Consumer Reports Readers Choose Top Wireless Carriers

Consumer Reports has released its annual cellphone service provider ratings, and we’re proud to report that, thanks to your very positive feedback, we were once again ranked among the best.

We aren’t allowed to announce who was chosen number one on the list, but we can tell you we’re pretty proud of where we landed.  This marks the 6th time we’ve earned a spot among the industry’s best, and rest assured we’ll keep doing everything we can to make sure you put us there again.

The survey’s results are based on the actual experiences of 100,000 wireless customers nationwide. That’s why it’s so special to us: it represents candid opinions from loyal customers discussing our strengths and weaknesses. This helps us understand what we’re doing well, and just as importantly, what we can do better in the future.

We’re delighted to know that you think so highly of our prices, products, and customer support, and that you’re willing to spread the word. We take your comments and suggestions very seriously, and we use your opinions to guide us in our decision making process. Our goal is to always provide the best value in the wireless industry—and once again, you’ve told us that we’re succeeding.

Consumer Cellular has been around for 21 years now, and we have over 2 million customers. But I can honestly say that every time we receive this type of recognition—and we’ve been fortunate enough to receive plenty—it’s just as thrilling as it was the very first time.

We sincerely thank you for your kind words and loyalty, and pledge to continue giving you reasons to tell the world why you’re pleased to be a Consumer Cellular customer.

20 Thoughts on "Consumer Reports Readers Choose Top Wireless Carriers"

  1. Kathy Madsen says

    Do you have a pre-pay service & phones?

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for asking, Kathy. We offer no-contract service, but we bill monthly for our service. At this time, we don’t have a pre-paid option, but we do offer a variety of flexible plans for all types of users. You can view our plans here, and our full lineup of devices here as well. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about making the switch to Consumer Cellular. Just give us a call at 888-345-5509 at your convenience. We appreciate you taking the time to learn more about us, and we look forward to talking with you soon!

  2. Hannah McCutcheon says

    Am I able to bring my own IPhone 6 Plus? Even though they don’t have a slot for the SIM Card.

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for reaching out to us, Hannah. Your iPhone 6 Plus does have a SIM card slot, but you will need a special tool to open it. Please view this step-by-step guide here. You may be able to use your iPhone with our SIM card, though we can only guarantee iPhones purchased from Consumer Cellular. You can learn more about using your device with our service here on our site. You can get started by picking up a SIM card at your local Target store, by calling us at 888-345-5509 or by ordering one from our website. If we can answer any questions about making the switch, please feel free to call us anytime. We appreciate you taking the time to post, and we hope you have a wonderful day!

  3. Phil VanBreemen says

    I am a Verizon customer with an I-phone.
    IF I wanted to switch can I keep my iPhone and phone number for both my wife and myself.
    Whose network are you using ?

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      We’re glad to hear that you’re interested in switching, Phil. Depending on the model of iPhone and if it has a SIM card, you may be able to use it with our service. While we can’t guarantee a device that we didn’t sell, we’re certainly happy to do our best to make it work. You can learn more about using your device with our SIM card here. As for your phone number, it’s very easy to transfer. Just be sure to leave your previous account open until we have confirmed that the number has been transferred to Consumer Cellular. We offer service on two of the largest nationwide networks. You can view our coverage maps and look at your area here on our site. If we can answer any other questions you may have, please feel free to call us at 888-345-5509. Our representatives will be happy to help! Thank you for taking the time to post, and we hope to see you as a Consumer Cellular customer soon!

  4. Toni Adams says

    Is Consumer Cellular taking steps to reduce the time customers spend on hold when they need to speak with a representative? Your hold times are very long and very frustrating. Are more reps being added to reduce this hold time? Also, are you planning on adding an online chat feature like ALL of the other large carriers offer? This is much easier and more convenient for those who don’t want to talk on the phone.

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      We do apologize for any time you spent on hold, Toni. Our representatives do their best to assist every customer in a timely manner, so please accept our apology for the wait. New representatives are being trained now so that we can further reduce hold times. At this time, we don’t have an online chat feature, but I’m happy to forward your suggestion on to our management team. After reviewing your account, I’m glad to see that you were able to place your order, and theat your new phone is on the way to you now. If we can assist you with anything else at this time, please give us a call at 888-345-5509. Thank you for your feedback, and we hope you have a great day!

  5. Jon A. Res-Wolfsteller says

    I have a Nokia cell phone! Can I use it with a SIM card from Consumer Cellular? If I can, how do I get a new SIM card? Thanks for any information!

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for asking, Jon! First of all, you’ll want to make sure the Nokia is an unlocked GSM device. Typically, these include phones used previously with AT&T or T-Mobile. You can test the compatibility with the SIM card from your current Consumer Cellular phone. If you place it in the Nokia and are able to make a call, it should work with our service. Then all you’ll need to do is give us a call at 888-345-5509 and we can get a new SIM card on the way to you. We’re happy to answer any other questions you may have, so please don’t hesitate to call us. We appreciate you reaching out to us today!

  6. esther hughes says

    Where can I get a new battery for my phone?

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for asking, Esther. After taking a look at your account, I see that you were able to take advantage of your SquareTrade warranty and get this resolved without needing to purchase anything! Thank you for taking the time to call us so that we could get your claim started and get this issue resolved. If we can assist you with anything else at this time, please don’t hesitate to call us at 888-345-5509. We hope you have a wonderful day!

  7. Robin Lynne Singer says

    I fired METRO PCS and you guys rescued my sanity!!!!!! Thank you!!! I love Consumer Cellular!

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      We’re so glad to hear that you’ve having a great experience with us, Robin! Thank you so much for letting us know. You have a wonderful day!

  8. Ceil says

    We have Sprint phones, will they work? Or is it different phone by phone?

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Great question, Ceil. In general, unlocked GSM phones work best with our SIM cards. That includes devices that were previously used with AT&T or T-Mobile. Some newer phones used with other carriers may work with our service, but we can’t guarantee that your phones will work. You’re welcome to try our SIM card with your phone to verify, and with our $10 credit, it’s free of charge and risk-free. We can help you get started at 888-345-5509, or you can find our SIM cards at your local Target store or here on our website. Thank you for reaching out to us!

  9. Sherry says

    How long should a phone battery last before having to charge it? My Mom says she is having to charge her phone like ever other day because it completely dies. She hardly uses it but keeps it turned on all the time. It is brand new. Is there something she should do to keep the battery charged longer.

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Great question, Sherry. The “standby” time varies by phone, and also by how much the phone is being used. If your mother is leaving her phone on and using it periodically, two days would be an average charge time. We recommend that your mother charge the phone daily for the best result. If the battery continues to be a problem, we’re happy to troubleshoot with you over the phone at 888-345-5509. We appreciate you taking the time to post today!

  10. Dorothy says

    I have the Amazon Fire smartphone and use ATT. Will I be able to keep my phone and info (I have many books on my phone and some pictures) and/or transfer it to a new phone if I am required to purchase another mobile? I am considering iPhone SE if I have to purchase.

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Great question, Dorothy. Generally, phones used previously with AT&T or T-Mobile are the best fit with our SIM card. You’ll just want to make sure the device has been unlocked by the original carrier, as unfortunately, we can’t assist you with that on our end. Then you’ll just need one of our SIM cards. You can find one at your local Target store, here on our site or we can help you order one at 888-345-5509. That way, you can keep the device you know and love, and won’t need to worry about moving your books or pictures. We’re happy to answer any other questions you may have if you give us a call, and we appreciate you taking the time to post!