Cricket delivers value and volunteerism in Baltimore communities

By Zaina Adamu

Cricket Communications, Inc., a ten-year-old wireless service provider, recently launched its unlimited services in the Baltimore area. The company offers its services at a flat rate with out long term contracts or credit checks. Angelina Kennedy, Cricket Communications Area Marketing manager says what separates Cricket from most wireless service providers is its low cost. We run a lean operation in terms of how we price our product so that we can offer lower monthly rates for our customers consistently, she said. Cricket began on the West Coast of the United States in 1999 and gradually moved to the East. Executives at the company realized that the affordable and easy-to-use services were needed throughout the country and not in one specific area. Soon enough, they established contacts and created relationships with partners in the northern, southern and mid-Atlantic regions. In just a short amount of time, Cricket pulled in more than four mil-

lion customers in 32 states. In this economy, everybody is looking for a great value, looking to make their dollars go further, said Peter Eckel, area manager for Cricket in Baltimore. We at Cricket know that it is important for wireless carriers to demonstrate value to their customers. Crickets coverage stretches across Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Cecil, Howard and Frederick counties, and Washington D.C. Customers are also given the option of unlimited use in their rate plans, which would include coverage in Philadelphia and Chicago. Premium Extended Coverage spans even further, providing service in New York, Boston, California, Wisconsin and Texas. Baltimore resident Andre Tiller switched his wireless service to Cricket back in August of this year. I havent experienced any difficulties yet, he said. His only suggestion to the company would be to make the service available in all 50 states. Cricket understands con-

sumers concerns. Not long ago, the company put in a proposal to be a part of President Barack Obamas Broadband Initiative, a project that would connect the nations gap between citizens with and without internet access. According to the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund report, only 40.5 percent of blacks and 38.1

percent of Latinos have internet service in their homes. If approved, millions of people in underserved areas would gain access to the world through the internet. Were very excited. Were looking forward to it, said Kennedy. Cricket is also responsible for creating more than 200 jobs in Baltimore from personnel to

customer service positions. On October 2, 2009, the company will partner up with Rebuilding Together, a nonprofit organization that revives communities, to help five Park Heights families repair their homes. We feel that it is important to give back to the local community where our customers and employees live and work, Eckel concluded.

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The Baltimore Times, September 25 - October 1, 2009 (www.baltimoretimesonline.com)

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