Cricket Wireless LLC is one of the most recognized prepaid wireless service providers in the United States. As a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T Inc., Cricket Wireless operates within the highly competitive prepaid mobile market, serving millions of customers who seek affordable wireless plans without long-term contracts. Over the years, the company has transformed from a small regional carrier into a nationwide prepaid powerhouse backed by one of the largest telecommunications networks in the world.
As of 2022, Cricket Wireless served approximately 13 million subscribers across the United States. The brand competes directly with prepaid services such as Metro by T-Mobile, Boost Mobile, and Visible by Verizon, positioning itself as a value-driven alternative to traditional postpaid wireless plans.
This article provides a deep, detailed, and comprehensive look at Cricket Wireless, covering its origins, growth, technological transitions, service offerings, controversies, and its current position in the U.S. prepaid wireless ecosystem.
Table of Contents
Overview of Cricket Wireless LLC
Company Profile
Cricket Wireless LLC is an American prepaid wireless carrier that provides voice, text, and data services across the United States. The company operates entirely on AT&T’s wireless infrastructure, giving customers access to nationwide LTE and 5G coverage without the premium pricing typically associated with postpaid plans.
Cricket Wireless is known for its:
- No annual contracts
- No credit checks
- Flat-rate pricing with taxes included
- Multi-line discounts
- Nationwide AT&T network access
These features have made Cricket Wireless especially popular among budget-conscious users, families, students, and customers seeking predictable monthly bills.
Founding and Early History of Cricket Wireless
Formation by Leap Wireless International
Cricket Wireless was founded in March 1999 by Leap Wireless International, a telecommunications company focused on serving underserved and smaller markets. Unlike major national carriers at the time, Cricket targeted local and regional markets, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
First Market Launch
The company launched its first commercial wireless service in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1999. During its early years, Cricket Wireless gained recognition for offering unlimited local calling, a feature that was relatively uncommon at the time and highly attractive to cost-sensitive consumers.
Focus on Rural and Smaller Markets
Throughout the early 2000s, Cricket Wireless expanded gradually, building a reputation as a carrier that prioritized smaller cities and rural communities rather than major metropolitan markets. This strategy allowed the company to grow steadily while avoiding direct competition with dominant national carriers.
Competitive Landscape and Early Expansion
Competition with MetroPCS
As Cricket Wireless expanded, one of its main competitors was MetroPCS, another prepaid carrier focused on unlimited plans and urban markets. In September 2007, MetroPCS made a high-profile attempt to acquire Leap Wireless in a proposed $5.3 billion merger.
However, Leap Wireless informally rejected the offer within weeks, and MetroPCS officially withdrew the bid by November 2007. The failed merger highlighted the intense competition in the prepaid wireless sector.
Strategic Acquisitions
In December 2007, Cricket Wireless acquired Hargray Communications Group’s wireless telecommunications business, strengthening its regional presence and expanding its customer base.
Roaming Agreements and Network Partnerships
Roaming Agreement with MetroPCS
In September 2008, Cricket Wireless and MetroPCS entered into a 10-year roaming agreement. This agreement allowed customers of both companies to access each other’s networks in existing and future markets. Additionally, the two companies engaged in a spectrum exchange agreement, improving coverage and network efficiency in certain regions.
Premium Extended Coverage Program
In November 2008, Cricket launched Premium Extended Coverage, a roaming partnership involving 14 wireless carriers. This initiative significantly improved coverage for Cricket customers, particularly when traveling outside of Cricket’s native service areas.
Sprint MVNO Agreement
In August 2010, Cricket Wireless signed a five-year wholesale agreement with Sprint, allowing Cricket to use Sprint’s nationwide 3G EVDO network. This marked a major improvement in Cricket’s data capabilities at the time and enhanced its competitiveness.
Muve Music: Cricket’s Bold Innovation
Introduction of Muve Music
At CES 2011, Cricket Wireless unveiled Muve Music, its proprietary music streaming service. The service debuted alongside the Samsung Suede SCH-r710, priced at $199 and bundled with a 4GB SD card for offline music storage.
Unique Value Proposition
Muve Music was initially included in a dedicated $55 monthly plan, later becoming a $5 add-on, and eventually included free with all plans. The service allowed users to download and store music locally, a major advantage at a time when mobile data speeds were limited.
Massive Growth and Success
Muve Music quickly became a standout feature for Cricket Wireless. Within months, it reportedly helped attract over 100,000 new subscribers. At its peak, Muve Music had 2.3 million paying users, making it the largest paid music streaming service at the time by subscriber count.
Technical Evolution
Early versions of Muve Music required a minimum 4GB SD card. With version 4.0, the service supported internal phone storage. Devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy S4, and Galaxy Discover shipped with Muve Music 4.0, while older models received upgrades.
Discontinuation After AT&T Acquisition
Following AT&T’s acquisition of Leap Wireless, Muve Music’s future became uncertain. AT&T expressed little interest in maintaining the service and officially discontinued Muve Music in May 2014. Legacy devices retained limited access, but new phones could not use the service.
In 2015, Muve Music was acquired by Deezer for $100 million and formally shut down on February 7, 2015, with Cricket customers offered discounted Deezer subscriptions.
AT&T Acquisition and Brand Transformation
Acquisition of Leap Wireless
In July 2013, AT&T announced its intention to acquire Leap Wireless International for $1.2 billion. The acquisition was approved by the FCC in March 2014, marking a turning point in Cricket Wireless’s history.
Merger with Aio Wireless
After the acquisition, AT&T merged its prepaid brand Aio Wireless into Cricket Wireless, creating what became known as the “New Cricket.” This consolidation simplified AT&T’s prepaid strategy and strengthened Cricket’s national presence.
Network Transition and Technology Changes
Shutdown of CDMA Network
Cricket Wireless began shutting down its CDMA network in March 2015, completing the process by September 2015. All customers were required to migrate to AT&T’s GSM network, which necessitated purchasing new compatible devices.
2G Network Shutdown
On December 31, 2016, Cricket Wireless and AT&T officially shut down their 2G networks, forcing customers with legacy devices to upgrade to newer technology.
Launch of Nationwide 5G
Cricket Wireless deployed its nationwide 5G network on August 21, 2020, providing customers with faster speeds and improved network performance.
3G Network Shutdown
In February 2022, Cricket Wireless began shutting down its 3G network, completing its transition to modern LTE and 5G infrastructure.
Cricket Wireless Offerings and Devices
Phone Selection
Cricket Wireless offers a broad range of devices, including:
- Latest Apple iPhones
- Popular Android smartphones
- Budget-friendly feature phones
- Cricket-branded devices such as the Cricket Icon
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Customers can bring unlocked, compatible devices to Cricket Wireless, making switching carriers easier and more affordable.
Legal Controversies and Consumer Lawsuits
CDMA Phone Lawsuit
In May 2015, Cricket Wireless faced a lawsuit alleging it knowingly sold CDMA phones that would become unusable after the network transition. The court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, requiring Cricket to provide compensation, device unlocking, free service, or additional data.
Maryland Attorney General Lawsuit
In June 2020, the Attorney General of Maryland filed a similar lawsuit, citing violations of consumer protection laws related to device compatibility and customer disclosures.
STARTTLS Stripping and Privacy Concerns
Email Encryption Interference
In October 2014, Cricket Wireless and AT&T were accused of intercepting and modifying customers’ email traffic, preventing STARTTLS encryption. This issue was first discovered by engineers at Golden Frog in 2013.
Public and Media Response
Investigations by privacy organizations and major media outlets revealed that customers were not informed of the security risks. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) condemned the practice, calling it a serious violation of internet privacy principles.
Market Position and Competition
Key Competitors
Cricket Wireless primarily competes with:
- Metro by T-Mobile
- Boost Mobile
- Visible by Verizon
Competitive Advantage
Cricket’s main strengths include AT&T network access, transparent pricing, physical retail stores, and strong brand recognition.
Conclusion: Cricket Wireless Today
Cricket Wireless has undergone a dramatic transformation since its founding in 1999. From a small regional carrier focused on rural markets to a nationwide prepaid brand backed by AT&T, the company’s journey reflects the evolution of the U.S. wireless industry itself.
Despite facing legal and privacy controversies, Cricket Wireless remains a major player in the prepaid segment, serving millions of customers who value affordability, reliability, and simplicity. With continued investment in 5G technology and a strong parent company, Cricket Wireless is likely to remain a key force in the prepaid wireless market for years to come.
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