Our Story | Consumer Cellular

Assorted illustrations representing Consumer Cellular's history.

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 our core values of affordability backed by great service.

In October 1995, with the fledgling wireless industry serving primarily business users and a few early adopters of cellular technology, co-founders John Marick and Greg Pryor launched Consumer Cellular with a vision of making the convenience and safety of cellphones accessible—and affordable—for everyone. At the end of that year, the company had a whopping 40 customers in service!

More than 25 years later, we’re the wireless provider of choice to more than four million subscribers nationwide. We remain 100% U.S. based, and have 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.

Assorted illustrations representing Consumer Cellular's history of outstanding customer service.

Dedicated to Giving You More

What has truly set Consumer Cellular apart from the beginning is a deep commitment to providing unmatched value. We’ve consistently found new ways to delight our customers and eliminate unpleasant surprises from the monthly cellphone bill, including being among the first cellular providers to offer monthly service without contracts.

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 a full range of smartphones, from entry-level devices to top of the line flagship phones from leading manufacturers like Samsung, Motorola and Apple. We even feature a growing line of innovative options beyond cellphones, like the mobile hotspot and CC ConnectPad tablet, to help families forge strong connections across multiple platforms.

And our patient, friendly customer service team is always eager to help even the most inexperienced wireless user get the most from their service and device.

Assorted illustrations representing Consumer Cellular's committment to charitable giving.

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.

In 2020, we donated $2.5 million to the Toys for Tots program to honor our company’s 25th anniversary. Upon reaching 3.5 million customers in 2019, we contributed $350,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. And 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.

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. In 2020 alone, we contributed over $160,000 through this program to a variety of worthy causes and programs.

Assorted illustrations representing Consumer Cellular's core values as a company.

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.

And after 25 years of success, co-founders John Marick and Greg Pryor retired in 2020, with ownership of the company being assumed by a dynamic new team led by wireless industry veteran Ed Evans.

Yet, here’s what hasn’t changed. We remain 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. We remain 100% based in the U.S. And we remain committed to growing to meet our customers wireless needs for many years to come.

Make a Connection with Consumer Cellular today.

We’d love to have you as part of our family!

View Plans