What Network Does Boost Mobile Use?

Boost Mobile is one of America’s most popular cell phone carriers, formerly owned by Sprint and now living under Dish. 

Boost Mobile makes use of its own network (powered by Dish)—plus some partner networks—to provide nationwide coverage to its 7.5 million customers. This translates to mostly excellent coverage for Boost customers. In this article, we'll provide a detailed explanation of Boost Mobile's network, and outline some things you should be aware of before signing up for a Boost Mobile cell phone plan.

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Boost Mobile Coverage Map

Boost Mobile mostly uses its own system of top-notch 5G and 4G LTE networks to provide coverage to their customers (the company claims it offers 99% nationwide coverage). This includes the powerful nationwide Dish network. Check out Boost's own 5G network to get a sense of how it fares in your area of the country.

Boost Mobile 4G LTE Coverage

Boost Mobile’s 4G LTE coverage spans most of the United States, apart from a few dead zones in Nevada, Arizona, and parts of the Northwest. The wide reach of 4G means it’s usually the signal you’ll get in rural areas where 5G towers haven’t been built yet. If you live in one of these areas, going with Boost Mobile for your cell phone service is a wise move indeed. 

Boost Mobile 5G Coverage

Like its 4G coverage, Boost Mobile's 5G network is wide-ranging. Most of the country is blanketed by this 5G coverage, outside of a few of those same blank spots in the West. Some of this 5G network is made up of so-called Ultra Capacity 5G (UC), which offers enhanced speeds and reliability. 

Boost Mobile Plans

Boost Mobile sells three core unlimited plans: the $30/month Unlimited plan, the $55/month Unlimited+ plan, and the $65/month Unlimited Premium plan. 

All three of plans feature guaranteed premium (i.e. un-deprioritized) data, while the latter two also offer Global Talk & Text. Here’s how they break down: 

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Boost Mobile Phones

Looking for a new phone? Boost Mobile sells a full range of Android and Apple phones to enjoy their excellent 4G and 5G coverage with. This includes the new iPhone 16 series, the Samsung Galaxy S25 line, and a smattering of Motorola devices. If you prefer, you can bring your own phone to Boost Mobile, as the carrier accepts most unlocked modern handsets on its network. If you’re wondering about your phone’s compatibility with Boost Mobile, you can input your IMEI into their phone checker. 

Looking for the best phone plan deals from other carriers? Try our free, unbiased Plan Finder. With just a few clicks, we can sort through thousands of plan options to find the best choices for you based on how much data you want, what add-ons you’re interested in, and how much money you’re looking to spend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whose towers does Boost Mobile use?

Boost Mobile primarily uses its own towers for its network infrastructure.

How does Boost compare to Verizon?

Boost Mobile is a U.S. carrier offering affordable plans with no contracts, primarily using its own cellular network, which provides good urban coverage but can lag in rural areas. Verizon, on the other hand, is a premium carrier known for its extensive nationwide coverage, faster speeds, and higher reliability, though at a higher price point.

Is Boost Mobile the same as T-Mobile?

No, Boost Mobile is not the same as T-Mobile. Boost Mobile is a separate carrier that operates independently, offering its own plans and services.