Boost Mobile: Plans, Coverage & Deals
About Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile is a major prepaid brand owned by EchoStar Corporation, the parent company of the former Dish Network. It sits among the largest prepaid carriers in the country, with a wide retail footprint of more than 3,000 stores.
Boost once aimed to build its own nationwide 5G network as a fourth major carrier, but that was shut down. It is now just another AT&T MVNO.
Its plans are budget-focused and no-contract, aimed at people who want major-network coverage at prepaid prices.
If you want to understand how prepaid brands like this can undercut the major networks, check out my article on how some cell phone plans can cost so much less than others.
Boost Mobile Plans
Unlimited
AT&T or T-Mobile coverage
Unlimited+
AT&T or T-Mobile coverage
Unlimited Premium
AT&T or T-Mobile coverage
Infinite Access for Galaxy
AT&T or T-Mobile coverage
Infinite Access for iPhone
AT&T or T-Mobile coverage
Boost Mobile Coverage
AT&T
Network
76.8 %
Total coverage
2,403,572
Total square miles covered
99%
Total population covered
44.7 %
5G coverage
1,399,661
5G square miles covered
320 million people (98.6%)
5G population covered
T-Mobile
Network
62.7 %
Total coverage
1,962,291
Total square miles covered
99%
Total population covered
52.8 %
5G coverage
1,653,294
5G square miles covered
332 million people (97%)
5G population covered
Boost Mobile Add-ons
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Boost Mobile Frequently Asked Questions
What is Boost Mobile?
Boost Mobile is a large prepaid wireless brand that runs on AT&T's network. It offers no-contract plans for phones, tablets, and smartwatches, sold online and through thousands of retail stores.
Who owns Boost Mobile?
Boost Mobile is owned by EchoStar Corporation, the parent company of Dish. EchoStar acquired Boost in July 2020 as a condition of the T-Mobile and Sprint merger, with the goal of building a new nationwide carrier.
When was Boost Mobile founded?
Boost Mobile was founded in Australia in 2000 and launched in the United States shortly after. It ran on the Sprint network for most of its history, then passed to Dish (now EchoStar) in July 2020 following the T-Mobile and Sprint merger.
What network does Boost Mobile use for coverage?
Boost Mobile uses AT&T for its primary coverage. It previously offered service on T-Mobile and continues to have access to the T-Mobile network for existing customers. New customres are activated on AT&T though.
Does Boost Mobile have good coverage?
Because most Boost customers now run on AT&T, coverage is strong across most of the country, using the nation's second-largest 4G LTE and 5G networks. Real-world quality still depends on AT&T's footprint where you live and travel. As a prepaid brand, Boost data can be deprioritized behind higher-priority traffic (aka proper AT&T customers) during times of congestion. Check the Boost coverage map for your specific area.
What features does Boost Mobile support?
Boost Mobile supports:
- VoLTE
- WiFi calling
- Visual voicemail
- MMS (multimedia messaging service)
- eSIM
- Hotspot
- Domestic roaming
- International calling
- Canada and Mexico roaming
- Managing multiple lines from a single account
- Multi-line discounts
Does Boost Mobile support international calling or data roaming?
Boost Mobile supports both international calling and international data roaming. Some plans include international calling at no extra cost, while others require a $10 international calling add-on, and roaming in Canada and Mexico is available on select plans.
For data abroad, Boost's Global Roaming add-on covers 90+ countries starting at $10 per month per line, which includes 1GB of data plus talk and text within your destination and back to the U.S. You can add more data at $10 per additional GB.
Does Boost Mobile support hotspot devices?
No, Boost Mobile does not offer plans for dedicated hotspot devices.
Does Boost Mobile support tablets?
Yes, Boost Mobile offers a tablet plan. It is $65 per month for 30GB of data. If you have an active Boost Mobile voice line, you get a $45 discount, bringing the tablet add-on to $20 per month.
Does Boost Mobile support smartwatches?
Yes, Boost Mobile offers a smartwatch plan. It is $25 per month for a standalone plan and $10 per month if you have an active voice line. The plan comes with unlimited minutes, texts, and 2GB of data for your watch.
What is Boost Mobile's device unlock policy?
Boost Mobile locks phones for the first 12 months of service. After 12 months of active service, the device is eligible to be unlocked, provided it is paid in full and not reported lost or stolen. If you buy your phone from Boost Mobile and pay in full, then you are eligible to get your phone unlocked immediately.
How do you contact Boost Mobile customer service?
Boost Mobile customer service is available by calling (833) 502-6678 or by dialing 611 from your Boost phone. Customer service hours are 8am to midnight ET every day.
What phones work on Boost Mobile?
Boost Mobile works with unlocked phones compatible with AT&T's bands, including recent iPhone and Android models. You can bring your own compatible device or buy one from Boost, which sells current Apple, Samsung, and Motorola phones, then activate with a physical SIM or an eSIM. Check your phone's IMEI for compatibility before signing up.