Boost Mobile readying three CDMA handsets
Until recently, the Boost Mobile $50 unlimited plan ran on the iDEN network exclusively. Then, over the summer, Boost migrated its UNLTD customers to the iDEN plan, even though UNLTD customers run on Sprint’s CDMA network. Their ultimate plans were unclear then — was Boost really going to offer the $50 unlimited on CDMA? Yesterday we got a bit closer to the answer. According to PhoneNews.com, Boost will launch three CDMA handsets in the near future, two of which will operate under the $50 plan. That would be a major victory for Boost, getting more CDMA access for their unlimited plan.
Of the three phones, only the BlackBerry Curve 8330 will cost more than $50 per month. That’s because it requires a BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) connection, which typically costs another $10 per month. So expect the plan to cost $60 per month. The device will cost $79.99 — cheap because Sprint has added two new BlackBerry models superior to the old Curve (the Tour 9630 and the Curve 8530).
Update: It appears that the BlackBerry Curve will be a bit more expensive, both for the device and service. The device, according to this source, will cost $249, and service will cost $70 per month. It also appears that these devices will be available January 15.
With the other two Boost will introduce Sanyo phones. The Sanyo 3810 is a basic flip phone and will cost $99.99. The Incognito, a recent release which resembles the LG enV, will cost $149.99. Both can be used with the $50 unlimited plan.
With so many other MVNOs offering prepaid unlimited services — on networks better than iDEN — this is good move by Boost to keep up. As long as they can get some more space on the CDMA network, they should be able to start offering more and more handsets, which should help build a larger subscriber base. After all, most people prefer the faster network to the one that features walkie talkie. Thankfully, the walkie talkie feature, on the iDEN network, will remain available for anyone who needs it. ]]>
Will they expand the service nationwide or will it only be available in its current regions?
Not sure, Nate. The details are sketchy at best at this point. I imagine that if they plan to offer this type of handset that they’ll make CDMA unlimited available in more markets than UNLTD.
Excellent opportunity with the blackberry, finally a smart phone!
But is there a cheaper way than the $250?
Could I purchase a used sprint 8330 on ebay and get it to work?
Yep very cool, but sliders just like flips, wear out and break. That leaves the BB Curve I guess. Will they be disabling loading my own ringtones and wallpapers like on my i465? Will they disable DT direct talk, like on all the boost branded handsets so far? Will my text wait in queue after I send them, occaisionaly for a day or more? Still it’s an improvement, Boost needs to get away from Motorola, they always have software issues and errors and break and stuff. I spend 100 a month for two of these and really I should be getting at least as much feature and function as anyone on Postpaid contract accounts who spends that much is getting, but we don’t.
To clarify, Boost erroneously noted a $70 BlackBerry plan.
In actuality, the BlackBerry Plan is $60, with the international add-on costing another $10/month on top of that. BlackBerry has issued corrections noting the error.
Activating a Sprint device on Boost Mobile is very difficult, but possible. It involves creating an account on Sprint.com multiple times in order to let you in. Phones that require an Everything Plan will not work with Boost at all.
And yes, Boost UNLTD will now be offered nationally. It actually was available nationwide, but only after they paused actively promoting the plans.
Now if I could get the Blackberry with a second line like my Nextel, I’d be golden.
how do i activate a old 8330 from ebay to work on boost?
Now I can have dependable texting because my texting experience on the IDEN network was subpar.CDMA should work flawlessly.
I hope they bring some hybrid phones on board. I would really like to keep my walkie talkie.
well, steve, you can do what i did which is get a Nextel blackberry 8350i and convert it to work on boost mobile. i’m on the iDEN network with the $50 Monthly unlimited plan. i still have unlimited talk, text, internet, and walkie-talkie with no problems. and i got other applications too like GPS navigation that works good too.
Thanks for the tip Ridah. Unfortunately that still leaves me on the iDen network. A hybrid phone would have iDen ptt with CDMA phone,text and web. I always liked iDen, as a former Nextel customer. The messaging wasnt very fast at Nextel and a lot slower with Boost. Should be alot faster with CDMA. Hope the hybrids can be activated.
I have both unlimited plans. I use the Iden side for the walkie-talkie.My other one is the black berry.. I call it double dipping. CDMA provides faster downloads and less dropped calls. The Iden Chirp feature is wonderful for my construction needs. Hybrid would make everything better.. Love boost keep it up
Ok, I am looking at the Incognito phone and leaving Verizon. I really want my touch screen phone and the keyboard as well for being online alot..What is the difference between the IDEN and CDMA networks. The CDMA coverage looks spotty in our area, but my husband has one on the IDEN map and he has poor internet as well as poor reception most of the time…Will I be making a mistake to switch? (My current Verizon bill runs about $150 for 950 Minutes, unlimited Text & web)
Did I understand this right, I can get the BlackBerry Curve 8350i and convert it to Boost and I will have iDEN and CDMA? OTherwise, if that’s not the case, have they come out with a hybrid yet that is both iDEN and CDMA?
Desperately Curious here! Thanks!
I bought the Boost Mobile BlackBerry Curve 8330, it’s GREAT! Very fast web and text. I would not go back to the iDEN. I would love to see more BBs from Boost, the new CDMA phones are nice.
If I did not get the BlackBerry I would have looked at the Incognito.
Sent from my BlackBerry® by Boost Mobile
ive been hearing that they are putting the samsung rant on the cdma network for boost.if they do would that mean you would be able to use your old sprint samsung rant on the boost network if they did cuz i already own a rant dont want to spend 150 for a new one
i have a sprint blackberry curve 8330 want to convert to boost how do i do that need help please!!!
i wont this plz