Cricket Wireless is one of the most popular prepaid wireless carriers in the United States, offering affordable mobile plans without contracts. Many people wonder, who owns Cricket Wireless today and how it fits into the broader telecom industry. Let’s explore its ownership, history, leadership, and the company behind its success.
Key Takeaways
- Cricket Wireless is fully owned by AT&T Inc., one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world, operating under its AT&T Mobility division.
- Through AT&T’s ownership, Cricket Wireless benefits from nationwide 4G LTE and 5G coverage, advanced infrastructure, and strong financial backing.
- Despite being a subsidiary, Cricket Wireless maintains its own brand identity, management team, and customer-focused prepaid services within the U.S. market.
Cricket Wireless Overview
Cricket Wireless is a U.S.-based prepaid wireless carrier that offers affordable mobile phone plans without long-term contracts.
As of 2025, it serves millions of customers across the country, focusing on simplicity, flexibility, and reliability. The company has built its reputation on transparent pricing, nationwide coverage, and no-credit-check services, appealing to customers who want affordable connectivity without being tied to traditional postpaid plans.
Cricket Wireless operates as a major prepaid wireless service provider in the United States. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, it functions as a subsidiary under one of the nation’s largest telecommunications corporations. The company provides a range of wireless services, including talk, text, and data plans, all powered by a nationwide 4G LTE and 5G network.
Cricket’s business model emphasizes ease of use—customers can walk into a store or order online, choose a plan, and activate service without contracts or hidden fees.
Over time, it has expanded its presence from regional markets to a fully nationwide network, offering service in all 50 states. The brand’s customer-friendly pricing, straightforward activation, and consistent network quality have helped it stand out in the competitive prepaid segment.
Founders
Cricket Wireless was founded by Leap Wireless International in 1999. Leap Wireless was established by a group of telecom executives who envisioned a wireless service accessible to everyone, regardless of credit or contract history. The leadership team at Leap included key industry figures such as Harvey P. White, a former Qualcomm executive, and Don Rosenberg, who helped guide the company’s legal and strategic direction.
Their vision was simple but groundbreaking for the time: to create a prepaid wireless provider that offered affordable, flexible phone service without annual contracts. This concept laid the foundation for what would become Cricket Wireless—one of the first brands in the U.S. to make contract-free wireless service mainstream.
Major Milestones
- 1999: Cricket Wireless officially launches its first store in Chattanooga, Tennessee, marking its entry into the U.S. prepaid market.
- 2001: The company expands coverage to additional regional markets, introducing one of the first unlimited local calling plans for prepaid customers.
- 2005: Cricket Wireless surpasses one million subscribers, signaling strong growth in the contract-free segment.
- 2007: Leap Wireless, Cricket’s parent company, rejects a merger offer from MetroPCS, maintaining its independence.
- 2008–2010: Cricket signs roaming and network-sharing agreements with other carriers, expanding its coverage footprint nationwide.
- 2012: Leap Wireless begins exploring strategic options, including potential partnerships or acquisitions, to strengthen its position.
- 2014: AT&T Inc. completes its acquisition of Leap Wireless, bringing Cricket Wireless under its corporate umbrella and integrating its services into AT&T’s extensive network.
- 2015: Cricket transitions fully from its legacy CDMA network to AT&T’s GSM/LTE network, improving speed, coverage, and reliability.
- 2017: Cricket introduces “Stream More,” a data optimization feature to enhance streaming efficiency on mobile devices.
- 2019: The company begins preparing for the next generation of wireless connectivity with early-stage 5G testing.
- 2020: Cricket launches nationwide 5G service using AT&T’s infrastructure, becoming one of the first prepaid brands to offer 5G access in the U.S.
- 2021: Cricket introduces eSIM support, allowing customers to activate service digitally without a physical SIM card.
- 2023: Cricket expands device financing options, offering a wider range of smartphones through partnerships with leading manufacturers.
- 2024: The brand refreshes its retail presence and digital experience, improving its app, website, and in-store customer service.
- 2025: Cricket celebrates over 25 years in business, continuing to serve millions of customers nationwide with a focus on affordability, reliability, and innovation.
Who Owns Cricket Wireless?

Cricket Wireless is wholly owned by AT&T Inc., one of the largest telecommunications and media companies in the world. The prepaid carrier operates as a subsidiary under AT&T Mobility, the division responsible for wireless services within AT&T’s corporate structure.
Cricket maintains its own brand identity and customer service model but uses AT&T’s network infrastructure to deliver its services. This ownership structure allows Cricket to benefit from AT&T’s extensive resources—particularly its nationwide 5G coverage, marketing strength, and technology advancements—while continuing to serve as a distinct, affordable prepaid option for U.S. customers.
Parent Company: AT&T Inc.

AT&T Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is the parent company of Cricket Wireless. Founded in 1983, AT&T has grown into a global leader in telecommunications, providing mobile, broadband, and entertainment services to millions of customers.
Cricket Wireless falls under AT&T’s Mobility division, which oversees both prepaid and postpaid mobile operations. Within this division, Cricket targets the value and prepaid market, while AT&T-branded services focus on premium postpaid customers. This strategic segmentation allows AT&T to capture a wider range of consumers across different income levels and usage needs.
AT&T’s infrastructure investment and nationwide 5G rollout have been key to Cricket’s continued growth. The prepaid brand leverages the same high-speed network, giving its customers access to the same level of reliability as AT&T’s postpaid users, but at more budget-friendly prices.
Acquisition Details
Cricket Wireless became part of AT&T through the acquisition of Leap Wireless International, its former parent company. AT&T announced the $1.2 billion deal in July 2013, and it was officially completed in March 2014 after receiving regulatory approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Justice.
This acquisition gave AT&T full ownership of the Cricket brand, its customer base, and its retail operations. It also allowed AT&T to merge Cricket’s existing customers with its own prepaid portfolio, creating a stronger presence in the competitive prepaid market dominated at the time by MetroPCS (T-Mobile) and Boost Mobile (Sprint).
Following the acquisition, AT&T discontinued Leap Wireless’s old CDMA network and transitioned all Cricket customers to AT&T’s GSM/LTE network. This move improved network quality, expanded coverage, and simplified device compatibility. The restructured Cricket brand was relaunched under AT&T’s management later in 2014, with a refreshed logo, marketing campaign, and updated service plans.
Post-Acquisition Integration
After the acquisition, Cricket Wireless underwent a complete operational and brand transformation. The company closed its legacy stores and replaced them with a new retail model aligned with AT&T’s brand standards. AT&T also consolidated its existing prepaid offering, Aio Wireless, merging it with Cricket under the single Cricket Wireless name.
This merger effectively combined Cricket’s strong customer base with AT&T’s technical and financial resources, creating a national prepaid brand capable of competing head-to-head with other top carriers. The result was a faster, more reliable service with simplified pricing and expanded availability across the U.S.
Since joining AT&T, Cricket Wireless has operated semi-independently. Its leadership team reports to AT&T Mobility executives, but the brand retains its unique customer focus, marketing style, and product offerings. This independence helps Cricket maintain the feel of a smaller, consumer-friendly company while benefiting from AT&T’s network and capital strength.
Current Ownership and Structure (as of 2025)
As of 2025, AT&T Inc. remains the sole corporate owner of Cricket Wireless. The prepaid brand is fully integrated into AT&T’s operations and contributes significantly to its wireless revenue.
AT&T’s ownership structure includes major institutional shareholders such as The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street Corporation, which collectively hold significant stakes in AT&T. This means these large financial institutions indirectly own parts of Cricket Wireless through their holdings in AT&T stock.
AT&T’s Board of Directors oversees all major corporate decisions, while the day-to-day leadership of Cricket Wireless is managed by John Dwyer, President of AT&T’s Prepaid and Cricket Wireless divisions.
Under this leadership model, Cricket maintains autonomy in marketing and service design while aligning its strategy with AT&T’s broader wireless goals.
Strategic Importance to AT&T
Cricket Wireless plays a vital role in AT&T’s overall business strategy. It allows AT&T to compete in the fast-growing prepaid and value market segment—one that continues to expand as consumers seek more flexibility and affordability in wireless service.
By operating under a distinct brand name, AT&T can appeal to customers who prefer prepaid plans without diminishing the premium appeal of its flagship postpaid services. This dual-brand strategy mirrors what competitors like T-Mobile (with Metro by T-Mobile) and Verizon (with Visible) have successfully implemented.
Cricket also serves as a testing ground for innovative prepaid technologies, including digital activations, eSIM support, and online-only service models. Its integration with AT&T’s network ensures that customers enjoy the same reliability and speed as postpaid users, making Cricket one of the strongest prepaid options available in the U.S.
Who is the CEO of Cricket Wireless?
As of 2025, John Dwyer serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Wireless, overseeing all strategic, operational, and marketing aspects of the company’s prepaid wireless division. He reports directly to AT&T’s Mobility leadership team and plays a crucial role in shaping AT&T’s overall prepaid strategy.
Dwyer’s leadership focuses on three key pillars: expanding 5G accessibility for prepaid users, enhancing customer experience through digital transformation, and maintaining Cricket’s strong market presence among value-conscious consumers. His tenure has been marked by steady subscriber growth and a continued emphasis on affordability without compromising network quality.
Career Background
John Dwyer has spent over 25 years with AT&T and its affiliated wireless operations, holding various roles in operations, marketing, and business development. Before taking the helm at Cricket Wireless, Dwyer worked extensively within AT&T’s Mobility division, where he contributed to developing consumer wireless strategies and expanding AT&T’s prepaid segment.
His leadership style is characterized by a customer-first mindset, innovation in service delivery, and operational efficiency. Dwyer has been recognized internally at AT&T for successfully integrating Cricket Wireless into the company’s mobility portfolio following AT&T’s acquisition of Leap Wireless in 2014.
Under his direction, Cricket Wireless has launched several successful initiatives, including improved retail experiences, online activation tools, expanded device offerings, and the rollout of nationwide 5G services for prepaid users.
Salary and Compensation
As of October 2025, John Dwyer’s estimated annual compensation is between $450,000 and $600,000, according to available executive salary data for comparable leadership roles within AT&T’s prepaid and mobility divisions. This range includes base salary, performance bonuses, and other executive benefits.
While exact figures for his total compensation are not publicly disclosed, Dwyer’s package likely includes incentive-based bonuses and stock options tied to AT&T’s financial performance, as Cricket Wireless operates as a key part of AT&T’s overall wireless business.
Executives at AT&T generally receive substantial annual performance-based incentives, which can represent 30–50% of total compensation depending on company profitability, growth metrics, and subscriber expansion in divisions like Cricket Wireless.
Net Worth
John Dwyer’s personal net worth as of October 025 is estimated to be between $3 million and $5 million, based on industry averages for long-tenured telecom executives with multi-decade careers at Fortune 100 companies. This estimate includes accumulated salary earnings, bonuses, stock options, and other benefits accrued during his tenure at AT&T and Cricket Wireless.
However, no official filings or public disclosures specify Dwyer’s exact personal net worth. As a senior executive of a privately managed subsidiary within AT&T, detailed financial information about his holdings is not publicly available.
Leadership Philosophy and Achievements
John Dwyer is widely regarded for his hands-on, customer-centric leadership. His approach emphasizes simple pricing, transparent policies, and reliable service for prepaid customers—a segment often overlooked by major telecom carriers.
Under his leadership, Cricket Wireless has:
- Expanded 5G service access across the U.S.
- Introduced digital and eSIM activation options for faster service setup.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction scores within AT&T’s prepaid segment.
- Modernized its retail and digital platforms to improve user experience.
Dwyer’s leadership continues to shape Cricket Wireless into one of the most competitive and trusted prepaid carriers in the U.S., blending AT&T’s network strength with Cricket’s affordability.
Previous Leadership
Before John Dwyer’s appointment, Cricket Wireless was led by several executives from its former parent company, Leap Wireless International, including Doug Hutcheson, who guided Cricket’s early expansion years. After AT&T’s acquisition in 2014, Cricket’s leadership transitioned into AT&T’s corporate framework, with executives like Dwyer taking over to drive growth, integration, and modernization.
Dwyer’s long-standing experience within AT&T made him the ideal leader to align Cricket’s prepaid strategy with the company’s long-term goals in wireless mobility and digital communications.
Cricket Wireless Annual Revenue and Net Worth

As of October 2025, Cricket Wireless continues to stand out as one of the largest and most profitable prepaid wireless carriers in the United States. Based on the latest available estimates and market analysis, Cricket Wireless generates around $5 billion in annual revenue and has an estimated net worth between $8 billion and $10 billion in October 2025.
- Annual Revenue: Approximately $5 billion
- Estimated Net Worth: Between $8 billion and $10 billion
- Revenue Growth Rate: 4–6% annually
- Profit Margins: Estimated at 10–15%.
Annual Revenue
Cricket Wireless’s 2025 revenue reflects steady growth, driven by an expanding customer base and broader adoption of 5G prepaid services. Industry analysts estimate the brand’s annual revenue at approximately $5 billion, marking a consistent upward trend from previous years.
This growth is fueled by several factors:
- The rapid expansion of Cricket’s nationwide 5G coverage, offering faster data speeds to prepaid customers.
- The introduction of affordable smartphone financing options, allowing customers to purchase higher-end devices with flexible payment plans.
- Increased popularity of digital activations and eSIM technology, which have simplified onboarding and reduced customer churn.
Cricket Wireless’s prepaid business model—offering no-contract plans, transparent pricing, and reliable nationwide coverage—has helped it capture a substantial share of the value-conscious consumer market. By focusing on simplicity and service reliability, the company has positioned itself as one of the strongest prepaid brands in the country.
In addition, Cricket’s retail and online presence has expanded significantly in 2025, with over 4,500 branded stores nationwide and a growing digital sales channel. The company’s consistent investment in customer experience and marketing has further boosted revenue and brand loyalty.
Net Worth and Brand Valuation
As of October 2025, the company’s net worth is estimated between $8 billion and $10 billion, reflecting its continued strength and profitability in the prepaid sector.
This valuation considers factors such as:
- Brand strength and recognition — Cricket Wireless is a trusted name among U.S. prepaid carriers, known for affordability and reliability.
- Customer base — The company serves millions of active subscribers, with steady growth year-over-year.
- Operational efficiency — By leveraging AT&T’s infrastructure, Cricket minimizes network costs while maintaining high service standards.
- Market share — Cricket holds a leading position in the prepaid wireless segment, competing directly with Metro by T-Mobile and Boost Mobile.
Cricket’s net worth has grown consistently over the past decade, reflecting both increased market penetration and enhanced service offerings. Since its acquisition by AT&T, the brand’s financial health has remained stable, with strong operating margins relative to the prepaid market average.
Revenue Growth Trends
Over the past few years, Cricket Wireless has experienced healthy revenue growth—averaging between 4% and 6% annually. The surge in prepaid demand, especially among customers seeking contract-free and flexible options, has helped maintain consistent financial momentum.
In 2025, the company also saw increased adoption of data-heavy plans, such as unlimited streaming and hotspot add-ons, contributing to higher average revenue per user (ARPU). Additionally, Cricket’s partnership programs, device sales, and promotions with smartphone manufacturers like Samsung and Motorola have bolstered its non-service revenue streams.
Profitability and Financial Strength
Although Cricket Wireless does not publicly disclose its standalone profit figures, industry experts estimate that its operating profit margins range between 10% and 15%, typical for prepaid carriers with strong network partnerships.
These margins are supported by:
- Low infrastructure expenses (since it uses AT&T’s network).
- Efficient retail operations and digital self-service platforms.
- Minimal marketing overlap with AT&T’s postpaid division.
This lean operational model allows Cricket to remain profitable while maintaining competitive pricing in the prepaid market.
Market Standing and Financial Outlook
In 2025, Cricket Wireless continues to hold a top-tier position among U.S. prepaid wireless providers. Its financial stability and brand value ensure long-term sustainability in a market that’s rapidly shifting toward digital-first, low-cost models.
Looking ahead, Cricket’s revenue and valuation are expected to rise steadily as more consumers migrate toward prepaid plans that include 5G data, flexible contracts, and enhanced digital experiences. The company’s growing footprint and loyal customer base will likely push its annual revenue beyond $5.5 billion by 2026, further strengthening its net worth and strategic importance within the telecommunications industry.
Historical Revenue and Net Worth
Over the last decade, Cricket Wireless has nearly doubled its annual revenue, rising from around $2.3 billion in 2015 to $5 billion in 2025. Its net worth has grown in parallel, increasing from $3.5 billion to an estimated $9–10 billion, underscoring its long-term stability and brand strength.
The company’s success has been largely attributed to strategic decisions following AT&T’s acquisition, including nationwide LTE and 5G integration, simplified pricing models, and expanded retail and digital channels. Customer-focused innovation—such as eSIM adoption, improved customer service, and affordable device financing—has also played a vital role in sustaining growth.
As of 2025, Cricket Wireless stands as a major prepaid brand with a robust national footprint, contributing significantly to the evolution of the U.S. wireless market.
Brands Owned by Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless operates primarily as a prepaid mobile service provider under the AT&T umbrella, but it has developed its own ecosystem of sub-brands, services, and operational entities over the years.
Below is a detailed overview of the key brands, programs, and entities that Cricket Wireless owns and operates as of 2025:
| Name / Entity | Type / Category | Description | Purpose / Function | Status (as of 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cricket Protect | Device Protection Program | An in-house device insurance and protection plan covering loss, theft, and accidental damage. | Provides device repair and replacement services for Cricket customers. | Active and expanded with digital claims and same-day replacement options. |
| Cricket Wireless Retail Stores & Authorized Dealers | Retail & Sales Network | Nationwide network of over 4,500 Cricket-branded stores. Includes both corporate and authorized dealer outlets. | Manages sales, activations, device upgrades, and customer support. | Active with consistent nationwide expansion and brand-standardized operations. |
| MyCricket App & Online Platform | Digital Service Platform | Cricket’s proprietary mobile and web management system for customer accounts. | Allows users to manage billing, data, and plan upgrades online. | Active with new AI chat and wallet integration. |
| Cricket Device Financing Program | Financial Service | Internal financing model allowing customers to buy smartphones on flexible payment terms without credit checks. | Encourages higher device sales and customer retention. | Active with upgraded “Cricket Upgrade” early renewal feature. |
| Cricket Nation | Loyalty & Community Brand | A customer engagement and rewards brand under Cricket Wireless. | Focuses on loyalty rewards, community programs, and sponsorships. | Active and expanded with localized events and customer rewards integration. |
| Cricket Wireless Business Solutions | SME Service Division | Provides prepaid plans tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. | Supports businesses with affordable multi-line, hotspot, and remote management services. | Active and rapidly growing in the SME market. |
| Cricket 5G Prepaid Services | Network & Data Division | Dedicated division handling 5G service delivery, device compatibility, and marketing. | Offers nationwide prepaid 5G plans under the Cricket brand. | Fully operational, covering nearly all U.S. states. |
| Cricket Wireless Authorized Service Centers | Technical & Repair Centers | Branded service and repair facilities operated by Cricket or authorized partners. | Handles device repairs, diagnostics, and warranty claims. | Active and vital to customer satisfaction and retention. |
| Cricket PayGo & Refill Services | Payment Infrastructure | Proprietary prepaid payment and top-up system managed internally. | Supports payments through web, app, and retail locations. | Active and integrated with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. |
| Cricket Trade-In & Recycling Program | Sustainability Initiative | Device recycling and trade-in service for customer upgrades. | Promotes environmental responsibility and reduces e-waste. | Active nationwide with store and online participation. |
| Cricket Rewards & Loyalty Program | Customer Retention Program | In-app reward and loyalty system that offers discounts and bonuses. | Boosts retention and long-term customer engagement. | Active and integrated with MyCricket app. |
| Cricket Wireless Distribution & Logistics Network | Supply Chain & Operations | Cricket’s own logistics and inventory management division. | Manages nationwide distribution of devices, SIMs, and accessories. | Active, ensuring consistent stock and efficient operations. |
Cricket Protect
Cricket Protect is an extended device protection and insurance program offered directly by Cricket Wireless. It covers loss, theft, and accidental damage for mobile devices purchased through Cricket stores or online. Customers can enroll at the time of purchase and receive repair or replacement coverage through Cricket’s authorized partners.
In 2025, Cricket Protect remains a major revenue-generating service line, with millions of subscribers opting for coverage. The program has evolved to include same-day device replacement and online claims management through the Cricket Protect app.
Cricket Wireless Retail Stores and Authorized Dealers
Cricket Wireless operates a large network of branded retail outlets across the United States. As of 2025, the company manages over 4,500 Cricket Wireless retail stores, both corporate-owned and authorized dealer locations.
These stores function as direct sales and customer support hubs, providing SIM activations, bill payments, device financing, and trade-in services. Authorized dealers operate under strict Cricket brand standards, giving the company a unified retail identity nationwide.
Cricket Wireless Online Platform and MyCricket App
Cricket’s online ecosystem, including its website and MyCricket mobile app, is fully owned and managed by the company. The MyCricket app allows users to manage accounts, pay bills, change plans, upgrade devices, and access support services seamlessly.
As of 2025, the MyCricket app has been redesigned with a modern interface, AI-driven support chat, and integration with digital wallet options. This platform plays a central role in Cricket’s customer experience strategy, reducing dependency on physical stores and expanding self-service capabilities.
Cricket Wireless Device Financing Program
Cricket Wireless operates its own device financing and upgrade program, allowing customers to purchase new smartphones through monthly installment plans without needing a credit check. This service is managed under Cricket’s internal financing structure in collaboration with select payment partners but is branded solely as a Cricket Wireless service.
As of 2025, the company has enhanced this offering with more flexible payment terms, competitive down-payment options, and a “Cricket Upgrade” feature allowing customers to upgrade after 12 months of on-time payments. This program plays a key role in boosting device sales and maintaining customer retention.
Cricket Nation
Cricket Nation is Cricket Wireless’s community engagement and loyalty brand. It represents a combination of customer reward programs, social impact campaigns, and sponsorships. Cricket Nation is used to promote local partnerships, sports sponsorships, and educational initiatives.
The brand has become integral to Cricket’s public image, emphasizing inclusivity, community connection, and digital empowerment. Through Cricket Nation, the company engages with millions of prepaid customers, hosting local events and promoting brand advocacy across social media.
Cricket Wireless Business Solutions
Cricket Wireless operates a small but growing business solutions unit, serving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with affordable prepaid business plans. These plans include multi-line discounts, hotspot access, and remote device management tools.
Launched in the early 2020s, this division caters to small businesses seeking low-cost, no-contract mobile solutions. As of 2025, it represents one of Cricket’s fastest-growing segments, with expansion into industries such as retail, logistics, and remote field operations.
Cricket 5G Prepaid Services
While technically part of its core service line, Cricket’s 5G Prepaid division functions as a distinct operational unit within the company. This division manages network planning, device compatibility, and marketing for prepaid 5G plans.
Cricket’s 5G network access was first launched in 2020 and, as of 2025, covers nearly all of the continental United States. The 5G division works in alignment with AT&T’s infrastructure but maintains independent plan pricing, device offerings, and marketing under the Cricket brand.
Cricket Wireless Authorized Service Centers
Cricket also operates a network of authorized repair and service centers, which provide device repairs, diagnostics, and technical assistance. These centers are branded as Cricket-authorized facilities and are managed through a hybrid model of direct ownership and franchised partners.
As of 2025, these service centers play an essential role in customer retention and satisfaction, allowing quick turnaround on device repairs and warranty claims through the Cricket Protect program.
Cricket PayGo and Refill Services
Cricket Wireless operates its own PayGo and refill system, enabling customers to make payments and add data or minutes through multiple channels. This service is a proprietary prepaid billing framework that supports both one-time top-ups and recurring auto-pay setups.
Cricket’s PayGo platform also manages integrations with third-party payment services and retail partners, allowing customers to make in-store or online payments conveniently. As of 2025, the company’s payment ecosystem has expanded to support Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal for added flexibility.
Cricket Wireless Trade-In and Device Recycling Program
Cricket Wireless operates an environmentally focused trade-in and recycling program, where customers can exchange old devices for store credit or discounts on new purchases. The program supports sustainability by ensuring old devices are refurbished or recycled responsibly.
In 2025, this initiative aligns with Cricket’s commitment to corporate responsibility, helping reduce electronic waste while giving customers added value when upgrading devices.
Cricket Wireless Customer Rewards and Loyalty Program
Cricket Wireless manages a rewards and loyalty initiative for returning and long-term customers. Through this program, subscribers earn credits, discounts, and early access to promotional offers. The initiative is integrated with the MyCricket app and is fully managed internally by Cricket’s marketing and digital engagement teams.
As of 2025, Cricket’s loyalty program contributes to higher customer retention, longer average account duration, and improved satisfaction rates across prepaid users.
Cricket Wireless Distribution and Logistics Network
Cricket owns and operates its own distribution and logistics framework, managing device inventory, SIM cards, and accessories distribution to retail outlets across the U.S. The company’s logistics centers handle the storage, packaging, and dispatch of products for both corporate and authorized dealer stores.
This internal network ensures consistency in product availability and faster delivery timelines, giving Cricket a logistical advantage in managing its nationwide retail presence.
Conclusion
Cricket Wireless is a leading prepaid wireless provider in the United States, known for its affordable plans, reliable coverage, and strong customer focus. Fully owned by AT&T Inc., the company operates independently with its own brand identity, services, and leadership team. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most trusted names in prepaid wireless, offering nationwide 5G access, flexible device options, and innovative programs that enhance customer experience. In short, who owns Cricket Wireless may be clear, but what truly defines it is its commitment to delivering simple, accessible, and dependable mobile connectivity to millions of users.
FAQs
Who owns the Cricket Wireless company?
Cricket Wireless is owned by AT&T Inc., one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world. It operates as a subsidiary under AT&T’s Mobility division, focusing on prepaid wireless services across the United States.
Who bought out Cricket Wireless?
AT&T Inc. bought out Cricket Wireless through its acquisition of Leap Wireless International in 2014. The deal allowed AT&T to integrate Cricket’s services into its nationwide network and strengthen its position in the prepaid market.
Who owns Cricket Wireless stores?
Cricket Wireless stores are a mix of corporate-owned and authorized dealer locations. While the company owns and operates many retail outlets directly, thousands of stores are run by independent dealers under official Cricket branding and operational guidelines.
When was Cricket Wireless founded?
Cricket Wireless was founded in 1999 by Leap Wireless International in San Diego, California. The first store opened in Chattanooga, Tennessee, marking the brand’s entry into the prepaid wireless industry.
Is Cricket Wireless owned by AT&T?
Yes, Cricket Wireless is owned by AT&T. It became part of AT&T’s portfolio after the 2014 acquisition and now operates on AT&T’s 4G LTE and 5G networks while maintaining its own brand identity.
Who is the CEO of Cricket Wireless?
As of the latest available information, John Dwyer serves as the President and CEO of Cricket Wireless. He oversees the company’s operations, strategy, and growth within the prepaid wireless market.
Are Cricket and AT&T the same company?
Cricket and AT&T are not the same company, but Cricket is a subsidiary of AT&T. It operates independently under its own brand while using AT&T’s nationwide wireless infrastructure and network resources.
Is Verizon part of Cricket?
No, Verizon is not part of Cricket Wireless. Verizon is a separate telecommunications company and one of AT&T’s main competitors in the U.S. wireless market.
Who started Cricket Wireless?
Cricket Wireless was started by Leap Wireless International, a telecommunications company founded by former Qualcomm executive Harvey P. White and his team. Their goal was to create an affordable, no-contract wireless service for everyday consumers.

