Cricket Communications

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Cricket Communications is a subsidiary of Leap Wireless International. Cricket is the seventh largest carrier in the country, serving 3 million customers in select communities in 27 states. Like MetroPCS, Cricket caters to casual or budget-minded users. It does not require a contact, nor does it require a credit check for new customers. Like MetroPCS, fewer rebates mean you will pay for more your phone. All of Cricket's monthly calling plans offer unlimited anytime minutes, however, other basic features such as voice mail, caller ID, and call waiting are not always included. Cricket's phone lineup includes many basic CDMA models, but it offers some higher-end models as well. Cricket was founded in 1999 and launched its first market later that year.

Things you should know:

1. As a CDMA carrier international coverage is limited.
2. Cricket offers only monthly plans but it does not require contracts.
3. Unlike most carriers, all of Cricket's plans offer unlimited anytime minutes. Rather, plans differ on which services they include. For example, otherwise basic features such as voice mail, call waiting, and caller ID can cost extra.
4. Additional services at an extra fee include unlimited texting, unlimited directory assistance, and unlimited mobile Web for games and application downloads.
5. Carries mostly UTStarcom, Motorola, Samsung, and Kyocera handsets. It does not offer smartphones but some of its handsets have alphabetic keyboards, Bluetooth, or multimedia features such as music players and megapixel cameras.
6. Most plans include free long distance, but roaming outside the carrier's native coverage area will cost extra. Also, you'll be using another carrier's network when roaming.
7. Cricket says independent studies have shown that is has one of the best networks in the nation. Tell us what you think in the user opinions section.

Fast facts:
Subscribers: 3 million
Coverage: Cricket's native coverage is limited to 27 states. As with all carriers, reception will vary because of location.
Technology: CDMA; 1xRTT; EV-DO
3G network: Yes
Streaming video service: No
Music download service: No
Push-to-talk: No
Analog roaming: No
Prepay plans: No
Family plans: No