Cricket Wireless Coverage Map

Cricket Wireless is powered by the AT&T 4G LTE network, giving you access to nationwide coverage that reaches over 99% of Americans. As a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), Cricket Wireless uses the exact same cell towers as AT&T — the difference is you pay a fraction of the price.

Cricket Wireless has built a reputation for being AT&T's own prepaid brand with thousands of retail stores, group save multi-line discounts, and all-in pricing with taxes included. When you use Cricket Wireless, your calls, texts, and data all travel over AT&T's infrastructure. That means the same signal strength, the same coverage area, and the same reliability.

You can check coverage in your area using your ZIP code to verify Cricket Wireless service is available where you live and work.

Cricket Wireless is owned by AT&T and operates on the AT&T network, so you'll have access to the same nationwide 4G LTE coverage and 5G where it's available. AT&T has invested billions in expanding their network, and Cricket Wireless customers benefit from every tower upgrade.

Cricket Wireless doesn't build or maintain its own towers — they lease network access from AT&T at wholesale rates and pass those savings on to you. This business model is why MVNOs like Cricket Wireless can offer plans at 50-70% less than what AT&T charges directly.

Learn more about Cricket Wireless plans and pricing.

Cricket Wireless coverage is as good as AT&T's coverage — because it is AT&T's coverage. You're connecting to the same towers, using the same frequencies, and reaching the same coverage area.

In independent testing, AT&T consistently ranks among the top networks in the US for coverage, speed, and reliability. RootMetrics, OpenSignal, and Ookla all rate AT&T highly in their national assessments.

The one area where MVNOs can differ from the parent network is data prioritization. During periods of heavy congestion, AT&T direct customers may get slightly higher priority. In practice, most users never notice a difference — especially outside of dense urban areas during peak hours.

Read our Cricket Wireless review for a detailed breakdown.

Yes, Cricket Wireless 5G coverage is available with a 5G-compatible device. Since Cricket Wireless runs on the AT&T network, you get access to AT&T's growing 5G footprint — including both low-band (nationwide) and mid-band (faster speeds in metro areas) 5G.

5G availability depends on your location and device. Most newer smartphones released since 2021 support 5G. If your phone supports it and you're in a 5G area, you'll connect automatically — no plan upgrade needed.

Check if 5G is available in your area by entering your ZIP code above.

AT&T uses GSM technology, so Cricket Wireless is compatible with GSM phones. However, with the industry's transition to LTE and 5G, the CDMA vs. GSM distinction matters less than it used to.

Modern LTE and 5G technology has largely replaced the older CDMA and GSM standards. If your phone supports LTE (virtually all phones sold since 2015 do), it will work on Cricket Wireless's network regardless of whether it was originally a "CDMA phone" or "GSM phone."

To check if your current phone is compatible, visit Cricket Wireless and look for their device compatibility checker. Most unlocked phones will work.

Compare Cricket Wireless with other carriers to find the best deal for your needs.