Boost going unlimited on iDEN network
talked to John Votava of Boost Mobile, we discussed Boost Unlimited and its future. As you might know, Boost Unlimited is akin to unlimited services MetroPCS and Cricket, in that they cover limited parts of the country and run on a CDMA network. However, we had heard that in 2009 Boost planned to migrate completely to the iDEN network. We just didn’t know it would be this soon. We learned late yesterday that Boost will offer a nationwide unlimited service starting January 22.
The best part about this is the lack of a restriction on calling area. This gives Boost a leg up on the competition. Even though Metro and Cricket have entered a roaming agreement, they’re still missing key markets. Those will, for the most part, be covered by Boost’s nationwide iDEN network.
For some, though, the best part is the price. From the initial AP report there don’t appear to be many details floating around. The announced price is $50 per month. This Facebook thread sheds a bit more light on the situation. According to the Boost rep: “when monthly unlimited launches for the walkie-talkie phones it will have unlimited talk & walkie-talkie, text and web.” For $50 per month. I hope everyone’s stoked for this.]]>
Is the new Sprint BlackBerry Curve 8350i which features the iDEN technology be able to work with Boost Mobile? My assumption is that the Sprint version might need to be unlocked for use with the Boost Mobile carrier, also does the ESN need to be configured to do this?
Ken,
You could probably get the BlackBerry to work for voice and text, but because BlackBerry devices run on BlackBerry Internet Service, you wouldn’t be able to get their level of Web access and email.
Ken, why not make a suggestion to Boost Mobile to add Blackberry Services. I know I would gladly pay a little more a month to be able to use the 8350i. I would gladly pay an additional $10-$15 dollars per month for Blackberry services. Boost Mobile lacks a really cool messaging platform.
I have the BB 8350i on Boost and on the $50 Unlimited plan. EVERYTHING works. All my emails. Text (no delays), picture mail, even BB Browser. I have it loaded with apps and they all work flawless (GTalk, YIM, AIM, TeleNav, etc.). ALl I did was go to http://nextel.blackberry.com/ and clicked on “Create New Account”. What people fail to realize is that Boost is Nextel’s sister company, putting their weak iDEN to use. Once I registered via the website (yes, it’s FREE) and sent my “service books”, EVERYTHING works great, going on 4 months now. I hope this helps a lot of people! My BB chat even works with my friends BB’s on other networks.
If you get this to work, PLEASE pass this on as I ahve been doing. The key is to register your 8350i at http://nextel.blackberry.com/ then you can add all your emails too!
Feel free to email me with any questions as I will not be checking this site..
Greg
greganthonyb at gmail
I have the Boost Unlimited Monthly plan and the I9 (overpriced phone). I have no access to Gmail or AOL. I spent 12 hours on the phone with Boost during the first month, during which they lied about being able to fix the problem. Finally, the last person said access was never possible and that Boost has fine print saying that there are no guarantees about access to websites.
I replied that it is deceptive to advertise unlimited web access when customers cannot get onto to major web-based email sites. This is particularly unreasonable when they have to buy an expensive phone that cannot be returned.
I asked for a reduction based on my inability to access my email. They declined. I’m filing complaints. They don’t care. If enough dissatisfied customers do the same, they will.