The reason that I decided to go with Cricket Communications for my mobile phone provider is quite simply because you do not need a credit check! The Cricket commercials that I watched made it seem like this was going to be a quality service for little money a month.

The service is terrible!

Very Poor Reception: It is understood that this phone is only to be used locally. I would expect little or no service if I took my phone "out of range." However, I get little or no reception when I am within range!

Quality: This may be one of the most irritating factors. On 90% of my phone calls, my voice echo's back to me every time I speak! The people that I call are constantly complaining that my voice fades in and out!

Raised Rates: On the Cricket commercials, we are told that it is $39.99 for unlimited usage. That sounds high compared to other service plans. But, it sounded reasonable to me considering that you do not need a credit check. Within the last month, Cricket has raised there rates! I'll admit that I do have 2 optional services. One is Voice Mail and the other is a replacement plan for lost or damaged phones. My new monthly rate is $50 a month. Very high and not what I bargained for!

Voice Mail: My voice mail cuts off while I am trying to receive my messages! I have to call my voice mail box 2 or 3 times just to receive 1 message!

Replacement Plan: I am not sure about other mobile phone service providers so, this may be standard practice. I just thought that I would pass the information along. I pay $2.95 a month for a replacement plan. What this means is that if my phone is lost or damaged, I only need to pay $25 to obtain a new phone.

Customer Service: I pay most of my bills online. You can't use online bill payment with Cricket. It is not available. So, I call an 800 number to pay my bill. You can pay by credit card or check. However, if you need to talk to a Customer Service Representative to help you pay your bill on the phone, you will be charged $4!

UPDATE AS OF 9/16/03!

With the ongoing problems I have had with Cricket, I hope the following update will help anyone when they consider Cricket as their service provider.

Phone insurance
Cricket says: I was told that it would cost $25 to replace your phone if it was lost, damaged or stolen.
Reality is: You have to buy a phone at full price and then submit a claim. Cricket decides whether or not you get your money back. And, the price has been raised to $35.

Customer Service
Cricket says: They have a caring customer service department that will do whatever it takes to resolve any issues.
Reality is: Everyone that I have ever spoken with in the customer service department is very rude. You get off of the phone with no resolution! (If you e-mail Cricket, your e-mails will NEVER be answered!) Customer service is not above lying to you to keep you business! For example: I was told when I wanted to cancel months ago that I would be charged $175 fee for canceling the contract with them.
Reality is: There is NO fee because you have NO contract!

Billing issues
Cricket says: That all billing matters will be resolved in a timely manner.
Reality is: This is NOT true! My phone was cut off for nonpayment! I took proof of payment to my local Cricket store. I assumed that when they saw on my banking statement that a payment had went to Cricket for the full amount on the date in question, my service would be reinstated. The reality was: They had to send the papers to their corporate offices to be "researched." I was told that would take weeks and in the meantime, I had no phone unless I agreed to pay an extra month!

Billing in general
Cricket now has what they call a "paperless" billing option. Only it is not an option! If you choose to have bills sent through the mail, you will be charged a fee every month! The only way to avoid this fee is to sign up for Internet billing! What about those people who can't afford to have a computer or Internet access at home? They have top pay Cricket's fee to have their bill sent though the mail!

What I have done since my last review
I have canceled service with Cricket and have another cell phone provider. The differences in the was they do business are amazing! I do not recommend Cricket to anyone. Before making a decision to go with Cricket, please carefully research what you are getting yourself into!

Recommended: No

Amount Paid (US$): 50.00