UPDATE:
A Boost spokesperson declined to comment on the rumors, saying “We don’t comment on rumors or speculation on our product portfolio.”
ORIGINAL STORY:
Yesterday we brought you news that prepaid wireless carrier Cricket Wireless had announced that they would begin carrying the iPhone on June 22. Now it looks like Cricket might not be the only prepaid carrier that’s about to get in on the iPhone action. Recent reports say that Boost Mobile, which is owned by Sprint, will be getting the iPhone later this year as well.
Citing “a trusted source,” TechnoBuffalo is reporting that Boost will be getting the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 in early September. Details are few and far between, given the lack of an official announcement. Presumably, though, Boost iPhone customers will be getting the Boost’s $50 unlimited plan. It’s unclear whether they will include the Shrinkage reward system, which rewards customers who pay their bill on time by knocking off $5.
The addition of the iPhone to prepaid carriers like Cricket and Boost (assuming this information is accurate) has the potential to bring some pretty significant changes in the smartphone market. While prepaid phones are more expensive, lacking a carrier subsidy, they also bring a great deal of freedom, and the kind of unlimited plans like those offered by Cricket and Boost could provide a significant incentive to those who are frustrated with the more limited plans offered by larger carriers.
A request for comment sent to a representative of Boost Mobile has not yet been returned.