TruConnect

Last updated
TruConnect
IndustryWireless telecommunications
Founded2011
FoundersMatthew Johnson and Nathan Johnson (Co-CEOs)
Headquarters Los Angeles, CA
Area served
Nationwide
ProductsPhones, mobile hotpots, wireless plans, Lifeline
Website TruConnect

TruConnect is an American mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) on T-Mobile and Verizon networks offering free phone service plans through Lifeline, as well as affordable prepaid mobile phone plans that include talk & text, 4G LTE/5G mobile data, and hotspot.

Contents

It was the first prepaid broadband provider in the U.S. to offer a pay-as-you-go, portable Wi-Fi service plans. [1]

History

In 2006, Matthew and Nathan Johnson acquired Telscape Communications, rebranding the company as TruConnect. [2] [3] 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. [4] [5] TruConnect has provided wireless, residential and small business telecommunication services under Sage Telecom, Telscape Communications and TruConnect Mobile brands. [6] [5]

Lifeline

TruConnect is in partnership with a federal and state-funded Lifeline Program, overseen and managed by the FCC and USAC. [7] It provides free or low-cost wireless service and free government phones to eligible low-income consumers, including those who participate in public assistance programs (such as SNAP and Medicaid, among others). [8] This program provides these 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. [9] [10] As of May 2016, the company had 195,751 Lifeline subscribers, [11] with 275,762 in March of 2019. [12]

References

  1. ↑ "Kevin Hamilton TruConnect Mobile Interview".
  2. ↑ "EY Entrepreneur of the Year® 2015 Greater Los Angeles". sbnonline.com. July 2015.
  3. ↑ "2024 Finalists" (PDF). Los Angeles Business Journal: 42. 10 June 2024.
  4. ↑ "TruConnect is Now One of the Fastest Growing Wireless Companies in the United States" (Press release).
  5. 1 2 "TruConnect Is Now One of the Fastest Growing Wireless Companies in the United States". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-18.
  6. ↑ Alleven, Monica (2021-05-17). "TruConnect: EBB reinvigorates Lifeline | Fierce Network". www.fierce-network.com. Retrieved 2024-07-17.
  7. ↑ "Lifeline Carriers - Free Government Lifeline Cell Phones". freegovernmentlifelinecellphones.com. Archived from the original on 2016-05-21. Retrieved 2015-12-18.
  8. ↑ "Free Government Phone | Apply Lifeline | TruConnect". TruConnect. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  9. ↑ "Lifeline and Prepaid Plan Details by State". TruConnect. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  10. ↑ Jake Neenan (Jun 13, 2024). "TruConnect Asking FCC to Approve Lifeline Certification". Broadband Breakfast. Washington, D.C. Archived from the original on 2024-07-15. Retrieved 2025-12-12. During browsing registration limitations (previews), see archived version.
  11. ↑ "Total Approved LifeLine Subscribers in California by Carrier As Reported by Xerox State and Local Solutions, Inc". cpuc.ca.gov. Archived from the original on 2017-02-07. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
  12. ↑ "Total Approved LifeLine Subscribers in California by Carrier As Reported by Xerox State and Local Solutions, Inc". cpuc.ca.gov. Archived from the original on 2020-10-28. Retrieved 2016-05-15.