BestMVNO has learned that Boost stores will soon begin activating all Boost 5G Network-capable phones with Rainbow SIMs. This applies to all markets, even those where the Boost 5G network hasn't been built or activated yet. Edit: 03/14/24 - BestMVNO has been tipped that this will only happen on plans that are priced $40 or higher.
Rainbow SIMs enable phones with the appropriate radio bands in them to connect to the Boost 5G Network currently being developed by DISH/Echostar. In areas where there is no Boost 5G Network, customers can expect their phones to roam on AT&T or T-Mobile.
DISH/Echostar might be accelerating Rainbow SIM activations to reduce costs by transferring customers to their network as soon as it's available, instead of paying for network access from T-Mobile or AT&T. Having more customers on its own network could also help DISH/Echostar offer more flexible plans, and address concerns about its financial stability. As noted in an article by BestMVNO yesterday, DISH/Echostar is burning cash and faces questions about its long-term viability.
Boost Mobile's In Store Deals Include $399.99 iPhone 15, Free iPhone 11
In addition to the change around the Rainbow SIMs Boost has a few new and a recurring promo running in stores. The price of the iPhone 15 is being reduced to $399.99. It has a regular retail price of $829.99. A flash sale from 3/15 - 3/17 will get customers a free 64GB iPhone 11. Boost has run this flash sale several times before and it has been promoted on social media as seen in this Instagram post.
In between the flash sales, the iPhone 11 has been priced at $19.99. The deal requires customers to port their numbers into Boost Mobile. ID verification is also necessary.
The $399.99 128GB iPhone 15 offer is available to anyone. New customers who port, or get a new number can claim the offer as can current customers who wish to upgrade their phones. Boost's $60 unlimited plan is required to get this deal. If you are a current subscriber with multiple lines you must already be on the $60 unlimited plan.
Android fans will be able to pick up the Moto Edge+ 2023 for $99.99 with a number port or $199.99 with a new number or upgrade. The Moto G Stylus 2023 will be free to new customers without a port. These two deals will launch in stores on 3/15.
Boost Mobile currently has several Android phone offers available for free in stores to switchers. Those deals include the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, Moto G 5G, Moto G Stylus 5G, and the Celero 5G. All offers require ID verification.
Boost Mobile online continues to offer new subscribers 50% off the first month of any unlimited plan offered. The cheapest plan with the deal is $12.50 and it includes 30GB of monthly high-speed data before speeds are throttled to 512Kbps.
I assume these new phone promos involve phones locked to Boost for at least a year. Given DISH/Boost’s precarious financial condition I wonder if these “deals” are such a good idea.
Yes, there policy is locked to the network for a year with active account.