TruConnect
| Industry | Wireless telecommunications |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founders | Matthew Johnson and Nathan Johnson |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, CA |
Area served | Nationwide |
Key people | Matthew Johnson - Co-CEO Nathan Johnson - Co-CEO |
| Products | Phones, Mobile Hotpots, Wireless Plans, Lifeline |
| Website | TruConnect |
TruConnect is an American mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that sells mobile hotspots and smartphones, 4G LTE and 5G mobile data plans and prepaid cell phone talk & text plans on both T-Mobile and Verizon networks (depending on location).
It is the only Lifeline provider (ETC) headquartered in Los Angeles, CA. TruConnect was the first prepaid broadband provider in the U.S. to offer a pay-as-you-go, portable Wi-Fi service plans.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]In 2006, Matthew and Nathan Johnson acquired Telscape Communications, rebranding the company as TruConnect.[2][3]
- On August 4, 2014, D-Link and TruConnect partnered to offer internet for mobile users.[4]
- On April 29, 2015, TruConnect appeared as one of the fastest-growing wireless companies in the United States according to data from the Universal Service Administrative Company.[5][6]
- In September 2016, TruConnect Communications, Inc. announces that it has formed TruConnect Technologies, LLC, which acquired WeFi, Inc.'s network operating activities. The company is based in Los Angeles with an R&D innovation center in Tel Aviv.[7]
- In April 2017, TruConnect launched its own text and dialer app, TruText.[8]
- In August 2018, TruConnect expands into SaaS business, acquiring FreedomPop's proprietary Digital ETC Platform to power digital acquisition across the ETC market.[9]
- On October 11, 2023 TruConnect added Verizon wireless as their second carrier.[10]
TruConnect now provides wireless, residential and small business telecommunication services under Sage Telecom, Telscape Communications and TruConnect Mobile brands.[11]
Wireless
[edit | edit source]Wireless services exist for 4G and 5G smartphones, as well as mobile hotspots and prepaid wireless talk & text data plans.[12] Their service is aimed at those who need affordable and reliable devices and internet on-the-go.[13]
Lifeline
[edit | edit source]Lifeline is a state and federal government program by the FCC that provides free or low-cost wireless service and free government phones to low-income consumers. The program is available to consumers who can provide documentation for eligibility for government phones based on either income level or participation in public assistance programs including SNAP and Medicaid, among others.[14]
The company is in partnership with a federal and state-funded Lifeline program, which offers discounted cell phone service.[15] TruConnect's Lifeline Program (Universal Service Fund) provides reduced-cost or free cell phone services to eligible households in most U.S. states (prepaid only services include OR, NM, NC, DE, CT, NH, and ME, as well as D.C.).[16][17] As of May 2016, the company had 195,751 Lifeline subscribers,[18] with 275,762 in March of 2019.[19]
References
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