What is Boost Mobile? (2024)

Subscriptions from major mobile carriers aren't worth it on a line you hardly use. Prepaid carriers tend to be cheaper, and there's no shortage of options in the US. Still, it can be hard to make the switch to prepaid, as many budget carriers may not offer the same level of customer service that you'll find on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Boost Mobile hopes to allay some of those fears with in-store assistance, online activation, and plenty of customer service options. It uses networks from AT&T, Dish, and T-Mobile for nationwide coverage. Here's everything you need to know about the service.

What is Boost Mobile?

Dish Wireless owns Boost Mobile. It's a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that provides affordable prepaid wireless services through Dish, AT&T, and T-Mobile. According to the telecommunications publisher Mobile World Live, Boost had 7.4 million subscribers at the end of 2023. That's about 50,000 fewer customers than the company had at the end of 2022.

As an MVNO, Boost Mobile relies on AT&T and T-Mobile for a good chunk of its infrastructure. That said, Dish is also building a massive 5G network from the ground up. At the end of 2023, Dish announced its 5G network covers over 140 million people. And while it is spending billions to build its 5G network, the company sees it as a worthwhile investment that will give it an edge over the big three carriers.

Since Dish is building an entirely new 5G network, it doesn't have to deal with legacy equipment like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Instead, it is building an Open RAN (O-RAN) 5G network, which offers Boost and its subscribers a lot of perks. Dish's infrastructure isn't tied to specific network and radio vendors. That means it can seek out competitive bids, easily mix and match components, and its technicians and engineers need minimal training when it works with equipment from different vendors.

Although Boost leases capacity from AT&T and T-Mobile to offer service, it's a turnkey solution; they're not responsible for the infrastructure. Instead it is hard at work building a next-generation network that should offer solid coverage at a very competitive price.

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Brief history of Boost Mobile

Peter Adderton, launched Boost Mobile in Australia and New Zealand in 2000. Shortly after, Adderton, along with Peter Adderton, Craig Cooper, and Kirt McMaster brought Boost to the US in a joint partnership with Nextel.

Nextel got full ownership of Boost's US operations in 2003. Then Sprint Corporation acquired Nextel in 2004, making Boost a subsidiary. During this period, the company expanded nationwide and continued using Nextel's iDEN network for its service.

In 2006, they launched a new offering, which they called Unlimited by Boost Mobile. This service ran on Sprint's Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network. It's a digital cellular technology that allows multiple users to share the same frequency channel. Each user's signal has a unique code.

Although this new plan boosted Boost Mobile's growth, the company didn't fully switch over to CDMA technology right away. In 2009, they had to adapt quickly with a new Monthly Unlimited Plan to keep up with rivals. But the customer surge strained Nextel's iDEN network, causing frustrating delays in text messages.

To address this problem, Boost announced plans for an unlimited offering using Sprint's CDMA network in 2010. Around the same time, Sprint acquired Virgin Mobile USA, and merged it with Boost. Boost then embarked on a smartphone journey and rolled out various models. They first launched the Motorola i1, and more devices up to the Samsung Galaxy Prevail and marked their entry into Sprint's 4G LTE network. After merging with T-Mobile in 2020, Sprint sold Boost to Dish Network. Dish Wireless then went into partnership with AT&T for 5G spectrum in 2021.

What to keep in mind about Boost's data plans and cancelations

Boost Mobile offers unlimited plans with 5G connectivity. However, you need a 5G device in an area with 5G coverage to access such high speeds. Otherwise, you'll get 4G LTE speeds.

Traditional capped plans give you a set amount of data that completely stops working when you max out. With Boost Mobile, you won't exceed your data limit for unlimited plans because there isn't really one. You only run out of high-speed data, which means you'll experience slower speeds. But you can still call, text, and browse.

Data packs are available when you hit those soft caps before your plan's expiration. When your plan does expire, you have 60 days to make a full payment. Otherwise, Boost Mobile will close your account, and you will lose any remaining funds and your phone number. However, you can readjust your plan before reactivation if you can no longer afford it.

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Boost Mobile eligibility and availability information

You need a phone that's compatible with Boost Mobile before you can switch to their network. Their official website provides a form that helps you check your device's status. If it isn't eligible, Boost has a large selection of flagships and budget phones with solid promotions and discounts. If you keep your account active for up to nine months, you become eligible for a phone upgrade and can trade in your old phone at nearby Boost Mobile stores.

Boost Mobile doesn't check your credit history or score to determine eligibility. It's a good thing if you have a limited or poor credit background. Plus, they provide users with broad coverage across the globe, and that's majorly thanks to its partnership with many carriers. Enter your zip code on their website to see if your region is covered.

Boost Mobile supports live chat on their website. It gives you the convenience of seeking assistance from experts without the anxiety of phone calls. But if you don't mind voice calls, you can reach them on 833-502-6678. Customer support times start and end from Monday to Friday from 4am to 8pm Pacific Time (PT).

On Saturdays and Sundays, you can reach them from 4am to 7pm PT. If you have any needs outside their operational hours, feel free to refer to their Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section and mobile app. The BoostOne app helps you manage your account, make payments, access exclusive deals, and do more.

Best alternative MVNOs to Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile isn't the only affordable MVNO on the market. Here are three other substitutes to keep you connected with loved ones:

Google Fi

Google Fi is ideal for families, although its plans are costlier. You can add up to six members at anytime, and you have the option to bring your current personal number. When signing up, Google Fi will check if your number is eligible for transfer. If it's not, you can activate a new number. With an existing Google Voice number, you can set up call forwarding to your Fi phone number and consolidate communications.

Mint Mobile

Mint mobile runs on the T-Mobile network, and suits cost savers with its multiple months of service. You'll receive discounts if you buy them at once. The plans are available in 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month options with cheaper monthly rates than traditional month-to-month plans. You can transfer your old number or get a new line, and it supports e-SIMs. However, they don't do trade-ins, so you can't bring your old phone.

Visible

Visible only offers two plans, which you can choose to pay for monthly or yearly. Although your options are limited, the plans are unlimited. They offer 5G Ultra Wideband, 5G, and 4G LTE connectivity. You'll also experience endless talk, text, and data on the Verizon wireless network, along with spam protection, Wi-Fi calling, and voicemail services.

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Affordable carrier services keep you connected at all times

Boost Mobile offers many advantages. With unlimited connectivity, you can browse, stream your favorite content, and connect with loved ones without worrying about data caps or overage charges. If you don't find the service favorable, there are other MVNOs that hit the mark. But you want to check that your device is not carrier locked before you switch over. Carrier-locked phones can only work on the network that they're tied to. Fortunately, there's a way to tell when your line is carrier locked and unlock it.

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What is Boost Mobile? (2024)

FAQs

What is the downside of boost? ›

Data Deprioritization

Though Boost does have a wider data limit before speeds start to slow- (30 GBs), slower speeds can be a real downside for many when it comes to picking their service provider as you might experience dropped calls, texts not going through, or a website not loading.

What cell phone company has the most complaints? ›

#1: Simple Mobile

This is absolutely one of the biggest complaints when Simple Mobile switched from T-Mobile. Customer complaints over 5G speeds and in-home coverage have skyrocketed since the switchover. Because of this, Simple Mobile has been left as the number one phone provider to avoid with an ASCI score of 70.

Do you have to have good credit for Boost Mobile? ›

Boost Mobile is a prepaid wireless carrier, which means you pay upfront for a specific amount of data, minutes, texts and other services. Prepaid wireless service also doesn't require a soft credit check or contract.

Which carrier does Boost Mobile use? ›

Boost Mobile is an American wireless service provider owned by Dish Wireless. It uses the Dish, AT&T and T-Mobile networks to deliver wireless services.

Which is better, T-Mobile or Boost? ›

Overall, T-Mobile and Boost Mobile offer very different plans. If you're looking for all that a phone plan can offer, T-Mobile is the best choice with their GO5G Plus and Magenta MAX plans. However, if you don't need that much data or bells and whistles, Boost Mobile's limited plans are the better option for you.

What are the disadvantages of boost? ›

A boost converter can increase the output voltage however this is at the cost of needing more supply current. Ignoring losses Vin x Iin = Vout x Iout. So if you where say increasing 5V to 10V your input current would have to be twice your output current.

Who has the strongest cell phone signal? ›

Verizon has the best 4G LTE coverage that spans across 70% of the United States. That's 2% more than AT&T and 8% more than T-Mobile. It covers 327 million people in over 2.68 million square miles. Depending on your location, you may even get Verizon 5G cell service.

Who is the #1 cell phone carrier? ›

The telecommunications firm Verizon is the leading provider of mobile services in the United States, with a market share of about over 37 percent of wireless subscriptions as of the first quarter of 2024. T-Mobile and AT&T are the other major wireless carriers in the U.S. market.

What is the best free cell phone service for seniors? ›

Lifeline is a federal assistance program that offers discounted or free phone service to low-income individuals, including seniors on Medicare. The program is administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and aims to make telecommunications services more affordable and accessible.

Does boost give you a free phone? ›

Boost Mobile offers affordable cell phone plans with free phones for new or existing customers who switch or upgrade. Various plans cater to different needs and budgets, including unlimited data options and no annual contracts.

Is Boost Mobile really unlimited? ›

All plans include unlimited talking and texting but vary in the amount of data included. The company is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), so it doesn't have its own cellular network but rather uses other providers' networks, including those owned by T-Mobile, AT&T, and Dish Wireless.

What are the perks of having Boost Mobile? ›

It's all the freedom & power you want from a wireless carrier, without breaking the bank.
  • Unlimited Talk & Text. Stay connected with unlimited talk & text on three powerful networks. ...
  • No Contracts. With no annual contracts, you have the freedom to do things your way. ...
  • Customizable Plans.

What is the $35 plan for Boost Mobile? ›

The cheapest plan for Boost starts at $35.00 per month. The 3 Gigs 4G LTE plan from Boost costs $35.00 per month and provides unlimited talk, unlimited text, unlimited data, and hotspot.

What happens when you run out of data Boost Mobile? ›

When you deplete your plan's applicable 5G/4G data allotment, we will reduce the throughput data to 512 kbps for the remainder of your plan's billing cycle.

Does Boost Mobile have an activation fee? ›

There is no activation fee when you activate online. Boost Mobile store locations may charge an activation fee and fees may vary by location.

Why is boosting bad? ›

MMR Boosting endangers account security. One should never share their log-in information with another player, no exceptions. Many players have shared their information with a potential booster, hoping to get a higher MMR, only to find their account was stolen and sold/traded to another player instead.

Is too much boost bad for an engine? ›

If your car doesn't run on special effects, then too much boost can be a bad thing. You could blow a head gasket, hit the limits of your fuel system, or overheat the incoming air so much that you actually lose power.

What is the disadvantage of boost converter? ›

Drawbacks or disadvantages of Buck Boost Converters

As sensed voltage is negative, inverting op-amp is needed for feedback and closed loop control. ➨High gain can not be achieved with this converter type as efficiency is poor for high gain (i.e. very small duty cycle or large duty cycle).

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