Consumer Cellular is a prepaid cell phone carrier known as a mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO.
An MVNO is simply any cell phone carrier that does not operate its own cellular network.
Instead of building their own networks, MVNOs make agreements with the four big carriers to use their cellular networks for coverage.
In Consumer Cellular’s case, it uses the AT&T or T-Mobile networks for coverage.
If you are curious to learn more about how the agreements work between the big carriers and the small carriers, check out my article on how some cell phone plans can cost so much less than others.
Yes, Consumer Cellular offers family plans.
You can activate up to four lines on an account using the website. If you need to add more lines, then you will have to call Consumer Cellular customer service.
Keep in mind that the data allotment is shared between all lines on your account.
No, Consumer Cellular does not have plans for tablets, smartwatches, or hotspot devices.
The above data come from the FCC and from Verizon.
Check Verizon coverage in your area using maps such as CoverageMap.com.
CoverageMap.com is building crowdsourced maps of cellular coverage.
Download the free Coverage Map app for iPhone or Android to compare coverage between carriers and see what carrier has the best coverage in your area.
The above information comes from the FCC and from AT&T.
You can check AT&T coverage by using third-party maps such as CoverageMap.com.
CoverageMap.com is building crowdsourced maps of the cellular networks.
Download the free Coverage Map app for iPhone or Android to compare coverage between carriers and see what network is best in your area.
The above information comes from the FCC and from T-Mobile.
Check T-Mobile coverage in your area by using third-party maps such as CoverageMap.com.
CoverageMap.com is building crowdsourced maps of cellular coverage.
Download the free Coverage Map app for iPhone or Android to compare coverage and see what carrier is best in your area.
The above information comes from the FCC and from EchoStar.
Check Dish Wireless coverage in your area by using third-party maps such as CoverageMap.com.
CoverageMap.com is building crowdsourced maps of cellular coverage.
Download the free Coverage Map app for iPhone or Android to compare coverage and see what carrier is best in your area.
Yes, Consumer Cellular supports both international calling and international data roaming at pay-per-use rates.
Consumer Cellular is known for having excellent, US-based customer service.
You can reach Consumer Cellular customer service by calling (888) 345-5509, or by using the online chat on their website. The chat hours are from 6am-5pm PT.