Verizon iPhone 5c on Cricket?

I know that Cricket recently switched over to using GSM network, specifically, using AT&T towers. Could I use a Verizon iPhone 5c or 5s if I have Cricket as my carrier?

iPhone 5c, iOS 7.1.2, Verizon model

Posted on Jul 22, 2014 8:54 AM

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14 replies

Jul 22, 2014 11:30 AM in response to KiltedTim

Cause I wasn't sure if the V iP5c/s would work on Cricket's new GSM capabilities since they don't have their own dedicated network like AT&T and T-Mobile, although they do use AT&T's network, from what I understand. Since they are GSM now, I assume V iP5c/s models do work. The main reason I asked is from a saleability/marketability standpoint. If I were to sell it later, my potential buyer-base is larger to include such carriers as Cricket.

Dec 5, 2014 4:15 PM in response to KiltedTim

I'm using a Verizon iPhone 5c (Model A1532) using a Cricket SIM and am getting 4G LTE network connectivity. The only time the LTE disappears is when I'm using voice; it then shows "4G". As soon as voice call is over, "LTE" returns.


When referring to "Cricket" I'm referring to new Cricket Wireless; the AT&T subsidiary and Aio Wireless replacement. It operates over AT&T's GSM network.


I first tried to use the Verizon iPhone 5 (Model A1429 I believe) with Cricket and found it was only able to connect 4G (likely HSPA+) - no 4G LTE. But with Cricket, 4G was quite a bit slower than 4G LTE. I saw another post explaining that Verizon iPhone 5c/5s were the first "5" models to have the AT&T-compatible LTE capability - so that explained my experience. Everything else with the Verizon iPhone 5 worked fine on Cricket.


Lastly, I understand that Verizon's iPhone 5, 5c, and 5s are factory unlocked (SIM unlocked) out of the box and so should work with all GSM carriers in the U.S. and abroad. I don't know about the iPhone 6/6+ but would like to know.


So KiltedTim and stevejobsfan0123, please be careful when you're answering these questions. I too (like favbandisrush) was trying to gather as much reliable information before deciding upon Cricket (or any other carrier) and am also partial to the Verizon iPhones since they have both the CDMA and the GSM radios. Having both radios in an unlocked phone provides maximum carrier flexibility.

Feb 11, 2015 9:12 AM in response to KiltedTim

You're thinking of the iPhone 5, Tim. The Verizon iPhone 5s and 5c (and the Verizon iPhone 6 and 6 Plus) support the bands used for LTE by AT&T and T-Mobile USA. They're the best versions to own, as the only difference from the ones marketed by Apple as "unlocked" is the addition of Verizon compatibility.


And yes, these models are fully compatible with Cricket (AT&T) and MetroPCS (T-Mobile USA), including their LTE services. (Note that this doesn't apply to Cricket's and MetroPCS's legacy CDMA networks, which are being phased out.)

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Verizon iPhone 5c on Cricket?

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