The modern era of smartphones began in 2007 with the release of the first Apple iPhone. Since then, cell phones have become an indispensable part of modern life. Nowadays, it seems like everyone has a cell phone. But how did they get so popular so fast? And who owns Boost Mobile? Keep reading to learn more about this company and the history of cell phones.
Who Owns Boost Mobile?
Boost Mobile is a prepaid cell phone carrier owned by Walgreens. This company was acquired in 2010 by the pharmacy retailer. Since then, Boost Mobile has offered service through Walgreens stores and online. Walgreens operates over 8,000 locations in all 50 states. The company reported $69 billion in revenue in 2017. Its portfolio includes prescription and non-prescription medications, health and wellness products, cosmetics, and pet supplies. The acquisition of Boost Mobile was part of Walgreens’ strategy to expand its range of services. Offering prepaid cell phone plans is one way this company can offer customers a range of products. It’s also a way to boost sales. Who wouldn’t want to sign up for a plan and pay with a Walgreens card?
What is Boost Mobile?
Boost Mobile is one of the nation’s largest no-contract carriers. It’s also one of the least expensive. Boost offers a variety of phones, plans, and data options. With Boost Mobile, you can get a new phone every year. You can also trade-in your old phone for credit toward a new one. The Boost Mobile network is operated by Sprint. It currently covers more than 260 million people nationwide. Sprint has the best coverage among nationwide carriers. Boost offers a full range of plans and phones. And, you don’t have to stay with one plan for long. Switching between plans is easy on Boost.
How to Get a Better Cell Phone Deal
If you’re shopping for a new cell phone plan, here are a few tips: Shop around. Compare cell phone plans and prices from several providers. Be sure to look at the coverage maps so you know what devices and networks are available in your area. Any provider that’s in your area is a good option. If you have family or friends who already have a provider, ask them for recommendations. Shop around for deals on eligible items. While many retailers offer cashback or points as rewards, only a few have rewards programs specifically for phones. Some retailers also offer free trials. Try them out to see how they work and how much data you need. Free device upgrades. Since you may switch providers before your contract is up, you can potentially get a newer, better device for free. Some providers will upgrade your device for free.
Which Companies Own Cell Phone Networks?
Major wireless carriers like AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and more own the vast majority of cell phone networks. Carriers like Boost and MetroPCS are smaller, third-party networks. They work as “ MVNOs.” MVNOs are companies that sign a contract with a larger carrier like Sprint. So, if Sprint offers Boost, Boost can use Sprint’s towers and backhaul (the cable connecting the towers to the core network). MVNOs are a good option if coverage in your area is good but you want a cheaper plan. If you have bad coverage, you may want to go with one of the large carriers. You can’t switch from a Sprint MVNO to a Verizon or AT&T network. Sprint owns a majority stake in Boost, so it would be unusual to switch to another MVNO.
How to Switch from Boost Mobile
If you’re unhappy with your Boost Mobile plan, you can switch to another carrier with relative ease. You can switch from Boost to another MVNO or a major carrier’s network. Here are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to bring your old phone to the new provider. You can’t switch over your number. If you’d like to keep your current plan and phone, you can. If you want to switch to a different provider, check their coverage map and call store employees for help. Some stores offer in-store support for switching carriers. If you do switch to a different network, make sure to cancel your Boost Mobile account.
Should You Switch from Boost Mobile?
Most people don’t need to switch from Boost Mobile. The network is pretty good in most parts of the country. If you have a good coverage area, it’s usually worth it to stay with Boost. If you’re in an especially bad coverage area, you may want to take a look at the options. You may also want to shop around for the best deal on an unlocked phone. You can sometimes find a deal on a new phone that’s cheaper than your current plan. If you’re planning to switch to a different carrier’s network, make sure to cancel your Boost Mobile account. Once you turn in your SIM card, your number will be shut off.
Is It Worth Switching from Boost Mobile?
Switching from Boost Mobile to another prepaid carrier isn’t worth it. Sprint’s network is only slightly better than Boost’s. As we saw above, the only major difference is coverage. If you have a good coverage area, you may want to consider keeping Boost. They’re cheaper, have easy switching, and you can get a new phone every year. It’s a pretty solid deal. If you do decide to switch, make sure to cancel your Boost Mobile account. Once you turn in your SIM card, your number will be shut off. You’ll also want to make sure to switch to a new provider’s network. It doesn’t matter if you switch from Boost to another MVNO. Once you switch, your number will only be usable on that network.