Jitterbug has some new competition today in the form of Consumer Cellular, which is offering two new phones by Doro and service targeting active seniors.
Whereas Jitterbug owner Great Call tapped Samsung for designing phones with big buttons for easy dialing, Portland, Ore.-based Consumer Cellular partnered with Doro, a Swedish company that specializes in user-friendly electronics. Consumer Cellular also offers phone options from Motorola and Nokia but is featuring the Doro PhoneEasy 345 and Doro PhoneEasy 410 models with today’s launch.
Consumer Cellular’s price plans start as low as $10 a month. In marketing materials, Consumer Cellular does a side-by-side comparison with Jitterbug and the Jitterbug J phone. A Doro PhoneEasy 345 runs $40, plus a $35 activation fee, while the Doro PhoneEasy 410 is priced at $50 in addition to a $35 activation fee. A chart lists the Jitterbug J for $147.
Consumer Cellular is one of the oldest MVNOs; it was established in 1995 and uses AT&T’s network.
In a press release, Consumer Cellular co-founder and CEO John Marick said a recent survey of customers found that 62 percent would prefer a cell phone with easier to read, enlarged buttons and display text. Consumer Cellular says its phones accommodate reduced dexterity, hearing loss and decreased vision.