Cricket Wireless has started selling AT&T's 5G home internet, known as AT&T Internet Air, at select store locations, according to a recent prepaid wireless report from Wave7 Research. However, the exact percentage of Cricket stores offering the service remains unknown.
Limited Store Availability
AT&T and Cricket Wireless have not made any official announcements about the rollout. A survey of social media posts conducted by BestMVNO has revealed that only a limited number of stores are currently promoting the service, with various rollout dates listed. Some stores reported they began selling AT&T Internet Air on November 1, while others have shared launch dates of November 5 and November 8.
Wave7 Research analysts recently visited Cricket Wireless locations across multiple states, observing AT&T Internet Air availability in approximately 50% of the stores visited. However, the firm cautions that this a small sample size and may not reflect nationwide availability.
AT&T Internet Air Pricing, Service Features, and Data Policies
The AT&T Internet Air plan costs $60 per month at both AT&T and Cricket Wireless after a $5 monthly autopay discount, with taxes extra. Social media posts observed by BestMVNO suggest that Cricket Wireless customers are not receiving any exclusive discounts on the service. However, AT&T Wireless subscribers can bundle it with a phone plan for a reduced rate of $47 per month. Currently, AT&T Internet Air is available at AT&T stores and online, but only in Cricket stores.
AT&T Internet Air includes unlimited high-speed data, with no overage fees or long-term contracts, and a promise of no price increases for at least 12 months. AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds when the network is busy. If you are an excessive data user found to be contributing to network congestion, AT&T will temporarily reduce your data speeds to as low as 512Kbps for a minimum of 30 minutes.
AT&T is following the lead of other carriers by rolling out 5G home internet service through a flanker prepaid brand. T-Mobile home internet is sold through Metro by T-Mobile stores and online for $40/month. Total Wireless, in stores and online, is selling Verizon's home internet for $35/month when added to a phone plan. Verizon's Straight Talk Wireless has its own branded home internet plan for $45/month, and Visible by Verizon customers can save up to $10/month on Verizon's 5G home internet plan.
“Some Cricket Wireless stores on November 1 started selling AT&T Internet Air and the price is $60/month plus taxes. So far, we’re seeing it at some Cricket stores and not at other Cricket stores. The larger context here is that fixed wireless Internet is becoming more widely available, with T-Mobile recently launching sales of home Internet at Sam’s Club and at many Costco stores. Now, some Cricket stores are pitching AT&T Internet Air.” – Jeff Moore, Principal of Wave7 Research