Cricket Wireless is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that uses AT&T towers. This means that Cricket customers have access to the same nationwide network coverage as AT&T customers, including 5G service in select areas.
Cricket is a good option for consumers who are looking for affordable wireless service with wide coverage and fast speeds. Cricket customers can be confident that they will have service even in rural areas.
Cricket network coverage
- 99% of the US population with 4G LTE coverage
- 68% of the US population with 5G coverage
Cricket’s 5G network is still under construction, but it is expanding rapidly. Cricket customers with 5G-compatible devices can expect to experience faster data speeds and lower latency than with 4G LTE.
Benefits of Using Cricket Towers
- Wide coverage: Cricket uses AT&T’s towers, so Cricket customers have access to the same nationwide network coverage as AT&T customers. This is especially beneficial for travelers, as they can be confident that they will have service even in rural areas.
- Fast speeds: Cricket’s 5G network is one of the fastest in the US, so Cricket customers can enjoy streaming, gaming, and other data-intensive activities without lag.
- Affordable plans: Cricket offers a variety of affordable wireless plans, including unlimited data plans starting at $30 per month.
- No contracts: Cricket offers no-contract wireless plans, so customers can cancel their service at any time without penalty.
- Easy to switch: Cricket makes it easy to switch from another wireless carrier. Customers can port their existing phone number to Cricket and start using their new service right away.
How to Check Cricket Network Coverage in Your Area
There are two main ways to check Cricket network coverage in your area:
1. Use Cricket coverage map tool
This tool allows you to enter your address or zip code to see what type of coverage is available in your area. You can also zoom in and out of the map to see more detail.
2. Use a third-party coverage map tool
There are a number of third-party websites and apps that offer coverage maps for all of the major US carriers, including Cricket. These tools can be useful for comparing coverage between different carriers.
Steps on how to use Cricket coverage map tool
- Go to Cricket website and click on the “Coverage” link in the top navigation bar.
- Enter your address or zip code in the search bar and click “Search.”
- The coverage map will show you the different types of coverage that are available in your area. The colors on the map represent different types of coverage:
- Green: 4G LTE coverage
- Blue: 5G coverage
- Gray: No coverage
- You can zoom in and out of the map to see more detail.
- To see more information about a specific location, click on the marker.
Steps on how to use a third-party coverage map tool
- Go to a third-party coverage map website or app, such as CellMapper or OpenSignal.
- Select Cricket from the list of carriers.
- Enter your address or zip code in the search bar and click “Search.”
- The coverage map will show you the different types of coverage that are available in your area. The colors on the map represent different types of coverage:
- Green: 4G LTE coverage
- Blue: 5G coverage
- Gray: No coverage
- You can zoom in and out of the map to see more detail.
- To see more information about a specific location, click on the marker.
It is important to note that coverage maps are only an estimate of the coverage that is available in a given area. Your actual coverage may vary depending on a number of factors, such as terrain, weather, and the number of people using the network at the same time.
Cricket Wireless cell phone plans
Single line plans
| Plan | Price | Data | Unlimited talk and text | Mobile hotspot | Other features |
| 5GB | $30/month | 5GB high-speed data | Yes | No | Cricket Call Defense |
| 15GB | $40/month | 15GB high-speed data | Yes | No | Cricket Call Defense |
| Unlimited | $55/month | Unlimited high-speed data | Yes | No | Cricket Call Defense |
| More Unlimited | $60/month | Unlimited high-speed data | Yes | 15GB mobile hotspot data | Cricket Call Defense, HD Voice and WiFi calling, 150GB cloud storage, service in Mexico and Canada, unlimited texts to 37 countries |
Family plans
| Plan | Price | Data | Unlimited talk and text | Mobile hotspot | Other features |
| 3 lines for $100/month | $100/month | 2GB high-speed data per line | Yes | No | Cricket Call Defense |
| 4 lines for $120/month | $120/month | 3GB high-speed data per line | Yes | No | Cricket Call Defense |
| 5 lines for $160/month | $160/month | 5GB high-speed data per line | Yes | No | Cricket Call Defense |
| More Unlimited Family | $40/month per line (with 4 lines) | Unlimited high-speed data | Yes | 15GB mobile hotspot data per line | Cricket Call Defense, HD Voice and WiFi calling, 150GB cloud storage per line, service in Mexico and Canada, unlimited texts to 37 countries |
Features
- All plans include nationwide 5G access.
- Video streaming is at SD quality on all plans.
- Unlimited data plans may be temporarily slowed down if the network is busy.
- Max is an ad-supported streaming service that includes HBO, hit series, movies, and more.
- Cloud Storage is a secure way to store your photos, videos, and other files online.
International
- All plans include unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada.
- Cricket offers additional international calling and data plans for other countries.
Where Is Cricket Wireless 5G Available?
Cricket Wireless 5G is available in over 2,000 cities and towns across the United States. Coverage is still expanding, but you can check Cricket’s coverage map to see if 5G is available in your area.
Cricket Wireless 5G uses a combination of low-band and mid-band spectrum. Low-band spectrum provides wide coverage and good penetration of buildings, while mid-band spectrum provides faster speeds than low-band spectrum.
List of the major cities where Cricket Wireless 5G is available
- New York City, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- Philadelphia, PA
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Dallas, TX
- San Jose, CA
- Austin, TX
Which antennas does Cricket use?
Cricket uses a variety of antennas, depending on the location and the type of signal being transmitted. Some of the most common antennas used by Cricket include:
- Omnidirectional antennas: These antennas transmit signals in all directions, making them ideal for covering large areas.
- Sector antennas: These antennas transmit signals in a specific direction, making them ideal for focusing coverage on a particular area.
- Panel antennas: These antennas are typically used for indoor coverage, such as in buildings and offices.
- Dish antennas: These antennas are typically used for long-distance coverage, such as between cell towers.
Conclusion
Cricket Wireless is a great option for consumers looking for affordable wireless service with wide coverage and fast speeds. Cricket customers use AT&T’s towers, so they can be confident that they will have service even in rural areas. Cricket also offers a variety of affordable wireless plans, including unlimited data plans starting at $30 per month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is Cricket cell phone plans?
Cricket cell phone plans start at $30 per month for unlimited talk and text, with no data. If you need data, Cricket offers plans starting at $40 per month for 5GB of data.
How much is Cricket phone bill a month?
Your Cricket phone bill will vary depending on the plan you choose and any additional features you add. For example, if you choose a plan with unlimited talk, text, and data, your bill will be higher than if you choose a plan with limited data. You may also have additional charges for things like international calling, premium text messages, and data overages.
Is Cricket a good phone plan?
Cricket is a good phone plan for people who are looking for affordable service with good coverage. Cricket uses AT&T’s network, so you’ll have access to good coverage in most areas. Cricket also offers a variety of plan options to choose from, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.
How much is a 2 phone plan with Cricket?
Cricket offers a variety of multi-line plans, so you can save money if you have more than one phone on your account. For example, a 2-line plan with unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data per line costs $60 per month.
What is the cheapest phone plan?
The cheapest phone plan depends on your needs. If you only use your phone for basic functions like talking and texting, you can find a plan for as low as $10 per month. If you need more data, you’ll need to pay more, but there are still some affordable options available.
Is Cricket Unlimited really unlimited?
Cricket Unlimited plans are subject to Cricket’s network management policies. This means that Cricket may throttle your data speeds if you use a lot of data during times of network congestion. However, Cricket does not have a hard data cap, so you can use as much data as you need without incurring overage charges.
Does Cricket have 5G?
Yes, Cricket offers 5G service. However, 5G coverage is not yet available everywhere. You can check Cricket’s coverage map to see if 5G is available in your area.
Which SIM offers unlimited data?
There are a number of SIM providers that offer unlimited data plans. Some of the most popular options include: Cricket Wireless, Tello Mobile, Visible Wireless, Mint Mobile and US Mobile.
How much does unlimited plan cost?
The cost of an unlimited data plan varies depending on the provider you choose. However, most unlimited data plans cost between $50 and $80 per month.
How much is 50GB of data?
The cost of 50GB of data varies depending on the provider you choose. However, most providers charge between $40 and $60 per month for 50GB of data.
Who has the most expensive phone plan?
Verizon Wireless has the most expensive phone plans. Verizon’s unlimited data plans start at $80 per month, and its individual plans with limited data can cost as much as $90 per month.
What is the cheapest data plan?
The cheapest data plan depends on your needs. If you only use a small amount of data each month, you can find a plan for as low as $10 per month. However, if you need more data, you’ll need to pay more.
What networks work with Cricket?
Cricket uses AT&T’s network. This means that Cricket customers have access to AT&T’s nationwide coverage, including 5G coverage.
What 5G bands does Cricket use?
Cricket uses the following 5G bands:
- n5 (850 MHz)
- n17 (700 MHz)
These bands are all low-band 5G bands, which means that they offer good coverage but slower speeds than other 5G bands. Cricket is currently working on deploying mid-band and high-band 5G, which will offer faster speeds but more limited coverage.