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Quick Summary
Cricket Wireless is AT&T's own prepaid brand — same towers, same 290 million people covered with 4G LTE, same 5G network. Cricket starts at $25/mo. AT&T's postpaid equivalent starts at $65/mo. As an AT&T-owned brand, Cricket users get slightly better network priority than independent AT&T MVNOs during congestion. Same AT&T infrastructure, $40/mo less.
Key Takeaways
- Cricket Wireless is an AT&T-owned MVNO — it runs on AT&T's complete tower infrastructure, covering approximately 290 million people with 4G LTE
- Cricket plans start at $25/mo on AT&T's network — less than half of AT&T's entry unlimited plan ($65/mo) on the same towers
- As an AT&T-owned brand, Cricket users may have slightly higher network priority than independent AT&T MVNOs like Red Pocket or PureTalk during peak congestion
- AT&T's network, which Cricket accesses, averages 88 Mbps download speeds in real-world tests — comparable performance to T-Mobile in most markets
- Cricket is best for AT&T coverage areas — particularly dense urban and suburban markets where AT&T's signal is strongest
Cricket Wireless is powered by the AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks, offering the same coverage without the expensive price tag.
With an MVNO - Mobile Virtual Network Operator, you could save up to $600 a year on your cell phone bill, without sacrificing the features you love.
Below you'll find further information to help decide if Cricket Wireless has the right coverage for you.
Cricket Wireless 4G LTE network coverage
Cricket Wireless 4G LTE coverage map
Cricket Wireless operates on the AT&T network, so you'll have access to the same nationwide 4G LTE coverage, and 5G where it's available.
Even if you've had a plan with AT&T before it's always worth checking cell phone coverage in your area, which you can easily do with our ZIP code checker for availability at your address.
Compare network performance
| NETWORK | ROOTMETRICS | OPENSIGNAL | OOKLA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon network | 95 | 9.8 | 74% |
| AT&T network | 93 | 9.5 | 80% |
| T-Mobile network | 87 | 88 | 79% |
Sources: RootMetrics, OpenSignal, and Ookla.
Does Cricket Wireless have 5G?
Yes, Cricket Wireless 5G coverage is available with a 5G compatible device.
Cricket Wireless 5G coverage map
Cricket Wireless 5G coverage map
Cricket Wireless cell phone plans
AT&T vs Cricket Wireless comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $420 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Cricket Wireless | AT&T 4G & 5G | 10GB | $40/mo | $480/yr |
| Savings | $35/mo | $420/yr | ||
Cricket Wireless benefits
As an MVNO, Cricket Wireless can offer many benefits compared to plans with the three major networks;
- Lower prices: without hundreds of physical stores and sales staff they can pass on the low-costs to you. With possible savings of up to $600 a year.
- Flexible plans: you won't feel stuck paying for features you don't need, you can customize your plan to suit you.
- Keep your phone and number: pocket the savings from not upgrading to the latest handset and bring your own phone. You can also easily port your number across.
- Easy to switch: if you're keeping your own phone the switch over is simple and you'll be all set within a few days.
- No commitment: there's no contracts, so you pay as you go. If you're not happy or you need to amend your plan you can do this at any time.
Cricket Wireless features
Cricket Wireless coverage FAQs
Powered by AT&T you'll receive nationwide 4G LTE coverage.
Cricket Wireless is powered by the AT&T network.
Low-cost carriers pass on the savings to you. Without the overheads of physical stores or expensive advertising campaigns you can halve your monthly cell phone bill. With Cricket Wireless you pay for what you need while still receiving nationwide 4G LTE coverage.
Most unlocked phones are compatible with Cricket Wireless. They operate on the AT&T network.
Recap
Cricket Wireless makes it possible to get a cell phone plan on the AT&T network without the big ticket prices.
Offering the same nationwide coverage with 4G LTE and the 5G network, where it's available.
With MVNOs you'll get flexible plans with no contracts, so you're free to amend or cancel without any additional fees.
If you're not sure Cricket Wireless plans are right for you, there's a large selection of MVNOs across all networks you can compare to find your perfect low-cost plan.
Cricket Wireless guides
Cricket Wireless info
| Founded | 1994 |
| Headquarters | 1025 Lenox Park Blvd NE Atlanta, GA, 30319-5309 United States |
| Employees | 5,000 |
| Customer service | (800) 274-2538 |
| Website | Cricket Wireless's Website |
| Wikipedia | Cricket Wireless's Wikipedia |
| Cricket Wireless's Facebook | |
| Cricket Wireless's Twitter |
