Lively's Journey from GreatCall to Best Buy Health
Lively, the connected health technology company known for its Jitterbug phones and senior-focused services, has a clear ownership structure. In August 2018, the electronics giant Best Buy acquired GreatCall, Lively's predecessor, for $800 million. This move was part of Best Buy's strategic expansion into the rapidly growing healthcare technology sector, specifically focusing on solutions that enable seniors to age in place.
Following the acquisition, GreatCall was renamed Lively in 2021, taking the name of a different company it had acquired previously. Today, Lively operates as a vital part of the Best Buy Health division, which is dedicated to creating technology and services that promote health and safety for the aging population.
The Strategic Move: Why Best Buy Acquired Lively
The acquisition of Lively (then GreatCall) was not a random decision by Best Buy. It represented a strategic expansion beyond traditional retail, tapping into the significant market of senior technology. The benefits of this acquisition were multi-faceted:
- Market Expansion: Best Buy gained a direct entry into the connected health and senior care market, a sector with immense growth potential as the baby boomer generation ages.
- Enhanced Service Offerings: Lively's core services, including its Urgent Response medical alert, Nurse-on-Call, and the Jitterbug line of senior-friendly phones, complemented Best Buy's existing retail and service infrastructure.
- Retail Synergy: The deal allowed Lively to leverage Best Buy's vast retail footprint, making its products more accessible to a wider audience and providing in-person customer support through Best Buy's stores.
- Technological Integration: The merger accelerated innovation, allowing Lively's services to be integrated with other smart home and health technologies that Best Buy offers, such as those that work with the Apple Watch.
Lively's Product and Service Ecosystem
Lively's offerings are designed with a single goal in mind: to simplify technology for seniors while providing peace of mind to both the user and their families. The product lineup is built around ease of use and immediate access to help.
Phones for Simplicity and Safety
- Jitterbug Flip2: This is Lively's classic flip phone, featuring large buttons, a loud speaker, and a simplified menu. A dedicated Urgent Response button provides instant connection to an emergency agent.
- Jitterbug Smart4: For seniors who want smartphone features without the complexity, the Smart4 offers a large screen, voice typing, and a dedicated Urgent Response button right on the home screen.
Medical Alert Services
Lively's medical alert services, offered through various service plans, are a cornerstone of its offerings:
- Urgent Response: A simple button press connects users to highly trained, certified agents 24/7 who can assess the situation and dispatch help.
- Nurse-on-Call: This service provides access to registered nurses and doctors for non-emergency health questions or for prescription refills.
- Lively Link App: This smartphone app keeps family members and caregivers updated on their loved one's health and safety. It can share location, alert if an Urgent Response call is made, and monitor battery life.
Lively's Wireless Network and Service Reliability
As a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), Lively does not own its own cellular towers. Instead, it leases network access from Verizon Wireless. For most users, this means reliable 4G LTE coverage across the United States. However, it's important to note that, as an MVNO, Lively customers may experience slower speeds during peak network hours compared to direct Verizon customers, as the parent network prioritizes its own subscribers. This trade-off is often acceptable for seniors who primarily use their phones for calls and texts, and who spend much of their time connected to Wi-Fi.
Lively vs. Competitors: A Snapshot Comparison
To understand Lively's position in the market, it helps to compare its offerings with other popular senior-focused providers. Prices and features vary, and the best choice depends on individual needs and budget.
| Feature | Lively (Best Buy Health) | Consumer Cellular | T-Mobile Senior Plans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Primarily focused on seniors and their caregivers. | Broad appeal to older adults and AARP members. | Senior-specific plans (55+), full-featured network. |
| Phone Options | Jitterbug Flip2, Smart4, and Bring Your Own Device. | Wide range of phones, including iPhones and Androids, plus their own Iris Flip phone. | Supports a full range of popular smartphones. |
| Network Used | Verizon Wireless (as an MVNO). | AT&T and T-Mobile (as an MVNO). | T-Mobile's own network (largest 5G network). |
| Special Services | Urgent Response, Nurse-on-Call, Lively Link app, Rides. | AARP member discounts, more variety in devices. | Unlimited 5G data, extra perks like in-flight Wi-Fi, no health-related extras. |
| Price Model | Health & safety services tiered on top of phone plans. | Unlimited talk, text, and data plans available. | Three different unlimited plans exclusively for seniors. |
The Broader Context of Healthy Aging Technology
The acquisition of Lively by Best Buy is a prime example of the larger trend of technology companies investing in the healthy aging market. The field is rapidly evolving, with a growing focus on using wearable sensors, smart home devices, and AI to improve the quality of life for older adults.
Technology is now enabling better remote monitoring, more effective chronic disease management, and enhanced communication with healthcare providers. For instance, integrated home monitoring systems can detect falls, track movement patterns, and alert caregivers of anomalies, as explored in research featured in Nature Medicine. This shift towards more holistic, tech-enabled care at home is exactly where Best Buy Health is positioning Lively.
Conclusion: Best Buy Health's Ownership and What It Means
Ultimately, the answer to who owns Lively phone service is Best Buy Health, Inc. This ownership is a significant factor in Lively's operation, as it benefits from the financial stability and retail infrastructure of a corporate giant. For consumers, this means access to senior-friendly technology designed for independence, backed by a large, recognizable brand. The integration of Lively's focused mission with Best Buy's broader technological expertise ensures that Lively will remain a key player in the connected health space, continuously evolving to meet the needs of the aging population and their caregivers.
