TruConnect
| Industry | Wireless telecommunications |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founders | Matthew Johnson and Nathan Johnson (Co-CEOs) |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, CA |
Area served | Nationwide |
| Products | Phones, 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 and text, 4G LTE/5G mobile data, and hotspot access.
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. TruConnect has provided wireless, residential and small business telecommunication services under Sage Telecom, Telscape Communications and TruConnect Mobile brands.[4][5]
Lifeline
TruConnect is in partnership with a federal and state-funded Lifeline Program, overseen and managed by the FCC and USAC.[6] 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).[7] 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.[8][9] As of May 2016, the company had 195,751 Lifeline subscribers in California, a major market (under the branding Telscape Communications);[10] in 2023 the CPUC listed TruConnect as the alternate Lifeline provider in CA (the primary being, TracFone).[11]
References
- ^ "Kevin Hamilton TruConnect Mobile Interview". prepaid-wireless-guide.com. 2017-11-11.
- ^ "EY Entrepreneur of the Year® 2015 Greater Los Angeles". sbnonline.com. Smart Business. 2015-07-01.
- ^ "2024 Finalists" (PDF). Los Angeles Business Journal: 42. 10 June 2024.
- ^ Alleven, Monica (2021-05-17). "TruConnect: EBB reinvigorates Lifeline | Fierce Network". www.fierce-network.com. Retrieved 2024-07-17.
- ^ "TruConnect is Now One of the Fastest Growing Wireless Companies in the United States" (Press release). TruConnect | PR Newswire. 2015-04-29.
- ^ "Lifeline Carriers - Free Government Lifeline Cell Phones". freegovernmentlifelinecellphones.com. Archived from the original on 2016-05-21. Retrieved 2015-12-18.
- ^ "Free Government Phone | Apply Lifeline | TruConnect". TruConnect. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
- ^ "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". California Public Utilities Commission. Archived from the original on 2017-02-07. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
- ^ "2023 Annual Report - California LifeLine Program" (PDF). cpuc.ca.gov. California Public Utilities Commission. March 2024.