
contributions to non-profit human service organizations, helping fund everything
from neighborhood youth programs to the American Red Cross’ efforts to assist
those impacted by natural disasters.
Building on A Solid Foundation
So much has changed in the world of wireless since 1995. In design,
performance, and versatility, today’s technology is light years beyond the analog
“bricks with antennas” that were then considered state-of-the-art.
Consumer Cellular has grown from a bold idea into a nationwide wireless provider that
is regularly included on the Inc. 5000 list as one of America’s fastest
growing companies.
Yet, here’s what hasn’t changed: our co-founders, John and Greg, still own the
company and serve our customers everyday as CEO and COO respectively.
We are based entirely in the U.S. We remain privately held, run by family and
friends, and deeply rooted in the core values we’ve held from day one—finding
ways to make today’s best technology accessible and affordable for every
type of wireless user.
Make a Connection with Consumer Cellular today.
We’d love to have you as part of our family!
