Established in 1988 as "The Car Phone Store" in Wethersfield, Connecticut, Wireless Zone has evolved into the nation's largest Verizon-authorized wireless retail franchisor.

The company began franchising in 1989 and has since expanded to over 700 locations across the United States. Wireless Zone specializes in offering a comprehensive range of Verizon Wireless products and services, including smartphones, tablets, accessories, and customized mobile and data plans.

Wireless Zone differentiates itself through its exclusive partnership with Verizon, allowing franchisees to provide customers with the latest technology and services from a leading carrier. This exclusivity enables franchisees to maintain reduced inventory levels and develop in-depth expertise in Verizon's offerings, ensuring exceptional customer service.

Training

Wireless Zone provides comprehensive training to its franchisees to ensure successful operation of the franchise. The franchisor requires the completion of a mandatory new franchisee training program, which is typically around 80 hours and includes both virtual and in-person components.

This program covers operational, sales, and promotional training. Franchisees may also need to complete additional training as determined by Wireless Zone, which could include virtual sessions or on-site instruction. Additionally, the training includes access to proprietary instructional materials and the Wireless Zone Operations Manual, which details current practices and procedures.

Training programs are conducted at corporate headquarters, designated locations, or virtually. Franchisees are responsible for all costs associated with training, including travel, lodging, meals, and salaries for attendees. Failure to attend required training sessions may result in penalties, such as a “no-show fee.”

General managers or other designated employees must also complete the training, and ongoing assistance or periodic training programs may be provided to address operational needs or updates. The franchisor may also tailor additional training to meet specific needs, which could incur extra fees.

Territory Protection

Wireless Zone provides limited territory protection to its franchisees, ensuring a defined "Protected Territory" where no other Wireless Zone® store can operate. Typically, this territory is a two-mile radius around the franchisee's store, though this radius is reduced to one mile in cities with populations of 350,000 or more.

However, certain locations like shopping malls, airports, and convention centers are excluded from the Protected Territory, allowing Wireless Zone to operate kiosks or other formats in these areas.

While the Protected Territory prevents direct competition from other Wireless Zone® franchises within the designated area, the franchisor retains the right to operate or grant licenses for competing businesses under different names.