There was a time when I used to often write about cell phone deals [1] [2] [3] but I don’t write very often about them because points and miles blogs have been picking up cell phone deals much more often these days. Anyway, this post is important because (a) I have not seen blogs in this space cover this and (b) this effects those who do cell phone deals at Costco (and I covered those frequently in the past).
Based on this post on reddit, Wireless Advocates ceased operation effective December 5, 2022. You can see the recording of their CEO, Dan Bretler, announcing shutdown effective immediately on this YouTube video. Long story short is Wireless Advocates serving three carriers in Costco (535 locations) and 65 military bases (see tmo report). In the abovementioned YouTube video, Bretler mentions that they had pulled out of military bases and their choice of cease of operation came after Costco had decided to go into a different direction in regards to providing wireless service in their warehouses.
So, here is the two main takeaways:
- It might be a while before we see wireless + phone deal in Costco.
- If you recently did a deal at Costco, like the recently iPhone deal from November, then you may have to wait a while to see what happens with the rebate. You can follow the news on the following two slickdeal threads:
- Company Responsible For Mobile Sales In Costco Implodes Overnight
- Costco Members: Buy Select Apple iPhone 12/13/14 (T-Mobile) & Get Another Up To $720 OFF plus $100 Costco Shop Card
- This thread in particular suggests rebate on iPhone deal is is processing as intended.
Closing Thoughts
Yes, their service was trash but it does suck losing (even if temporarily) an avenue of getting deals. Their T-Mobile deals were typically far superior than the equivalent offered at T-Mobile store.
Oh and if it comes to it, I suspect Costco may step in and make customers who miss out on rebate whole.
