Kroger Wireless

Kroger Wireless LLC
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryTelecommunication
Founded2005; 19 years ago (2005)
Headquarters
Newport, Kentucky
,
United States
Number of locations
In Kroger family of stores
Key people
Gary Millerchip (Board Member)
ServicesMobile virtual network operator
ParentKroger

Kroger Wireless LLC is an American mobile virtual network operator providing domestic telecommunications services via the T-Mobile Network. The brand was launched as i-wireless, a Kroger Co. It was trialed in 130 Kroger stores in 2006, before being rolled out by mid-2008 to over 2,200 locations, including banner stores such as Dillons, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, and Fry's Food and Drug.[1] Unique among US wireless operators, i-wireless created a loyalty offer allowing customers the ability to earn Wireless Rewards on select plans when using their shopper's loyalty card on in-store qualifying purchases.[2] In May 2019, the company announced the name of its prepaid product brand changing from "i-wireless, a Kroger Co." to "Kroger Wireless."[3]

Kroger Wireless

Kroger Wireless is the private-label wireless service sold exclusively within the Kroger Family of Companies stores.[4] Kroger Wireless acts like other US prepaid carriers–requiring no contracts, activation fees, or credit checks to purchase their phones. The company offers “Unlimited” rate plans including unlimited talk/text and data allotments up to and including unlimited data.[5]

Kroger Wireless invites customers to purchase phones at select Kroger store locations,[6] via their website,[7] or by bringing their eligible Sprint device for activation.[8] In addition, it hosts the Kroger Wireless My Account[9] app for Android or iOS mobile customers.[10]

Access Wireless

i-wireless dba Access Wireless is a service provider for the government-funded Lifeline Assistance program.[11] The Lifeline Assistance program was designed to ensure that quality telecommunications services are available to low-income customers at reasonable and affordable rates. Customers who qualify for the program receive a free allotment of voice, text and data, and may receive a free mobile phone- dependent on individual state regulations.[12]

References

  1. ^ Woyke, Elizabeth (2008-06-16). "Avoid The Big Carriers!". Forbes. Retrieved 2018-11-06.
  2. ^ "Kroger Shoppers Earn Free Wireless Just for Shopping". PR Newswire. 2009-12-15. Retrieved 2018-11-06.
  3. ^ "i-wireless Is Becoming Kroger Wireless". www.krogerwireless.com. Retrieved 2019-06-03.
  4. ^ "i-wireless Launches Kroger Wireless Nationwide". www.newswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 2019-07-12.
  5. ^ "i-wireless Is Now Kroger Wireless". Retrieved 2019-07-12.
  6. ^ "Grocery Chain Kroger Rebrands i-wireless To Kroger Wireless, Pricing Starts At $25/Month". BestMVNO. 2019-06-24. Retrieved 2019-07-12.
  7. ^ "Kroger Wireless Phones". shop.krogerwireless.com. Retrieved 2019-06-03.
  8. ^ "Bring Your Own". www.krogerwireless.com. Retrieved 2019-06-03.
  9. ^ "Login". www.krogerwireless.com. Retrieved 2019-06-03.
  10. ^ "Company Overview of i-wireless LLC". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2018-11-06.
  11. ^ "Terms and Conditions". www.accesswireless.com. Retrieved 2018-11-13.
  12. ^ "Access Wireless -- Free Lifeline Cell Phones". www.freegovernmentcellphones.net. Retrieved 2018-11-13.