Boost Mobile

Originally started down under in Australia and New Zealand, Boost Mobile is becoming the new choice for subscribers of a new generation.

Launched back in 2000, it uses the Optus network in Australia to provide its devices and content. Optus is the second largest telecommunications company in Australia. The following year it launched in New Zealand but has recently begun to wind down service in that country.

It US offices are based in California and has been owned by Sprint NexTel since 2002. It is run on Sprint's CDMA and Nextel's iDen network. In 2003, Nextel purchased 100% of the American division of Boost Mobile and until late 2004, Boost Mobile was only available in select markets such as California and Nevada.

Prior to 2004, Boost was aiming at the business market but since then has shifted its attention to the teen and young adult demographics.

Boost Mobile had more than 4 million subscribers at the end of the first quarter, 2007. At the end of 2006 Boost launched its Boost Unlimited Service. The service offers unlimited calling for $45 a month. It main offering is its Pay As You Go wireless phones and voice data for the under 25 year old market.

Boost Mobile's past advertising campaigns featured Fat Joe, Master Shake, Eve, Kanye West, Ludacris, Richard "Rip" Hamilton, and The Game and uses the slogan "Where you at?"

It also sponsors younger events such as surfing, skateboarding and motorsports. As well as providing users with tickets to exclusive concerts and shows.

In 2007, Boost Mobile partnered with Blister Entertainment to release the first GPS (Global Positioning System) games on wireless phones. The two games, Swordfish and Torpedo Bay use Java technology to play the located-based games.