Cricket counters MetroPCS with a list of free and discounted phones; high-speed data hiked on plans

Just a few days ago, we told you about the free handsets being given away by pre-paid carrier MetroPCS. Those upgrading their phone or activating a new line are eligible to choose from one of 12 free handsets. New subscribers porting over their current line can choose their freebie from a list of 15 models. In addition, MetroPCS hiked the amount of 4G LTE data on its $50 plan by 60%.

Today, pre-paid carrier Cricket announced a list of free and discounted phones along with some changes to its data plans. Starting tomorrow, Cricket's $40 monthly tier will include 3GB of high-speed, up from 2.5GB currently offered. The $60 a month plan will now come with 12GB of high-speed data. That is a 20% hike from the current 10GB of data included in the plan. And lastly, Cricket is "locking in" the 8GB of high-speed data that those subscribing to the $50 a month plan receive. A previous promotion raised the high-speed data from 5GB to 8GB with that plan, and now it is permanent.

Now to the phones. Those porting over their current phone number and activating it on Cricket will have a chance to pick up a free or heavily discounted handset. Existing customers can receive a discount for upgrading to one of the listed phones, or by activating a new line. The handset deals include:

• Alcatel Streak-FREE for customers bringing their number to Cricket ($9.99 for upgraders and new lines of service)
• Samsung Galaxy Amp 2-FREE for customers bringing their number to Cricket ($19.99 for upgraders and new lines of service)
• ZTE Sonata 3-FREE for customers bringing their number to Cricket ($29.99 for upgraders and new lines of service)
• LG Spree-FREE for customers bringing their number to Cricket ($49.99 for upgraders and new lines of service)
• LG Escape 3-$19.99 for customers bringing their number to Cricket ($59.99 for upgraders and new lines of service)
• Samsung Galaxy Amp Prime-$29.99 for customers bringing their number to Cricket ($79.99 for upgraders and new lines of service)
• LG X power-$49.99 for customers bringing their number to Cricket ($99.99 for upgraders and new lines of service)
• LG Stylo 2-$79.99 for customers bringing their number to Cricket ($129.99 for upgraders and new lines of service)

source: Cricket