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