Image: FCC
WhistleOut fast facts
- The FCC has approved an updated framework for Boost Mobile to expand its 5G network.
- Boost Mobile plans to cover 80% of the U.S. population with its 5G network by the end of 2024.
- A larger 5G network means Boost will rely less on AT&T and T-Mobile for coverage in urban areas.
- This is the latest development in Boost's restructuring process as it works to challenge larger carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile for subscribers.
EchoStar—Boost Mobile's parent company—has announced the FCC approved an updated plan to expand Boost's 5G network. If Boost Mobile meets these goals it will offer 5G coverage to 80% of the U.S. population by the end of 2024. Most of this new buildup is centered in urban and suburban areas, so the carrier will still rely on its AT&T and T-Mobile partnerships for rural coverage.
This announcement is the latest development in Boost Mobile's multi-month rebranding saga. As Dish Network—its former parent company—has struggled, Boost Mobile has gained its own wireless network, absorbed a sister carrier, and revamped its plan selection. Expanding the Boost Mobile 5G network shows the carrier is returning to normalcy and is a major step towards competing with larger carriers.
Boost Mobile 5G network expansion
The Boost Mobile network is a rebrand of the Dish Wireless network. Geographically, it only covers around 9% of the land area in the U.S. However, Boost has strategically placed its network infrastructure around urban areas. That means despite only covering a small amount of land, it currently offers service to over 70% of the nation's population. It also has agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile for coverage if customers leave areas with Boost's native towers.
Expanding its 5G infrastructure means Boost will improve its coverage area and potentially attract more customers. According to documents filed with the FCC, Boost plans to continue expanding in targeted urban and suburban areas across the country until it surpasses the 80% coverage mark.
Only five carriers in the U.S. build their own network infrastructure:
- AT&T
- Verizon
- T-Mobile
- Boost Mobile
- US Cellular
With 7 million subscribers, Boost is currently the fourth-largest carrier in the nation to own its network. It already has a larger subscriber base than US Cellular. This 5G network plan is designed to improve coverage and help poach customers from the major carriers.
What happened to Boost Mobile?
This 5G network expansion plan is the latest update in Boost's ongoing restructuring process. EchoStar and all of its brands—including Dish Network, HughesNet, Boost Mobile, Gen Mobile, and Ting—have faced serious issues for the past several months. Dish Network's declining subscriber numbers and problems with its mobile brands put a financial strain on the company.
In a bid to restructure the entire business, Boost Mobile was severed from Dish's operations. In July of 2024, the Dish Wireless network was rebranded as the Boost Mobile network. To streamline its wireless offerings, Boost Mobile also absorbed a sister carrier—Boost Infinite—and introduced a new 5G Unlimited Plan for $25/month.
This announcement to grow the Boost Mobile 5G network shows the company feels it's getting back on track and can continue to grow under its new structure.
What does this mean for Boost Mobile customers?
The FCC 5G expansion announcement is good news for Boost Mobile customers. A larger 5G network means better and faster coverage for subscribers. Plus, it also lowers the threat of deprioritization since devices may not need to switch to AT&T and T-Mobile as frequently for service.
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Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
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