Are you a current Cricket Wireless customer considering making the jump to Verizon? Switching cell phone carriers can seem like a daunting process, but the potential benefits are enticing. Verizon is consistently ranked as the #1 wireless network in the U.S. for overall performance, reliability and speed. But is it really worth the hassle of switching? And what do you need to know before making the move?
As a picky shopper and wireless industry expert, I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide walking you through everything you need to know about switching from Cricket to Verizon, step-by-step. We‘ll cover:
- Comparing Cricket vs. Verizon‘s network coverage and performance
- Checking your device‘s compatibility with Verizon
- Porting your number and avoiding early termination fees
- Getting the best deals and promos for switchers
- Activating your new service and device on Verizon
By the end of this post, you‘ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision and navigate the switching process like a pro. Let‘s get started!
Cricket vs. Verizon: Network Comparison
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of how to switch, let‘s take a closer look at how Cricket and Verizon‘s networks stack up. Cricket operates on AT&T‘s nationwide network, while Verizon has its own extensive infrastructure. Both carriers use a combination of CDMA, GSM, and LTE technologies to deliver service.
However, Verizon consistently outperforms Cricket (and its parent company AT&T) in independent studies of network speed, coverage, and reliability. According to RootMetrics‘ most recent report, Verizon scored 94.8 out of 100 for overall performance, while AT&T scored 93.2.
Here‘s a breakdown of how the two networks compared in specific categories:
| Category | Verizon Score | AT&T Score |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 96.4 | 94.5 |
| Speed | 95.1 | 91.8 |
| Data | 96.5 | 94.8 |
| Call | 94.5 | 93.2 |
| Text | 95.2 | 95.8 |
As you can see, Verizon had a notable advantage in speed and data performance. This means you‘re likely to experience faster downloads, smoother streaming, and more consistent connectivity with Verizon.
OpenSignal‘s Mobile Network Experience Report tells a similar story. Their testers found that Verizon users were connected to 4G LTE 95.9% of the time, compared to 92.9% for AT&T. Verizon also outperformed AT&T in 4G download speed, upload speed, and video experience.
Coverage Map Comparison
Of course, to take advantage of a network‘s speed and performance, you need to have coverage in your area. Both Cricket (via AT&T) and Verizon boast fairly extensive nationwide 4G LTE and 5G networks. However, there are some differences in their coverage footprints.
Verizon covers 327 million people with 4G LTE and 355 million with standard 5G service. That‘s over 99% of the US population. You can check Verizon‘s detailed coverage map here: Verizon Coverage Map
By contrast, Cricket (and AT&T) cover about 317 million people with 4G LTE, and claim nationwide 5G for 285 million. You can compare Cricket‘s coverage in your area here: Cricket Coverage Map
The bottom line? If you‘re looking for the most robust, reliable, and fastest network, Verizon is the clear winner. But the decision to switch will also depend on the strength of coverage in your specific location. Be sure to check both carrier‘s maps for your most frequented areas before deciding.
Checking Device Compatibility
Now that we‘ve established Verizon‘s network advantages, let‘s talk about your phone. The good news is, most modern smartphones are compatible with Verizon‘s network. However, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Verizon primarily uses CDMA technology for calls/texts, while AT&T (and Cricket) use GSM. Some older phones may not support CDMA.
- For the best Verizon experience, your phone needs to support these LTE bands: 2, 4, 5, 13, 66
- For access to Verizon‘s 5G network, your device must have a 5G chipset and support mmWave and/or sub-6 5G bands.
The easiest way to check if your current Cricket phone will work on Verizon is to use Verizon‘s IMEI checker tool. Here‘s how:
- Find your phone‘s IMEI number by dialing *#06# or checking Settings > About Phone > IMEI
- Go to Verizon‘s Bring Your Own Device Page
- Click "Check Compatibility" and enter your device‘s IMEI
- You‘ll see a result indicating whether your phone will work on Verizon‘s network
If your Cricket device isn‘t compatible, don‘t worry! Verizon offers tons of free and discounted phones when you switch, which we‘ll cover more in the Promotions section.
Porting Your Number
If you want to keep your current phone number when switching to Verizon, you‘ll need to initiate a port during the activation process. Porting allows you to transfer your number from Cricket to Verizon‘s service.
To start a port, you‘ll need two key pieces of info from your current carrier:
- Your Cricket account number
- The last 4 digits of the primary account holder‘s SSN or Tax ID
You can find your Cricket account number on your monthly billing statement, or by logging into your Cricket account online. When you‘re ready to make the switch, you‘ll provide this information to Verizon. They‘ll send the port request to Cricket on your behalf.
Important: DO NOT cancel your Cricket service before completing the port. This can cause you to lose your number permanently. Keep your Cricket account active and in good standing until you receive confirmation from Verizon that the port is complete. Typically, porting takes about 1 business day.
Getting a New Number
If you‘d rather have a fresh start with a new phone number on Verizon, that‘s totally fine too. Just let them know you want a new number when signing up. Verizon will assign you a number based on your service area and preferences. You can even browse available numbers and pick the one you want!
Promotions for Switchers
Okay, so you‘ve decided to switch. Hooray! Before you pull the trigger, be sure to scope out Verizon‘s current deals and promotions for new customers. They frequently offer generous discounts on new phones and other perks for those who bring their number over from another carrier.
Here are some of the juiciest promos for switchers as of [date]:
- Get up to $800 off a new iPhone 14 with qualifying trade-in
- Get a free Samsung Galaxy S23 when you port and switch
- Receive a $500 Verizon eCard when you BYOD
The specifics of these offers change often, so be sure to check Verizon‘s Deals Page for the latest. Also note that most promos require you to activate your new phone on a qualifying Unlimited plan. But if you meet the criteria, these deals can sweeten the pot significantly!
To give you a sense of how much you could save by trading in your current device, here are some sample trade-in values for popular phones:
| Device | Trade-In Value |
|---|---|
| iPhone 12 | Up to $800 |
| iPhone 11 | Up to $350 |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 | Up to $800 |
| Google Pixel 5 | Up to $700 |
Avoiding Early Termination Fees
If you‘re still under contract with Cricket, you may face early termination fees (ETFs) for leaving before your agreement is up. Unfortunately, Verizon does not currently offer any reimbursements or credits to help cover these costs.
To minimize your ETFs, try either:
-
Waiting until your Cricket contract expires to make the switch. You can sign up for Verizon and port your number in advance, you just won‘t activate your new service until your Cricket plan ends.
-
Calling Cricket‘s customer service to request an ETF waiver. If you cite Verizon‘s stronger coverage or features as your reason for switching, you may get a sympathetic rep who‘s willing to work with you, especially if you‘ve been a loyal customer.
When in doubt, it‘s always best to wait until you‘re free and clear of contractual obligations before switching. But if you absolutely can‘t wait, it never hurts to negotiate!
Activating Your Verizon Service
You‘ve picked your plan, traded in your phone, and ported your number (or chosen a shiny new one). Now it‘s time for the best part – activating your Verizon service!
If you‘ve opted to bring your own device, Verizon will ship you a new SIM card for free. When it arrives, just pop it into your phone and power it on. The device should automatically pick up Verizon‘s network and complete activation.
If you‘ve taken advantage of one of Verizon‘s phone deals, the SIM will come pre-installed in your new device. To activate:
- Charge your new phone and power it on
- The device will automatically activate on Verizon‘s network
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup (language, WiFi, etc.)
- Once setup is finished, you should see Verizon‘s signal bars and 4G/5G icon
That‘s it! Your Verizon service is now active and ready to use. To manage your account, pay bills, and more, just download the My Verizon App or log into My Verizon Online.
If you have any issues during activation, don‘t panic. Verizon offers 24/7 phone and chat support with real humans. Just dial 1-800-837-4966 or visit the Contact Us Page to get assistance.
The Bottom Line
If you‘re craving a better wireless experience, making the switch from Cricket to Verizon is a smart move. You‘ll get access to the most awarded network in the industry, with faster speeds, wider coverage, and superior reliability. Plus, with Verizon‘s attractive promos for switchers, you can seriously upgrade your phone game without breaking the bank.
The keys to a successful switch are:
- Confirming your device compatibility
- Timing it right to avoid ETFs
- Getting the best promo deal on a new device
- Porting your number (or choosing a new one)
- Activating your service and taking advantage of Verizon‘s customer support
Follow the steps outlined in this guide, and you‘ll be a savvy Verizon switcher in no time. Trust me, your picky inner shopper will thank you.
