Cricket Wireless is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AT&T, offering both prepaid smartphone and data plans. They offer a smartphone plan. And they offer data plans that we consider Top Pick plans.
Plan Information
Cricket offers an entry-level hotspot device for their data-only plans, or plans can be activated on most AT&T-branded hotspots and tablets. The plan can not be used in cellular embedded routers however.
One advantage of Cricket over AT&T direct prepaid plans is that Cricket's plans explicitly include Canada & Mexico coverage. AT&T Prepaid plans have no mention one way or the other on this feature. But unlike Cricket plans, AT&T prepaid data plans can be used in routers, and are a bit higher network priority than Cricket.
Also, even though you can bring your own device with these plans, the fine print states that "5G service is not yet available for BYOD devices." The only device that Cricket sells with this plan is a 4G device - the Turbo Hotspot 3.
January 19, 2021 - Cricket updated their compatible device list, and many router models that once were, are no longer compatible with this plan. Those using a Simply Data plan in a router are advised to NOT REMOVE THE SIM CARD from their router in order to keep the plan active - it will deactivate if you remove the card and put it back in.
Mobile hotspot devices (like the Netgear Nighthawk 4G, Unite Explore, Moxee, etc.) are all still compatible. Be sure to check the IMEI of your device before placing an order.
Members, please refer to this thread where we share confirmed compatible devices:
**TOP PICKS**
Top Pick Notes: Cricket Wireless offers a few plans that we consider top picks worth focusing your research on. Here are the highlights of the plans we recommend and why we consider them top picks:
Data Only: Mobile Internet
- Device: Hotspot and Routers
- Data/Pricing: 150GB for $90/month and 100GB for $55/month
- Top Pick Notes:
- More Info: View the 'Data Only' tab on this page
Data Only
Mobile Internet for Hotspots and Tablets
- Simply Data - Data Only Plans
- 150GB - $90 **TOP PICK**
- 100GB - $55 **TOP PICK**
- 20GB - $35
Plan Specifications:
- Carrier Network Used: AT&T
- Carrier Relationship: Prepaid Carrier Subsidiary
- Plan Activation:
- Device Types Permitted: Hotspots, Tablets
- eSIM: No
- Autopay Discount: N/A
- Paper Free Billing: N/A
- Additional Fees:
- Activation Fee: Yes (Only in Cricket Stores)
- Monthly Carrier Fees: N/A
- Taxes Extra: Included
- Plan Period: Monthly
- Lines Permitted Per Account: 9
- Notes: Not Specified
- Data Allotments:
- On Device: Specified Data Allotments Above
- Hotspot/Tethering: All Data
- Additional Data Options: Additional Data is $10/5GB
- Network Priority: None
- Video Streaming Throttle: No throttling. After the cap, data stops completely. 480p
- Domestic Roaming: None
- International Roaming: Yes in Canada & Mexico. Calls, texts, or data usage while in Canada cannot exceed 50% of the total usage during a 3 month period. If you use data services on wireless carrier networks other than AT&T Mexico while in Mexico, your data usage may be reduced to 2G speeds
- Extras: Not Specified
Smartphone
Mobile Internet for Smartphones
- Supreme Unlimited - $55/month
Plan Specifications:
- Carrier Network Used: AT&T
- Carrier Relationship: Prepaid Carrier Subsidiary
- Plan Activation:
- Device Types Permitted: Phone, Tablet, Wearables
- eSIM: Yes
- Autopay Discount: $5 (included in pricing above)
- Paper Free Billing: Not Specified
- Additional Fees:
- Activation Fee: Yes
- Monthly Carrier Fees: Not Specified
- Taxes Extra: Not Specified
- Plan Period: Monthly
- Lines Permitted Per Account: 5
- Notes: Not Specified
- Data Allotments:
- On Device: Unlimited
- Hotspot/Tethering: 50GB, then 128Kbps
- Additional Data Options: Not Specified
- Network Priority: Always deprioritized
- Video Streaming Throttle: Not Specified
- Domestic Roaming: Not Specified
- International Roaming: Includes unlimited calling and texting within Canada and Mexico. Canada usage cannot exceed 50%. Int’l data roaming may be reduced to 2G speeds. Includes international texting to over 200 countries and territories.
- Extras: Includes 150GB of cloud storage using myphotoVault app. HBO Max basic with ads included.
News, Videos, & Status:
We have tested a Cricket Wireless Simply Data plan, and include notes on this in the member section below.
Videos
Related News
Alternatives to Consider
Also consider some of our other top pick data plans:
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Finding the right plans for your needs is no easy task - quite simply mobile travelers using cellular data as their primary way online is not how most carriers have designed their plans. Many of us want plans that provide copious amounts of data.
Here's our video going over ways to get LOTS of data for use in your travels:
But a data plan alone will not keep you online. You also need the right gear, signal enhancing strategy and planning your travels around the options you carry with you. Head on over to our collection of guides:
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