Cricket Wireless Launches 5G Home Internet, Challenging T-Mobile and Verizon

Cricket Wireless Launches 5G Home Internet, Intensifying Broadband Competition for $TMUS and $VZ
Cricket Wireless, owned by AT&T, launched its 5G home internet service on September 16, entering the broadband market as T-Mobile and Verizon continue gaining momentum in the space. T-Mobile added roughly 520,000 broadband customers in the second quarter of 2026, according to Recon Analytics, while Verizon gained about 348,000 internet customers during the same period.
Cricket 5G Home Internet costs $65 per month, or $75 per month bundled with Cricket Wireless service, while existing Cricket Wireless customers can add it for $45 per month with autopay. The service offers download speeds of 90-300 Mbps and requires no installation appointment.
The launch follows a broader push toward affordable internet among major carriers: AT&T launched its $90-per-month OneConnect plan in March, T-Mobile refreshed its fiber offerings in May with plans starting at $45 per month, and Verizon introduced its $70-per-month Verizon One combined plan in June.
A PCMag survey in August found 47% of U.S. consumers saw their internet bills rise over the past 12 months, with an average increase of $16.58 per month, and 36% said they are considering switching providers.