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Consumer Cellular is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) that can save you up to $600 a year on your cell phone service when you switch.
Consumer Cellular provides nationwide coverage on the AT&T 4G LTE and 5G networks. You get the same coverage and quality at a lower price than AT&T customers pay.
Keep reading to get informed insights into the pros and cons of Consumer Cellular, along with more info to help you decide if this MVNO is right for you.
1. Is Consumer Cellular good?
If you're in search of a new carrier or just want to compare cell phone plans, Consumer Cellular offers a variety of the features you want at a lower cost than you're paying now.
Drawing on my in-depth knowledge of carrier benefits and features, I've identified the following advantages and drawbacks associated with Consumer Cellular:
Consumer Cellular Advantages:
- Unlimited talk and text with all plans
- Mobile hotspot usage permitted
- Discount for AARP members
- Excellent customer service
Consumer Cellular Disadvantages:
- Pricier than other low-cost carriers
- Data is shared on multiline accounts
2. Consumer Cellular cell phone plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Cellular 1GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $20/mo |
| Consumer Cellular 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $25/mo |
| Consumer Cellular 10GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $35/mo |
| Consumer Cellular unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
Consumer Cellular offers by-the-gig plans as well as an unlimited data plan. All plans Consumer Cellular plans include unlimited talk and text, as well as mobile hotspot data usage.
Our findings indicate that users may face challenges with traveling abroad. While Consumer Cellular international roaming is available, it can be expensive. Additionally, there is no international Consumer Cellular coverage with eSIMs.
3. Consumer Cellular 5G & 4G LTE coverage
As an MVNO, Consumer Cellular partners with the AT&T network to provide your cell service, this means you get the same 4G LTE and 5G coverage as AT&T customers at a lower price.
You can check the Consumer Cellular coverage map to see if their service is reliable in your location.
AT&T's data speeds are impressive, and they continue to improve their 5G infrastructure. However, there may be deprioritization during busy periods, which can result in slower data speeds.
4. Consumer Cellular unlimited data
Consumer Cellular offers an unlimited data plan with a 50 GB high-speed data cap. Once you exceed this limit, your data speeds will be slowed.
5. Consumer Cellular family plans
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Cellular 1GB | $20 | $40 $20/line | $60 $20/line | $80 $20/line |
| Consumer Cellular 5GB | $25 | $50 $25/line | $75 $25/line | $100 $25/line |
| Consumer Cellular 10GB | $35 | $70 $35/line | $105 $35/line | $140 $35/line |
| Consumer Cellular Unlimited | $50 | $100 $50/line | $150 $50/line | $200 $50/line |
Each additional line you put on your Consumer Cellular service costs $15 per month. You can have up to seven lines; however, you can only choose up to three lines online. You'll need to contact Consumer Cellular customer support if you want more than that.
It's worth noting that if you take advantage of Consumer Cellular multiline discounts, all phone lines will share the data on whichever plan you choose.
6. Consumer Cellular features
Consumer Cellular's plans provide features that enhance the user experience, including reliable coverage, unlimited talk and text, and mobile hotspot usage.
7. Consumer Cellular customer service
To see what users who've actually tested Consumer Cellular have to say about their experience, read our Consumer Cellular customer reviews.
8. Bring your own phone to Consumer Cellular
Love your old phone? If it's unlocked from your previous carrier and compatible with the AT&T network, you can bring it to Consumer Cellular. See if your device is compatible by entering its IMEI number into our phone compatibility checker.
9. Consumer Cellular phones
There is a decent selection of Consumer Cellular phones to choose from, including the newest iPhones and Android devices. You can pay in full or in low monthly payments.
10. Consumer Cellular activation
Signing up is quick and easy on Consumer Cellular's website. After selecting your plan, Consumer Cellular will send you a SIM kit by mail. Alternatively, you can buy a Consumer Cellular SIM card at retailers like Target and Walmart.
If you prefer an eSIM, they can provide a QR code to activate your cell phone service instantly.
Consumer Cellular FAQs
Yes, Consumer Cellular customers get service on the AT&T network. This means switching to their affordable plans can save you a significant amount on your cell phone bill while maintaining coverage.
A physical SIM card will take a few days to get to your home. However, if your device supports eSIM, your new plan should be up and running in minutes.
Absolutely. Consumer Cellular does not require an annual contract, so there are no early termination fees.
Consumer Cellular runs on the nationwide AT&T network. They used to offer a choice between T-Mobile and AT&T. However, they have switched to AT&T exclusively.
Recap: Should You Switch to Consumer Cellular?
Consumer Cellular offers affordable cell phone plans, potentially saving you up to $600 per year. This low-cost carrier is a particularly attractive choice for mature consumers, as they offer an extra 5% off for AARP members.
With mobile service on the AT&T network, you can enjoy affordable plans without compromising on coverage and features.
As experts in evaluating similar products and providing insightful analysis, you can trust our Consumer Cellular review to provide you with more information before making your decision.
Consumer Cellular info
| Founded | 1995 |
| Headquarters | 12447 SW 69th Avenue, Portland, OR 97223 |
| Employees | 1,001-5,000 |
| Customer service | (888) 345-5509 |
| Support | Consumer Cellular's email |
| Website | Consumer Cellular's Website |
| Wikipedia | Consumer Cellular's Wikipedia |
| Consumer Cellular's Facebook | |
| Consumer Cellular's Twitter |
