PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Consumer Cellular (http://www.consumercellular.com), a leading provider of wireless service and cellphones and the exclusive wireless provider for AARP members, is now offering a smartphone option to its rapidly expanding 50+ customer base. So far, thousands of consumers have ordered the new phone, many of whom have shared positive comments (see below).
“Because we offer no-contract service with our smartphone, it’s perfect for the casual user that desires a higher-performing phone to check email, view real-time news or access maps,” said John Marick, CEO of Consumer Cellular. “Because it is easy to use, the Motorola Bravo is the perfect introductory smartphone for our customers - many of whom are ages 50+ - who are eager to stay connected but haven’t tried one yet.”
Consumer Cellular is releasing the Android phone in response to customer demand as well as a national survey it recently commissioned through third party research firm Flying Coyotes. The survey showed that 60 percent of non-smartphone users across generations are likely to buy a smartphone, while 87 percent of current smartphone owners report they are likely or extremely likely to purchase another one. Further, respondents reported a desire to own a smartphone that will enhance their daily lives, including mobile access to financial applications and social media.
Consumer Cellular’s new Motorola Bravo operates on the Android platform and has many features that are attractive to its mature audience, including:
- Large 3.7 inch touch screen for easy viewing and dialing
- Internet so users can quickly check websites for financial, national and local news, Google Maps, Facebook, and more
- Camera with three megapixels, digital zoom, auto-focus and image editing tools
- MP3 music player
Consumer Cellular also customized the interface of the Motorola Bravo so customers can access their account through a free mobile application. The all-new application allows customers, with a push of a button, to view their minute and data usage and manage their account.
Customer Feedback
Feedback from early adopters of the phone has been overwhelmingly positive. Currently, CNET user reviews on the Motorola Bravo rank the phone 4.4 out of 5 stars for customer satisfaction. Of the several thousand Consumer Cellular’s customers who adopted the phone earlier in August, some have sent the following feedback to the company:
- Customer Brian O., 78, of California, wanted a smartphone to access e-mail while traveling. The Motorola Bravo enables him to feel like “part of the in-crowd,” as well as access maps and Yellow Pages.
- After using the Motorola Bravo for just more than a week, Nathan N., 65, of Massachusetts found the phone fairly easy to set up and plans to use his phone for talking, e-mail, Facebook and countless other needs.
- New customer David H., 57, of New York had poor luck with previous cellphone plan providers and wanted a smartphone with no contract. He uses his phone to access e-mail, the Internet, weather and Google Earth.
- 78-year-old Donald W., of Oregon said he is, “Having a lot of fun with it” and that he wanted the phone to stay in touch with his son and daughter and grandchildren who also have one.
- Patricia S., 41, of Pennsylvania recently switched to Consumer Cellular, and she enjoys being able to connect to Facebook on the run with her new Motorola Bravo.
The Motorola Bravo will cost $200, which includes a one-time $35 activation fee. “The price point of the phone is notable, especially for the casual user, because as with all our phones, the Bravo is offered with a no contract plan,” said Marick. The phone can be purchased online at http://www.consumercellular.com/Info/Phones or by phone at 1-888-345-5509.
About Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular is the exclusive wireless provider for AARP members and a top-rated carrier that provides no contract cellphones and service plans to 50+. Founded in 1995 on the belief that everyone should have affordable access to the safety and convenience of cellular service, Consumer Cellular is privately held with more than 400 employees. The Portland, Ore.-based company utilizes the nation's largest voice and data network, covering more than 296 million people - or 97 percent of the U.S. population. Consumer Cellular’s cellphones and plans are sold nationwide at leading retailers such as Sears and RadioShack dealer franchise locations, as well as direct to consumers at www.consumercellular.com or 800-686-4460. The company has been ranked on the Inc. 5000 List for three years in a row. For cellphone tutorials, features, applications and company news, connect with Consumer Cellular on Facebook.com/consumercellular, Twitter.com/consumer_cell and YouTube.com/consumercellular.