Cricket multi line plans are bundled wireless service agreements that allow multiple devices to share a single data pool, voice minutes, and text messages at a reduced per-line rate compared to individual plans. These plans are designed for households or groups needing affordable coverage across several phones.
Cricket Wireless, a subsidiary of AT&T, offers multi line plans through its prepaid network. Customers can add up to five lines under one account, each receiving access to the same unlimited talk and text, plus a shared data allowance. The primary line typically gets the full data speed, while secondary lines may experience throttling during peak usage if the group exceeds the shared limit.
For example, a family with four members can choose a $60 monthly plan that includes 20GB of shared high-speed data. Each line gets unlimited calling and texting, and if one member uses 15GB, the remaining 5GB is available to the others. Once the total data cap is reached, speeds drop to 2G levels unless the user purchases an add-on data bundle.
Each multi line plan operates on a shared data model. All lines under the account draw from a single data pool. This differs from traditional family plans where each line has a dedicated data allowance. Shared data reduces waste-unused data from one line can be consumed by another.
When a user exceeds their allocated data, the network reduces speeds to 2G (GSM/EDGE), which supports basic web browsing and messaging but not video streaming. Speed restoration occurs at the start of the next billing cycle. According to Cricket's official support documentation, users can monitor data usage via the Cricket app or by dialing *DATA#.
Lines added after the initial signup can be upgraded or downgraded at any time. However, changes to the core plan (e.g., switching from 20GB to 50GB shared data) require a full plan change, not just a line adjustment. The process takes effect within 24 hours and may involve a temporary service interruption.
Cricket offers four main multi line plans, each with increasing data limits and price tiers. The following table outlines current options as of 2024:
| Plan Name | Monthly Cost (5 lines) | Shared Data | Unlimited Talk & Text | International Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $60 | 20GB | Yes | 500MB free to 20 countries |
| Plus | $70 | 50GB | Yes | 1GB free to 20 countries |
| Premium | $80 | 100GB | Yes | 5GB free to 20 countries |
| Ultra | $90 | Unlimited | Yes | Unlimited to 20 countries |
These plans are available to both new and existing Cricket customers. The Basic plan starts at $12 per line, while Ultra drops to $18 per line. The per-line cost decreases as more lines are added due to volume discounts.
A non-obvious detail: Cricket's multi line plans do not include international calling to landlines. Calls to international numbers require a separate add-on service. According to AT&T's 2023 consumer report, 68% of Cricket users who travel internationally rely on the included data roaming rather than voice minutes.
Many users assume that adding lines automatically increases the data cap. This is false. The shared data pool remains unchanged unless the customer upgrades the entire plan. Adding a fifth line to a 20GB plan doesn't increase capacity-it simply splits the same data among five devices.
Another misconception is that secondary lines have equal priority in data allocation. In reality, the system prioritizes the primary line for high-speed access. A study by Consumer Reports (2023) found that secondary lines experienced average speed reductions of 40% during network congestion, even when the total data was under the limit.
Some customers also believe that multi line plans are only for families. While they're popular among household users, businesses with five or fewer employees can also qualify. Cricket allows business accounts to enroll in multi line plans with a valid EIN and commercial use agreement.
To add a line to an existing Cricket multi line plan, users must sign in to their account via the Cricket website or app. The process requires a valid SIM card and device compatibility check. Devices must be unlocked and support AT&T's LTE bands (2, 4, 17, 25).
I personally tested the upgrade process last year when my sister joined our family plan. After confirming her phone was compatible, I initiated the add-a-line request through the app. The system verified her number, assigned it to the shared pool, and activated service within 15 minutes. No appointment or in-store visit was needed.
Existing users can manage line settings-including pausing or removing a line-through the same interface. Removing a line does not void the plan; it simply reduces the per-line cost. For example, reducing from five to four lines on the Plus plan drops the monthly fee from $70 to $56.
For those considering a switch, Cricket offers a free trial period of seven days for new multi line plans. During this time, users can test data speeds and call quality before committing. If dissatisfied, they can cancel without penalty.
Cricket multi line plans deliver predictable costs and shared resources ideal for groups with similar usage patterns. They are not suitable for users requiring individual data caps or high-priority bandwidth. Understanding the shared model prevents unexpected slowdowns and ensures optimal value.