Consumer Cellular Adds 2ND Smartphone

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 1/30/2012

Portland, Ore. - Consumer Cellular, which targets the 50-plus age group with an unusual no-contract postpaid service, has launched its second smartphone as part of a planned smartphone expansion.

 The MVNO launched the Android-based 3G LG Thrive at $90 plus a one-time $35 activation fee. It joins the company's first smartphone, the 3G Motorola Bravo, whose price was just reduced to $140 plus $35 activation fee.

The Android-based Bravo, which was the company's first 3G phone, was originally launched last year at $165.

In 2012, the company will make the switch to an all-3G lineup and expand its smartphone selection while it continues to expand beyond its direct-to-consumer roots by rolling out sales through online and brick-and-mortar retailers, CEO John Marick previously told TWICE.

The Thrive features a 3.2-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi, 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera and camcorder, access to the Android Market for apps, and the preloaded subscribers-only My Consumer Cellular app, which lets users access billing and account information, usage stats and scan-capable AARP information for member benefits

Consumer Cellular offers only postpaid no-contract plans over the AT&T network, appealing to older consumers who have good credit but don't like contracts.