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
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
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
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
- ^ "Kevin Hamilton TruConnect Mobile Interview".
- ^ "EY Entrepreneur of the Year® 2015 Greater Los Angeles". July 2015.
- ^ "2024 Finalists" (PDF). Los Angeles Business Journal: 42. 10 June 2024.
- ^ "D-Link and TruConnect Partner to Offer Internet On-the-go for Mobile Users" (Press release).
- ^ "TruConnect is Now One of the Fastest Growing Wireless Companies in the United States" (Press release).
- ^ "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.
- ^ "TruConnect Forms TruConnect Technologies LLC; Acquires Network Operator Business of WeFi, Inc". Benzinga. Retrieved 2016-09-28.
- ^ "TruConnect Changes the Game with New Dialer App". PRWeb.
- ^ "TruConnect Extends into SaaS Business, Acquires FreedomPop's Proprietary Digital ETC Platform to Power Digital Acquisition Across ETC Market". PRWeb. Retrieved 2019-05-21.
- ^ "Verizon Launch". Loom. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
- ^ Alleven, Monica (2021-05-17). "TruConnect: EBB reinvigorates Lifeline | Fierce Network". www.fierce-network.com. Retrieved 2024-07-17.
- ^ "Wireless Plans - Wireless - Shop - English". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-18.
- ^ "WiFi iPad? Meet TruConnect's cheap pay-as-you-go MiFi". 2011-09-19. Archived from the original on January 10, 2013.
- ^ "Free Government Phone | Apply Lifeline | TruConnect". TruConnect. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
- ^ "Lifeline Carriers - Free Government Lifeline Cell Phones". Archived from the original on 2016-05-21. Retrieved 2015-12-18.
- ^ "Lifeline and Prepaid Plan Details by State". TruConnect. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Total Approved LifeLine Subscribers in California by Carrier As Reported by Xerox State and Local Solutions, Inc". Archived from the original on 2017-02-07. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
- ^ "Total Approved LifeLine Subscribers in California by Carrier As Reported by Xerox State and Local Solutions, Inc". Archived from the original on 2020-10-28. Retrieved 2016-05-15.