Just an initial of Cricket Wireless now that I've used them for a bit (switched from Sprint due to horrible coverage and cost). Been checking connection everywhere I go and doing speed tests around town.
But of course subject to change if things go down hill
later
TL;DR just go to the Conclusion at the end
Ordering ServiceFor the most part pretty easy. Had an issue at first where it kept
saying my billing address was wrong even though it authorized the
charges from my credit card. When they say 'billing address' they
literally need one-to-one to your billing statement (e.g., My Street
NW not just My Street or Apt. 12 instead of Apt 12).
The site itself - »
www.cricketwireless.com/ - is very easy to deal with, navigate, find the information needed and purchase service.
Plans are all clearly laid out and what they advertised is what I paid;
there were no added on 'fees', taxes, or junk to it at the end (i.e., a $35 plan is
$35...not $51.75 after 'fees' like other companies).
No wacky decisions either - just pick a plan, pick a phone to buy or BYOD,
checkout..done; no real hassles like with Verizon/Sprint/ATT websites.
Online Chat SupportSince I ordered two separate lines and then had to combine them (can
only combine after you activate when ordering online) I decided to use
online chat support.
Got connected to support in under 1 minute and the person (sure talked
like a real person, not a robot
) was very helpful. Got my lines
combined, discount activated and everything squared away very quickly
and spent maybe total of 10 minutes on chat.
Second time, just needed a clarification on the discounts for adding
additional services later on and just used the chat again. Once again
got a response to online chat in ~1-2 minute wait time. And support
was spot on and quick to address all my questions/concerns so no
wasted time there.
Note: both sessions were around 7:30pm CT.
PriceHard to beat...Options with data range from $40-60 per month which can include up to 20GB of data and unlimited Mexico calling + international text.
If you just need unlimited talk + text there is a $25 per month option as well.
Most are eligible for the group save ($10 per line for multi-line accounts) or autopay ($5 for single line) discounts as well.
The plan I ended up with was their cheapest data option (2.5 GB data + unlimited
talk/text) for only $35 per line - so $70 per month for my 2x lines of
service; keep in mind that is $70 without added fees. And no contract, which is a huge win!
So grand total:
- $70 per month for 2x lines w/ 2.5 GB data each (throttled if over) and no contract.
- $50 for 2x Moto G 4G (after rebates).
Coverage and SpeedSo far no major drops anywhere I've been in town. ATT network has been great. 4G is everywhere in town and haven't hit a dead zone yet.
I don't go outside of the main Huntsville/Madison area so can't speak
to how it is outside of those locations but in town and on Redstone Arsenal haven't had a single issue.
If ATT is good in your area this should be as well since it is their network.
Speeds are capped at 8Mbps down but that is plenty for most things. Have not found an area where it ever goes below that speed.
Definitely no issues streaming services: Netflix, Youtube, etc.
ConclusionGood coverage and speeds, low price (cheapest data plan @ $35 per month), and no contract is hard to beat.
Throw in decently priced phones or BYOD and just makes it that much
better.
Definitely would recommend checking them out if you're looking for a no contract and hassle free wireless service.
Time will tell if it stays decent - keep in mind I've only been on
them for a short while. But for now I am a happy camper and look forward to cheaper monthly bills, better service, fast chat support, and no lock in to 2-year
agreements (for subsidized phones) or overpriced monthly add-ons (think
Edge and crap like that) to get a new phone.
) was very helpful. Got my lines