i-wireless
Subsidiary | |
Industry | Telecommunication |
Founded | 2006[1] |
Headquarters | Newport, Kentucky, United States |
Number of locations | In Kroger family of stores |
Key people | Paul McAleese (CEO) |
Services | Mobile virtual network operator |
Parent | Kroger, Sprint Corporation[2] |
Website |
krogeriwireless |
i-wireless is a United States mobile virtual network operator that uses the Sprint CDMA, EVDO, WiMAX and LTE networks to provide nationwide wireless coverage.[3] Domestic roaming (except 9-1-1 calls) and accessing service abroad from a subscriber's cell phone are not currently available. The company was originally based next to Kroger headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, but has now relocated directly across the Ohio River to Newport, Kentucky. It is owned by Kroger.[4] Since 2009, i-wireless has several rate plans for calling and text messaging.[5] The business was trialed in 130 Kroger stores in 2006, before being rolled out by mid-2008 to over 2,200 branches of The Kroger Co., including banner stores such as Dillons, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, and Fry's Food and Drug.[1] The stores also sell airtime refill cards and some accessories. Although the company has an exclusive contract with Kroger, it is (or was) considering working with other retailers in parts of the country where the chain does not operate.[1]
i-wireless acts similar to other prepaid carriers, offering no contracts or credit checks to purchase their phones. Voice mail is provided free to all accounts. However, playing voice mail and recording greetings from an i-wireless phone will incur charges, unless accessed remotely. Unlike most other carriers, incoming text messages are also free. Pre-paid minutes will be rolled over indefinitely if more funds are added the day before the expiration date. Kroger-owned stores that have a shopper's rewards card offer bonus minutes and discounts of monthly plans for every $100 in purchases.
i-wireless also sells 3G mobile broadband using a USB adapter manufactured by Sierra Wireless. Accounts and funds are separate from cell phone minutes.
Phones and devices
- Smartphones
- LG "Optimus" S
- Samsung Replenish
- Kyocera Milano
- Coolpad Arise
- Messaging phones
- Kyocera Brio
- 4G phones
- Mobile broadband and hotspot
- i-wireless Mobile Broadband
References
- 1 2 3 Woyke, Elizabeth (16 June 2008). "Avoid The Big Carriers!". Forbes. Retrieved 2008-08-07.
- ↑ http://www.androidheadlines.com/2016/05/sprint-i-wireless-merger-to-heat-up-lifeline-services.html
- ↑ Slater, Sherry (23 September 2007). "Kroger makes space for phones a la carte". The Journal Gazette. Retrieved 2008-08-07.
- ↑ "Contact Us". i-wireless.
- ↑ "Rates". i-wireless. Retrieved 2008-08-07.