What Network Does Boost Mobile use? We Explain

Boost’s network setup has changed a ton in the last couple of years, and it can feel a little confusing.

So we made this super simple: here’s exactly what network Boost Mobile uses today, what’s changing behind the scenes, and what it means for your coverage.

Let’s break it down.

What Network Does Boost Mobile Use?

Right now, Boost Mobile mainly uses AT&T’s nationwide 4G/5G network, with additional roaming access to T-Mobile’s network in areas where extra coverage is needed.

They also built a smaller native 5G network of their own, but that network is being phased out as the company shifts toward partner networks.

Overview of Boost Mobile’s Network Setup

Here’s the simplest way to understand Boost’s setup today:

• Boost did begin building its own 5G network.
  
  
• But because of spectrum changes and business shifts, that network is being decommissioned.
  
  
• AT&T is now the main network powering most Boost Mobile plans.
  
  
• T-Mobile provides additional roaming coverage for dead zones or areas where AT&T isn’t strong.

Your phone just hops to the strongest available tower — you don’t have to do anything to manage it.

Why this matters for users

• Boost basically rides on major-carrier infrastructure
  
  
• Coverage is wide
  
  
• 5G availability is excellent in most cities
  
  
• Your experience depends more on location than on the brand

Upcoming Changes to Boost’s Network

Boost Mobile’s network is shifting due to Echostar selling off large portions of its wireless spectrum. What does that mean?

1. Boost’s native network is shutting down

The standalone Boost 5G network will no longer be expanded or maintained.

2. AT&T becomes the dominant network

The majority of Boost customer traffic now runs straight through AT&T’s network — and that will continue.

3. T-Mobile remains available for roaming

Boost keeps access to T-Mobile towers to round out coverage nationwide.

These changes make Boost’s coverage more predictable and stable — because it now leans almost entirely on the biggest networks in the country.

Boost Mobile Coverage Maps

Boost Mobile’s coverage today is essentially a combination of:

• AT&T’s nationwide network (primary)
  
  
• T-Mobile for roaming (secondary)
  
  
• A small amount of legacy Boost coverage (being retired)

Here’s how each one looks:

Boost’s Native Network (Being Decommissioned)

Boost’s original 5G footprint was limited and is gradually disappearing as service switches to partner networks.

AT&T Coverage Map (Boost’s Primary Network)

Most Boost users rely on AT&T’s wide 4G + 5G footprint, which covers the majority of the U.S. — cities, suburbs, highways, and many rural regions.

Check out AT&T’s coverage at your location here. 

T-Mobile Coverage Map (Roaming Support)

Boost customers can also connect to T-Mobile’s network in areas where AT&T isn’t available, adding an extra layer of coverage.

Check out T-Mobile’s coverage at your location here. 

Top Boost Mobile Plans

Boost Mobile Unlimited

A simple, budget-friendly unlimited plan with everyday data, talk, and text for an affordable monthly price.

Boost Mobile Unlimited+

More high-speed data, hotspot access, and better performance for users who need a little extra power.

Boost Mobile Unlimited Premium

Boost’s top unlimited option with the highest premium data allotment and the best overall performance.

Infinite Access for iPhone

A subscription-style plan that gives you a new iPhone every year plus unlimited service on a major nationwide network.

Infinite Access for Samsung Galaxy

Same deal — unlimited service + the newest Samsung Galaxy model every year for one predictable monthly price.

Multi-Line Savings

Boost does offer discounts for extra lines — for example:

• The Unlimited plan can drop as low as $18.75/line with two lines
  
  
• Unlimited+ and Unlimited Premium get cheaper with two or more lines
  
  
• Savings stack the more lines you add

So families or friend groups can bring the total price way down.

FAQ

Does Boost Mobile use AT&T’s network or T-Mobile’s network?

Both. AT&T is the main network; T-Mobile is used for roaming.

Is Boost Mobile’s 5G network the same as the major carriers?

Boost’s own small 5G network is being retired. Most users now connect to AT&T’s 5G instead.

How can I tell which network my Boost phone is using?

Many phones show the carrier name in the status bar, or you can check in your device’s network settings.

Does my phone need to be unlocked to use Boost Mobile?

Yes — Boost requires an unlocked, compatible device for activation.

Will my coverage change if Boost Mobile routes more traffic to partner networks?

Most likely for the better, since AT&T and T-Mobile offer broader coverage than Boost’s old native network.