I switched to the $55 dollar plan because it boasts that POP3 will work on your phone now. So, before I purchased the new plan I called Cricket 3 times and talked with 3 different Customer Service Reps. I asked them each time if I can now use my personal email. They told me all 3rd party emails will now work.
I purchased the plan, did the *228 and you know it
I purchased the plan, did the *228 and you know it