AT&T's Expiring Aio Brand Unveils New Discounts Ahead of Leap-Cricket Integration

Aio Wireless, a prepaid arm of AT&T Mobility, has unveiled a discount program called Group Save, aimed at customers who want to combine multiple lines onto one account or add new lines to an existing one. It’s similar to the “Framily” plan that Sprint has bombarded the television airwaves with this spring.

“We created Aio to provide affordable options for value-conscious customers. Our new Group Save multi-line discount program is one more way we’re giving customers options to save,” said Andy Smoak, Aio’s AVP, product development. “Whether it’s combining several wireless lines of family members, business colleagues or friends, Group Save is delivering discounts our customers deserve.”

New and existing customers can take advantage of the new program. Aio says customers in good standing with at least two eligible lines of service on one account will be automatically enrolled to receive Group Save discounts. The first eligible line does not get a monthly discount; only eligible lines two through five on the same account get it.

Group Save discounts are available on Aio’s $40 and higher plans and customers may combine any mix of qualifying plans on the account. Discounts will increase incrementally with each eligible line on the account beginning with the second eligible line. 

As with any transition, some Aio customers have expressed concerns about the brand merging with Cricket Communications, the Leap Wireless subsidiary that AT&T got when it bought the company last month. The Aio brand will cease to exist. AT&T said last month that the “new Cricket will shake up the no-contract segment with a combination of simple, low-cost rate plans; a terrific lineup of smartphones; and a great network experience … with access to AT&T’s nationwide 4G LTE network covering nearly 280 million people.”

Analysts expect the shutdown will happen toward the end of June, and that the Cricket brand will get a significant refresh when that happens.

The $1.2 Leap-AT&T merger gives America’s second-largest wireless carrier an additional 5 million customers in 35 states.

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