Cricket Wireless Coverage Map

Cricket Wireless is one of the most well-known mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) in the United States. Owned by AT&T, Cricket Wireless offers competitively priced cell phone plans that operate on AT&T’s network. This gives Cricket access to one of the largest and most reliable networks in the country. It offers extensive 4G LTE coverage that ranks second only to Verizon, and a robust 5G network that closely follows T-Mobile’s in reach. Notably, AT&T—and by extension, Cricket—provides some of the best rural coverage among major carriers. If you want a cheaper mobile alternative that still offers reliable coverage, Cricket Wireless is a great choice.

What network does Cricket use?

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Cricket Wireless runs on AT&T’s nationwide network, providing extensive and reliable coverage across the United States. This includes access to AT&T’s 68% 4G LTE coverage of the country and 41.11% with 5G coverage. A 4G LTE signal gives you strong connectivity in both urban and rural areas, while 5G offers the fastest speeds available. 

We were thoroughly impressed by Cricket’s coverage after testing its service for a full month. Read all about it in our full Cricket Wireless review.

Cricket Coverage Map

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Cricket Wireless’ coverage maps are powered by AT&T's extensive network, the nation's second-largest for both 4G LTE and 5G. This provides Cricket users with widespread and dependable service across the country. You get top speeds with Cricket’s 5G coverage, and a consistent connection with a dependable 4G LTE signal. 

Here’s a breakdown of how Cricket’s coverage compares to other major carriers’ networks:

AT&T’s 4G LTE footprint covers 68% of the nation, making it the second largest, just behind Verizon. As for 5G, T-Mobile leads the pack in coverage, but AT&T is close behind with 41.11% coverage.

Cricket 5G network coverage

Cricket Wireless runs on AT&T’s 5G network, which is the fastest-growing in the United States. Cricket’s 5G coverage map currently covers 41.11% of the country. This places it as a close second to T-Mobile, which leads with 49.24% 5G coverage. AT&T’s 5G service is concentrated in urban areas and larger cities, providing strong performance in more populated regions. 

Here’s how Cricket’s 5G network (AT&T) compares:

T-Mobile is the undisputed king of 5G. Covering 49.24% of the nation, T-Mobile makes it difficult for any other carrier to match its footprint size. Today, all three major carriers offer similar bandwidths and 5G spectrum technology. In other words, you can get lightning-quick speeds across T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. 

When comparing 5G speeds, coverage matters more than theoretical peaks. While T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T all use the same high-frequency mmWave technology for maximum speeds, your real speeds depend on your location and device.

Cricket 4G LTE coverage map

Cricket Wireless has great 4G LTE coverage across the country, backed by AT&T’s extensive network. With 68% 4G nationwide coverage, it sits just behind Verizon’s 70% and ahead of T-Mobile’s 62%. 

This 4G coverage is necessary for a smooth cellular experience—keeping you connected, especially while traveling. Rural areas rely on 4G’s lower frequency, longer-range waves as well. Since faster 5G frequencies are easily blocked by buildings and trees, 4G supplies signal in more remote areas. Whether streaming or browsing, Cricket users benefit from a broadly accessible network.

Here’s how Cricket’s 4G LTE network (AT&T) compares to the competition:

As you can see, AT&T’s 4G LTE network is narrowly behind Verizon’s coverage area. While Verizon has the largest 4G LTE network in the nation, AT&T is still an excellent option with solid service for Cricket Wireless customers.

Cricket’s international coverage and roaming

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Most MVNOs don’t offer the same international coverage as major carriers, but Cricket includes impressive international perks with its phone plans. You get intentional text messaging to over 200 countries, and unlimited talk and text to both Mexico and Canada. You can also use your plan’s data in both countries with full roaming. However, to snag these perks, you’ll need to sign up on Cricket’s mid- to top-tier unlimited plans.

If you need to contact a country not included in your plan’s perks, you can add on International Calling. Priced between $10–$15/month, you can add on minutes and messages to a specific country. Depending on which location you choose, Cricket adds up to unlimited minutes and texts.

All of Cricket’s unlimited plans are eligible for this add-on feature. However, these features are for devices located in the US calling or texting other countries. It does not include service in those countries for travelers.

Cricket Wireless' coverage by state

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Cricket offers solid signal across the nation, but not every state has the same coverage. The state with the least coverage is Alaska, at only 11.3%. However, a majority of the 50 states offer over 90% coverage, with Indiana reaching 99.99%. 

Check out how much coverage Cricket offers where you live in the table below.

Cricket vs. other carriers

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The coverage maps show that AT&T and Cricket rank second in 4G LTE and 5G in national coverage. Verizon just edges out AT&T in 4G LTE coverage, while T-Mobile has a sizable lead for 5G.

Most areas in the nation have decent coverage. However, there are some noticeable gaps in rural areas of some states like Nevada, Maine, and Wyoming. The good news is that much of the nation's population is covered. Most people live in urban areas, which is where AT&T provides the most coverage and fast speeds.

Visible Wireless is an MVNO that relies on Verizon’s network. Verizon leads the nation with its 4G LTE coverage, but not by much. AT&T—and Cricket—is 2% behind Verizon in that category. Where AT&T and Cricket pull ahead is with 5G coverage, which is more than double the size of Verizon’s 5G footprint. Cricket offers almost the same amount of coverage as Visible, but offers better 5G coverage for faster speeds. 

On the other hand, Mint Mobile is an MVNO running on T-Mobile’s network. While AT&T has a larger 4G LTE network than T-Mobile, T-Mobile’s 5G network is the largest in the nation. Both have excellent urban coverage, but once again, AT&T has better coverage in rural areas. While T-Mobile might have the largest 5G network, AT&T’s network is just larger overall and can provide more coverage.

When comparing all three MVNOs, , it’s clear that Cricket is the better choice for anyone who wants solid coverage without sacrificing on speeds. Cricket is ideal for those who frequently travel across the country or spend time outside of urban areas. Mint just can’t offer the same level of coverage because of its smaller 4G LTE footprint. However, if you primarily live and spend your time in urban areas, Mint Mobile is a fine choice that gives you solid coverage and great speeds.

Should you switch to Cricket Wireless?

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Whether you should switch to Cricket Wireless depends on your needs and priorities. Cricket is ideal if you want reliable coverage on a major network without a contract, plus perks like hotspot data and data roaming in Mexico and Canada. Given its extensive 4G coverage, Cricket is an excellent choice if you frequently travel or work on the go. We help make switching to Cricket easy in our step-by-step guide.

However, Cricket doesn’t offer the cheapest plans on the market. If the absolute lowest price is your main goal and you don’t need extras, cheaper options like Visible or Mint are a better fit. For strong performance and practical benefits, Cricket offers enticing value.

Cricket cell phone plans

Cricket Wireless has a solid selection of plans that offer cheaper access to AT&T’s network. One of the most popular options is the Supreme Unlimited plan. Priced at $60/month (or $55/month with autopay), it includes unlimited high-speed data on AT&T’s network, a 50GB mobile hotspot, 150GB of cloud storage, and a free subscription to HBO Max. It’s a basic subscription, so you’ll have to put up with ads, but it’s included free of charge.

Find out more about why we think Supreme Unlimited is Cricket’s best plan.

Cricket Wireless also has other plan options for people who don’t need a mobile hotspot or don’t want to pay for unlimited data. Check out Cricket’s most popular plans below:

Cricket phones and deals

Cricket offers plenty of great phones to go with its plans. You can find some of the most popular devices on the market, such as the Apple iPhone 17, the Samsung Galaxy S25, and the best Motorola phones of 2025.

Cricket frequently offers newer devices too, like the iPhone 17. Otherwise, you can opt for a sleeker and more innovative design with the iPhone Air. 

Check out the newest smartphones Cricket is offering:

Because Cricket is an MVNO, it doesn’t offer installment plans like the big carriers. You usually have to pay for the phone upfront or use a third-party payment plan. However, Cricket does frequently offer deals on devices, and you may even score a budget device for free. Check out all of the best Cricket Wireless phone deals for maximum savings.

Cricket Wireless coverage map: FAQs

Is Cricket coverage good in rural areas?

Yes, Cricket coverage is strong in rural areas. Since it operates on AT&T's network (which ranks second for overall 4G LTE coverage), it reaches many regions where other carriers struggle. While 5G is more limited outside cities, reliable 4G LTE is widely available.

Does Cricket offer international coverage or roaming?

Yes, Cricket includes international coverage and full roaming in Mexico and Canada with its Smart Unlimited and Supreme Unlimited plans. At $50/month and $60/month respectively, they are Cricket's mid- and top-tier unlimited plans.

How does Cricket coverage compare to Verizon and T-Mobile?

Cricket operates on AT&T's network, offering competitive coverage when compared to Verizon and T-Mobile. With 68% 4G coverage, it ranks second just behind Verizon's 70%. Cricket's 41.11% 5G footprint is also a close second to T-Mobile's 49.24% 5G coverage.

How do I check Cricket coverage in my area?

You can check Cricket coverage in your area using our WhistleOut Coverage Checker. All you have to do is type in your address. We will automatically find the best plans with top coverage in your area.