Cricket helps keep communities connected

Cricket Wireless helps to keep Shafter, Wasco and other Valley communities talking.

Manager Tania Cebellos says that they love Shafter and are excited to be a part of the community. "I love this store, and the people of Shafter are just so nice," she said. "It is great to be a part of a small town. Everyone is so friendly."

The store carries phones, cases, protectors, speakers and more. A big advantage, according to Cebellos, is the fact that there are no contracts with Cricket. "We are prepaid, but we are so much more advanced and offer so much more than when prepaids first came on the market."

They are their own separate company, but they do use the cell towers of ATT nationwide. She says their rates are low, with the ability of a family getting four lines for under $150 a month. Month-to-month deals don't require long-term contracts that can deter some shoppers. You can also purchase phones from the store and can make payments on the phone, instead of having to pay for bill all at once. "You can also get the phone with no interest if you pay it off in three months," Cebellos said.

Also, if you receive MediCal or other financial assistance programs, you may qualify for the Assisted Connectivity program, an income-dependent option that can get families hooked up for a lot less. "If you have one line, and are paying $60, for instance, with the program you could have that line for only $30."

The store is located on Central Avenue, next to Burger Factory, and is open seven days a week.

Cricket Wireless is open 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. They can be reached at cricketwireless.com or 661-630-5085. In Wasco, they are at 911 7th St.; call 661-240-5324.