The short answer: Cricket runs on AT&T’s network, which was historically GSM. Cricket Wireless is owned by AT&T, so it uses AT&T’s full nationwide towers. But the “GSM vs CDMA” question matters far less than it used to: here’s what actually counts in 2026.
Is Cricket GSM or CDMA?
Cricket uses AT&T’s network, and AT&T was a GSM carrier (as opposed to Verizon and the old Sprint, which were CDMA). So in the old framing, yes: Cricket is “GSM.”
What towers does Cricket use?
Cricket uses AT&T’s towers: the same cell sites and the same 5G. There’s no separate Cricket network. AT&T offers strong nationwide coverage, particularly across many metros and the South, and Cricket inherits all of it. The trade-off, as with any value brand, is deprioritization during congestion: AT&T’s own postpaid customers can get priority over Cricket traffic when a tower is busy.
Will my phone work on Cricket?
If your phone is unlocked and supports AT&T’s bands, it’ll work on Cricket. Phones currently on AT&T or an AT&T MVNO are a safe bet; most other unlocked phones work too.
Cheaper AT&T-network alternatives
Cricket is solid, but it’s not the only way onto AT&T’s network — Red Pocket offers AT&T-network service at lower prices, and Straight Talk runs on AT&T (and Verizon) with Walmart availability.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cricket GSM or CDMA? +
What network does Cricket use? +
Will an unlocked AT&T phone work on Cricket? +
Is Cricket’s coverage the same as AT&T? +
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Jean writes ShopCellPlans' reviews. He compares carrier plans using each carrier's own published prices, its FCC broadband labels and reporting from named outlets, and ranks them on the bill you actually get, taxes and fees included, not the price on the ad.