Cricket Wireless does not offer home internet service

Cricket Wireless is a mobile phone carrier owned by AT&T. They sell cell phone plans and service, not home broadband. If you are looking for internet for your house, Cricket is not an option — you will need to contact a different provider in your area.

This matters because Cricket's name can be confusing when you are searching for internet providers. You might see "Cricket" in a list of carriers and think it includes home service. It does not. The company focuses entirely on wireless phone plans.

Key Takeaways

  • Cricket Wireless only provides mobile phone service and does not offer home broadband internet.
  • If you need home internet, you will need to contact cable, fiber, satellite, or fixed wireless providers that serve your address.
  • You can use Cricket's mobile phone service as a backup internet source through a phone hotspot, but this is not a replacement for home internet.
  • AT&T (Cricket's parent company) does offer home internet through AT&T Internet, which is a separate service from Cricket.

What Cricket Wireless actually sells

Cricket offers prepaid and postpaid mobile phone plans. You buy a plan, use it on your phone, and pay monthly. The service runs on AT&T's cell network, so coverage is the same as AT&T's coverage in your area.

Some Cricket plans include a mobile hotspot feature, which lets you share your phone's internet connection with other devices like tablets or laptops. This can work in a pinch if you need internet on the go, but it is not designed for home use. Hotspot data is usually limited, and using it as your main home internet would be expensive and slow.

If you need home internet instead

To find home internet providers in your area, start by checking what types of service are available at your address. Cable, fiber, satellite, and fixed wireless are the main types. Not all are available everywhere.

You can search for providers by entering your address on comparison sites, or you can contact your local cable company directly. If you already have AT&T service at home, AT&T Internet (their home broadband product) may be available to you — but this is separate from Cricket and requires a different account.

Fixed wireless home internet has become more common in recent years. Companies like Verizon, T-Mobile, and others offer it in some areas. It uses a small outdoor antenna to receive signal and can be faster and cheaper than satellite in many locations.

Using Cricket as a backup when home internet goes down

If your home internet stops working, you can use Cricket's mobile hotspot to stay connected temporarily. This works on any Cricket plan that includes hotspot data. You turn on the hotspot feature in your phone's settings, and other devices can connect to it like a Wi-Fi network.

Keep in mind that hotspot data counts against your monthly data limit on most plans. If you use a lot of data this way, you could run out before the month ends. Check your plan details to see how much hotspot data you have included.

The difference between Cricket and AT&T Internet

Cricket Wireless and AT&T Internet are two separate products from the same parent company. Cricket is mobile phone service. AT&T Internet is home broadband delivered through cable or fiber lines.

If you have AT&T Internet at home, you have a different account and bill than if you have Cricket Wireless. You cannot combine them into one bill or one service. They are managed separately, even though AT&T owns both.

Some areas have AT&T Internet available, and some do not. Availability depends on whether AT&T has built out cable or fiber infrastructure in your neighborhood. You can check AT&T's website to see if AT&T Internet serves your address.

Other carriers that offer both mobile and home internet

Some carriers offer both mobile phone plans and home internet. T-Mobile and Verizon both sell fixed wireless home internet in addition to mobile service. Comcast offers mobile plans alongside their Xfinity home internet. These companies let you buy both services, though they are still separate accounts.

If you want to bundle mobile and home internet with one company, check what is available in your area. Bundling sometimes costs less than buying each service separately, but not always. Compare the total cost before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Cricket's hotspot as my main home internet?

Technically yes, but it is not practical for most people. Hotspot data is limited and expensive compared to home internet plans. Most home internet plans offer much faster speeds and unlimited data. Hotspot is better for occasional use or emergencies.

Does Cricket offer any kind of home service?

No. Cricket only sells mobile phone plans. If you need home internet, you need a different provider. AT&T Internet is available in some areas, but it is a separate service from Cricket.

What if AT&T Internet is not available at my address?

Check what other providers serve your area — cable companies, fiber providers, satellite, or fixed wireless from other carriers. You can search by address on comparison sites or call your local cable company to ask what options exist.

Will switching to Cricket affect my home internet?

No. Your home internet and mobile phone service are completely separate. Switching to Cricket for your phone will not change your home internet provider or service.

Can I get a discount if I bundle Cricket with another service?

Cricket does not bundle with home internet because it does not offer home service. If you want bundled pricing, you would need to choose a provider that offers both mobile and home internet, like T-Mobile or Verizon.