Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile is a youth-oriented carrier that runs on Sprint Nextel's network.

Editor's note: Because evaluating wireless coverage requires experience with the network in a wide variety of physical locations, CNET does not rate wireless carriers. We can, however, tell you everything you need to know about the major carriers. We invite your feedback and ratings in our user opinions section--the more input we get from around the U.S., the better our users can evaluate coverage at a national level.

Boost Mobile is a wireless brand that is wholly owned by Sprint Nextel. It serves 4.3 million customers in 45 states. Like Virgin Mobile, Boost is aimed at the youth demographic, specifically users between the ages of 14 and 34. Boost also markets itself toward an urban demographic and features hip-hop content on its devices and its advertising. Customers can choose from two service options: a traditional monthly plan (with no contract) or prepaid service. The carrier offers both CDMA and iDEN phones, the latter of which offer push-to-talk (PTT) service. Originally launched in both New Zealand and Australia in 2001, Boost USA launched in 2003.

Things you should know:

As a CDMA/iDEN carrier, international coverage is limited to a small portion of Baja California, Mexico.

Monthly users can choose from three plans, each with unlimited calling. Plans with unlimited messaging and Internet are available as well.

Boost does not charge activation fees nor does it conduct credit checks.

Monthly plans require a home calling area. Calls outside of that area will cost extra.

Boost offers only Motorola phones. Your handset choice will depend on which service option you choose. Monthly plans use CDMA models, while prepaid users have iDEN phones. Only the iDEN phones offer PTT services.

Boost uses Sprint Nextel's network.

Fast facts:

Subscribers: 4.3 million

Coverage: Boost's coverage is nationwide except for Wyoming, Montana, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Alaska. International coverage is limited a small portion of Baja California, Mexico. As with all carriers, reception will vary due to location.

Technology: CDMA; iDEN

3G network: No

Streaming video service: No

Music download service: No

Push-to-talk: Yes

Analog roaming: No

Prepay plans: Yes

Family plans: No

Buying choices

for Boost Mobile from online stores:

Please see CNET's Cell phone plan finder to purchase a phone with Boost Mobile

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