In a significant shift in the US telecommunications landscape, Boost Mobile has evolved from a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) to establish itself as the nation's fourth-largest carrier, marking a new era of competition in the wireless market.
Network Coverage and Infrastructure
Boost Mobile has achieved a remarkable milestone by building its own 5G network that now covers 70% of the US population. The company has deployed over 20,000 cell sites out of the 24,000 committed for completion by June 2025. This extensive infrastructure development represents an investment exceeding $10 billion, demonstrating Boost's serious commitment to becoming a major player in the telecommunications industry.
Technical Capabilities and Performance
The carrier's network infrastructure has shown impressive capabilities, with peak download speeds reaching up to 1Gbps for compatible devices like the iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S24. This performance is achieved through advanced four-carrier aggregation technology and utilization of 100MHz spectrum bandwidth. According to Ookla's studies, Boost's network has even outperformed established carriers like AT&T and Verizon in certain metrics.
Consumer Benefits and Competitive Advantage
Boost Mobile's approach to building a cloud-native 5G network using Open Radio Access Network (RAN) technology has resulted in significant cost advantages. This efficiency allows the company to offer plans at up to 40% lower costs compared to traditional carriers. Additionally, Boost is making 5G technology more accessible through budget-friendly devices like the Summit 5G, priced under $100.
Current Promotions and Customer Incentives
To attract new customers, Boost Mobile has launched several compelling offers. New subscribers to the Infinite Access plan can receive up to $1,000 off the latest iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy devices. The company is also offering a free year of service for customers who purchase new phones priced over $299 through their website. These promotions, combined with the company's established network infrastructure, position Boost Mobile as a serious challenger to the traditional big three carriers.