AT&T Folds Aio Wireless Into Cricket, Launches Anew

[cdmagurus.com]

AT&T today discontinued its Aio Wireless brand and merged the service with Cricket Wireless, which it acquired earlier this year. Today marks the official launch of the new Cricket Wireless, which now reaches nationwide with a better selection of smartphones. Much like what T-Mobile did with MetroPCS, the new Cricket uses AT&T's GSM/HSPA/LTE network rather than Cricket's legacy CDMA network. All new devices sold by Cricket will be compatible with AT&T's network moving forward. AT&T says its HSPA+ network reaches 97% of Americans, and its LTE network reaches 280 million Americans. Cricket's plans cost $40, $50, and $60 per month, though each is eligible for a $5 discount when customers sign up for auto-pay. Each of these plans includes unlimited domestic voice minutes and text messaging, but vary in data allowances: 500MB, 2.5GB, and 5GB of high-speed data, respectively. Cricket offers discounts for multiple lines, such as 10% of the second line, 20% off the third line, and 30% off the fourth and fifth lines. Customers can choose add-ons, such as 1GB of data for $10 per month or an international voice/messaging plan for $15. Basic feature phone plans start at $25 per month for unlimited voice/messaging. Cricket says it has a wide range of smartphones, which it is offering for $50 off (mail-in rebate) for a limited time. Customers are able to bring their own compatible handset if they wish. Cricket Wireless does not require contracts and charges full price for its handsets. Last, Cricket said customers who have a full 12-month period of on-time payments will receive a $50 credit towards the purchase of their next handset. Nearly 3,000 Cricket and Aio Wireless stores have been rebranded nationwide and are open beginning today.


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