AARP Online Community: johnmarick - Cell Phone and Cell Plans Have Your Head Spinning?

johnmarick

Offline

Background

Birthday: November 19

Gender: Male

Location:
PORTLAND
United States

Work:
Co-founder and CEO of Consumer Cellular

My Websites:
www.consumercellular.com

My Comments (1)

Cell Phone and Cell Plans Have Your Head Spinning?

Hello, my name is John Marick, co-founder and CEO of Consumer Cellular, the official wireless provider of the AARP. I’ve been following the AARP technology forums for a while now and I believe my expertise in the cellular industry may help AARP members with their cellular-related questions and concerns.

I understand that selecting the right cellular phone and plan can be downright confusing. Since 1995, when my partner, Greg Pryor, and I founded Consumer Cellular, the U.S. wireless industry has mushroomed from 33.8 million wireless subscribers to 270 million today, along with a dizzying array of service options, phones, plans and accessories.

Therefore, I want to help guide AARP members through the seemingly never-ending labyrinth of cell phones and service options. I know how frustrating it can be to find the right plan and phone. At the end of the day, it is my hope that this journal will at least help you become more confident in finding the right wireless option.

In the mean time, don’t be afraid to share with me, and the rest of the AARP community, your questions and comments. After all, this journal is really about you and I’d be happy to discuss your thoughts about all things cellular.

Thanks!

John Marick

Comments (2)

Bookmarked (0)

johnmarick says:

Sounds like you would be better off with no-contract service. No-contract cellular plans such as pay-as-you-go are usually the best option for casual users like yourself. A test to determine if it is worthwhile to cancel your contract for a new one is to determine if the amount of money you will save going to a new plan is equal or greater than the amount of money you must pay to cancel your current plan before it expires. In your case, you are definitely making the right decision by waiting it out

Posted: September 30, 2009 8:18PM EDT

peridot810 says:

Hello John,

I will be cancelling my wireless plan on Sept 30th when my two year plan expires. I tried to cancel it yesterday but they wanted to charge me $175.00 to do so. I do not need any whistles on my phone. I will be happy with the basics. Phone as you go! I don't use the phone to chit chat only use the wireless for emergency call or emergency text. I think I can get away with paying $20.00 every 90 days.

Posted: September 20, 2009 1:14PM EDT