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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Yes. Cricket Wireless is an AT&T-owned prepaid wireless brand. AT&T acquired Leap Wireless, then the operator of Cricket Wireless, in 2014. Cricket also uses the AT&T network for the 5G service it advertises, but ownership and network use are separate facts.
Who owns Cricket Wireless?
AT&T’s corporate history records: “In 2014, AT&T acquired Leap Wireless (operator of Cricket Wireless), expanding access to mobile Internet services for customers in the rapidly growing prepaid market.” AT&T’s corporate history is the direct source for the acquisition and Cricket’s connection to Leap.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Cricket Wireless BYOD SIM Card Kit 5G, 5G+, 4G, LTE | $8.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Total Wireless Keep Your Own Phone 3-in-1 Prepaid SIM Kit | $7.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Tracfone Prepaid Sim Card Kit (Verizon Network) | $6.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Cricket is a prepaid wireless brand and service. Its plans and terms are Cricket’s own; being owned by AT&T does not mean Cricket and AT&T offer identical plans.
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Yes. Cricket advertises nationwide 5G on the AT&T network. That describes the network used to deliver Cricket service; it is not, by itself, proof of who owns the brand. Cricket says 5G requires a compatible phone and that coverage is not available everywhere. Check Cricket’s coverage information for your location and confirm your phone’s capabilities before switching.
#1 Best Overall
- How it works: Keep your number or get a new one. Easy activation on your phone or online. Simply insert the SIM card that matches your phone and activate. See the enclosed Activation Guide or visit activate.cricketwireless.com for details. Requires unlocked phone.
- Why Cricket?: People who come to Cricket, stay with Cricket. No credit checks. No Annual Contracts. Nationwide 5G network.
- Savings: Unlimited Talk & Text plans starting at $30/month. All plan taxes are included. See all rate plans at CricketWireless.com/rateplan. No-contract monthly service plan required for activation (sold separately).
- Plans starting at $30/month. See all rate plans at CricketWireless.com/rateplans
- Coverage: Fast, Nationwide 5G on all plans. Works with compatible phones, tablets & hotspots (see CricketWireless.com/check). Cricket 5G requires a compatible device and is not available everywhere (see CricketWireless.com/map for coverage details).
Can you use an AT&T phone on Cricket?
Possibly, but compatibility is model-specific. Cricket’s bring-your-own-device information says a phone from AT&T or another carrier must be paid in full, and you need a compatible rate plan. An unlocked phone is not automatically guaranteed to work: use Cricket’s BYOD guidance and device compatibility check to verify the exact phone.
Cricket also says eSIM activation is available for eSIM-capable phones. Check the device and activation requirements with Cricket before arranging a switch.
Rank #2
- KIT INCLUDES: Universal SIM Card for you to activate your phone with Total Wireless. Compatible with CDMA phones with Micro, standard or Nano SIM cards. This item will not work on GSM based phones.
- COVERAGE: Stay connected, wherever. Get the Nationwide coverage you need on America's largest, most dependable 4G LTE network.
- WHY TOTAL WIRELESS: Get the Nationwide coverage you need on America's largest, most dependable 4G LTE network. A plan for you. A plan for everyone. Unlimited talk and text starts at just $25/line.
- BENEFITS: Keep your phone, network, and phone number. Compatible with most CDMA Smartphones such as Samsung Galaxy Series, HTC, LG, and all Apple iPhones. This item will not work on GSM based phones.
- Plans sold seperately.
What should you check before switching?
- Check coverage at the places you use your phone. Review Cricket’s coverage information for your home, work and regular travel routes; advertised nationwide coverage does not mean service is available in every location.
- Verify the exact phone. Use Cricket’s compatibility flow with the phone’s identifying details rather than assuming that any AT&T phone or unlocked device will work.
- Review current plan terms. Cricket lists monthly plans and prepaid multi-month offers, but prices, promotional conditions and eligibility can change. Check the live plan details, including data, hotspot and other terms that matter to you, before enrolling.
- Confirm activation requirements. If bringing your phone, make sure it is paid in full and that the plan you select is compatible. For eSIM, confirm that your phone supports it and that Cricket can activate that model.
Cricket’s live phone catalog lists its own devices and offers; inventory, prices and activation conditions may change.
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Quick Recap
Rank #3
- KIT INCLUDES: Prepaid Verizon (Network) SIM Card used to activate GSM or CDMA compatible phones on our network. Simply insert this SIM Card in your device and follow the directions on your phone to join Tracfone.
- COVERAGE: Stay connected, wherever. Get the Nationwide coverage you need on America's largest, most dependable 5G network
- WHY Tracfone: At Tracfone, your unused texts, talk, and data never expire with active service. Tracfone plans are always convenient. You'll never have any bills, overages or mystery fees; Just great value without a commitment.
- HOW IT WORKS: Activate with any of our channels. You’ll choose a plan as part of the activation process, and you can keep your phone number if you no longer have a contract on the device you’re activating.
- Airtime: Plans as low as $20/mo sold seperately. Available on our Brand Store Page.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
