Because Cricket uses AT&T’s infrastructure, its coverage closely mirrors AT&T’s native network—making Cricket one of the more widely available prepaid wireless options in the U.S.
👉 View the official Cricket Wireless coverage map to check service in your area before switching. Read Our Cricket Wireless Coverage Map Reviews
What Network Does Cricket Wireless Use?
Cricket Wireless runs on AT&T’s GSM-based network, including:
-
4G LTE
-
5G (low-band and mid-band where available)
-
Legacy LTE fallback in rural and fringe areas
Cricket no longer operates its own towers. Coverage quality depends on AT&T’s network performance in your location, including tower density, terrain, congestion, and device compatibility.
Cricket Wireless Coverage Overview
Nationwide Reach
-
Strong coverage in cities, suburbs, and highways
-
Solid LTE coverage in many rural areas, especially along major corridors
-
Some coverage gaps remain in remote regions, deserts, and mountainous terrain
5G Availability
-
5G access is included on most current Cricket plans
-
Performance varies by market and device
-
Cricket does not currently offer priority data over AT&T postpaid customers
Important Note on Data Priority
Cricket traffic is deprioritized during network congestion. This means speeds may slow in busy areas or during peak usage times, especially compared to AT&T postpaid customers.
Cricket Wireless Plans (2025)
Cricket offers simple, prepaid plans with no contracts and flat monthly pricing.
Common Plan Features
-
Unlimited talk and text in the U.S.
-
Unlimited data (with speed management)
-
Access to AT&T’s LTE & 5G network
-
Taxes and fees included in advertised pricing
Data Speeds & Throttling
-
Some plans include speed caps (for example, LTE speeds up to a set limit)
-
Higher-tier plans offer uncapped data speeds
-
After heavy usage, speeds may slow during congestion
Cricket also offers multi-line discounts, making it popular for families and group plans.
No Contracts, No Credit Checks
Cricket Wireless is fully prepaid:
-
No contracts
-
No credit checks
-
Cancel or change plans anytime
-
Pay month-to-month with no penalties
This makes Cricket attractive for:
-
Budget-conscious users
-
Students
-
Seniors
-
People rebuilding credit
-
Temporary or secondary phone lines
Devices & BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
Cricket supports both phone purchases and BYOD.
Device Options
-
Budget Android phones
-
Mid-range smartphones
-
Select flagship devices
-
Regular promotions for switching customers
BYOD & Compatibility
-
Most AT&T-compatible unlocked phones will work
-
VoLTE and 5G compatibility depend on the device
-
eSIM is supported on many newer phones
Always check Cricket’s IMEI compatibility tool before switching.
International Calling & Roaming
Cricket offers several international features:
-
Unlimited calling to Mexico and Canada on select plans
-
International calling add-ons for additional countries
-
Limited international roaming (not global like postpaid carriers)
Cricket is best suited for domestic use with light international needs.
Customer Support & Retail Stores
Cricket provides support through:
-
Online account management
-
Phone support
-
Live chat
-
Thousands of Cricket-branded retail stores across the U.S.
In-store support is a major advantage for customers who prefer face-to-face help with setup, billing, or device issues.
Coverage Maps vs. Real-World Performance
Like all carriers, Cricket’s coverage maps show theoretical coverage, not guaranteed performance. Actual service depends on:
-
Tower congestion
-
Device radio quality
-
Indoor vs outdoor use
-
Terrain and building density
If you frequently experience dropped calls or slow data, tools like DeadZones.com help identify real-world problem areas reported by users.
SIM Cards, eSIM & Activation
You can activate Cricket service easily:
-
Order a physical SIM or use eSIM (supported devices only)
-
Activate a new number or port your existing number
-
Complete activation online or in-store
Switching is typically completed within minutes to hours.
Is Cricket Wireless Worth It?
Pros
-
Nationwide AT&T coverage
-
Affordable prepaid pricing
-
No contracts or credit checks
-
Good family plan discounts
-
Physical store support
Cons
-
Data deprioritization during congestion
-
No premium roaming
-
Speeds may be capped on lower plans
Cricket is a strong choice for users who want reliable nationwide coverage at a lower cost, especially if AT&T performs well in their area.
Final Takeaway
Cricket Wireless combines AT&T’s expansive network with prepaid simplicity, making it one of the most accessible MVNOs in the U.S. While it doesn’t offer postpaid-level priority or premium perks, it delivers solid coverage, predictable pricing, and wide availability.
Before switching, always:
-
Check the Cricket Wireless coverage map
-
Confirm device compatibility
-
Compare real-world reports from tools like DeadZones.com
