Boost Mobile is a well-known prepaid wireless brand in the United States. Many consumers wonder who owns Boost Mobile today, especially after multiple changes in ownership over the years. This article provides a detailed look at the company’s history, ownership structure, key people, and financials.
History of Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile was founded in 2000 by Peter Adderton in Australia. The brand quickly gained traction for targeting younger audiences with prepaid mobile services.
Boost entered the U.S. market in 2001 through a partnership with Nextel Communications.
After Sprint acquired Nextel in 2005, Boost became a subsidiary of Sprint.
For years, Boost Mobile operated under Sprint, expanding its prepaid customer base. In 2020, everything changed. The merger between Sprint and T-Mobile required Sprint to divest Boost Mobile. That’s when Dish Network stepped in and bought the brand.
Who Owns Boost Mobile?
Boost Mobile is currently owned by Dish Wireless, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dish Network Corporation. This ownership structure came into effect in July 2020 following Dish’s acquisition of the Boost brand from Sprint Corporation (which had merged with T-Mobile US). Boost Mobile operates as part of Dish’s entry into the mobile wireless market.
Parent Company: Dish Network Corporation
Dish Network Corporation is a U.S.-based company best known for its satellite television services. Over the past decade, it has diversified into wireless services. The company is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol DISH. Its founder and chairman, Charles Ergen, remains the most influential figure in the organization due to his large voting control.
Dish Wireless is the division responsible for managing all wireless brands under Dish Network, including Boost Mobile. The wireless arm is focused on deploying a 5G network across the U.S. and competing with major players like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the major shareholders of Dish Network Corporation:
| Shareholder | Ownership (%) | Type | Role/Influence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ergen Family Trust | ~37.5% | Insider/Private | Largest single shareholder; controlled by Charles Ergen; major voting power |
| Charles Ergen (Individual) | ~12.4% | Insider | Co-founder and chairman; combined with the Trust, controls over 50% of voting power |
| Dodge & Cox | ~7.33% | Institutional | Major institutional investor; passive role |
| BlackRock, Inc. | ~6.43% | Institutional | Global asset manager; passive shareholder |
| The Vanguard Group, Inc. | ~5.21% | Institutional | Long-term institutional holder; passive influence |
| James DeFranco | ~2.42% | Insider | Co-founder of Dish Network; contributes to strategic continuity |
| Thrivent Investment Mgmt. | ~1.73% | Institutional | Institutional investor; moderate financial stake |
| Marshall Wace LLP | ~1.72% | Institutional | Hedge fund; invests for return rather than control |
| State Street Global Advisors | ~1.53% | Institutional | Passive investor; one of the “Big Three” asset managers |
| GoldenTree Asset Management | ~1.41% | Institutional | Investment firm; smaller stake with strategic interest |
Acquisition of Boost Mobile by Dish Network
Boost Mobile was originally a subsidiary of Sprint. In 2020, Sprint merged with T-Mobile in a deal that significantly reshaped the U.S. telecom landscape. However, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) required the merged company to divest certain assets to maintain competitive balance in the wireless market.
As part of this agreement, Dish Network acquired Boost Mobile for $1.4 billion. The deal closed on July 1, 2020, and included access to T-Mobile’s network under a 7-year MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) agreement, allowing Dish to serve customers while it built out its own 5G infrastructure.
Dish’s Strategic Entry into Wireless
The acquisition of Boost Mobile was Dish’s official entry into the wireless market as a facilities-based carrier. Boost brought Dish over 9 million prepaid customers and an immediate presence in the mobile industry. This acquisition was also critical to fulfilling the DOJ’s conditions for allowing the Sprint and T-Mobile merger.
To support its long-term wireless ambitions, Dish also purchased wireless spectrum licenses and began constructing a cloud-native 5G network from the ground up. The company eventually launched Boost Infinite, a postpaid brand, to expand its wireless portfolio beyond prepaid.
Integration and Brand Positioning
Boost Mobile continues to operate as a prepaid wireless brand, focusing on affordable mobile plans for cost-conscious users. It competes directly with other prepaid brands like Metro by T-Mobile, Cricket Wireless, and Visible.
Despite being a Dish property, Boost Mobile still relies on T-Mobile and AT&T’s networks under MVNO agreements, ensuring nationwide coverage for its users. As Dish’s 5G network grows, the company plans to gradually migrate Boost customers to its own infrastructure.
Financial and Operational Impact
The Boost acquisition provided Dish with a ready-made customer base, distribution channels, and retail presence across the U.S. It helped generate recurring service revenue, which partially offset Dish’s declining pay-TV business.
Over time, Dish has invested heavily in improving Boost Mobile’s product offerings, adding new plans, digital tools, and integrating new technologies such as eSIM support.
Who is the CEO of Boost Mobile?
As of 2025, Boost Mobile operates under the leadership of Stephen Stokols, with overarching control by EchoStar Corporation. Here’s an in-depth look at the executive leadership and ownership structure of Boost Mobile.
CEO of Boost Mobile: Stephen Stokols
Stephen Stokols has been serving as the CEO of Boost Mobile since September 2020. An American entrepreneur and technologist, Stokols is known for his innovative approach in the telecommunications industry. Before joining Boost Mobile, he co-founded FreedomPop, a freemium mobile service provider, which was sold in June 2019.
Under Stokols’ leadership, Boost Mobile has expanded its digital offerings, including the launch of a loyalty program in 2022 and the introduction of telemedicine services for subscribers. He also led the company to become the first national wireless provider to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) athlete in 2021.
Executive Leadership and Corporate Structure
Boost Mobile operates as a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation, following the merger of Dish Network and EchoStar in December 2023. The merger aimed to consolidate resources and enhance the company’s position in the wireless telecommunications market.
Hamid Akhavan serves as the President and CEO of EchoStar Corporation. In November 2023, Akhavan expanded his role to include President and CEO of Dish Network, overseeing all aspects of the company’s video services and wireless businesses, including Boost Mobile.
Charlie Ergen, co-founder of Dish Network, continues to play a significant role as the Chairman of EchoStar. Ergen’s strategic vision has been instrumental in steering the company’s transition from satellite television to wireless services.
Ownership and Control
Boost Mobile is wholly owned by EchoStar Corporation, a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “SATS.” The company’s ownership structure includes a mix of insider holdings and institutional investors.
The Ergen Family Trust, controlled by Charlie Ergen, holds a significant portion of EchoStar’s shares, granting substantial influence over corporate decisions. Other major institutional shareholders include Dodge & Cox, BlackRock, Inc., and The Vanguard Group, Inc., each holding notable percentages of the company’s shares.
This ownership structure ensures that while EchoStar benefits from the strategic input of its institutional investors, the Ergen family’s substantial holdings provide consistent leadership and direction.
Annual Revenue and Net Worth of Boost Mobile
In 2024, Boost Mobile reported an annual revenue of approximately $750 million. This figure reflects the company’s efforts to expand its 5G network and enhance its service offerings.
By the end of 2024, Boost Mobile had invested over $10 billion to expand its own 5G network, aiming to cover 80% of the U.S. population. This substantial investment underscores the company’s commitment to providing high-speed connectivity to a broader customer base.
As of May 2025, Boost Mobile’s valuation is estimated to range between $500 million and $1 billion. This valuation considers the company’s revenue, subscriber base, and significant investments in network infrastructure.
Boost Mobile’s financial trajectory indicates a focus on long-term growth and competitiveness in the wireless industry. The company’s strategic initiatives, including substantial investments in 5G technology and efforts to expand its customer base, position it for continued success in the evolving telecommunications landscape.
Here is a detailed table outlining Boost Mobile’s estimated annual revenue and net worth over the past decade (2015–2024:
| Year | Estimated Revenue (USD) | Estimated Net Worth (USD) | Key Events and Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | ~$1.2 billion | ~$1.0 billion | Operated under Sprint; focused on prepaid services targeting budget-conscious consumers. |
| 2016 | ~$1.3 billion | ~$1.1 billion | Continued growth in the prepaid market; expanded device offerings. |
| 2017 | ~$1.4 billion | ~$1.2 billion | Introduced new unlimited plans; increased competition in the prepaid segment. |
| 2018 | ~$1.5 billion | ~$1.3 billion | Enhanced network coverage through Sprint’s infrastructure; maintained steady subscriber growth. |
| 2019 | ~$1.6 billion | ~$1.4 billion | Sprint announced merger plans with T-Mobile; Boost’s future ownership became a topic of industry speculation. |
| 2020 | ~$1.3 billion | ~$1.2 billion | Acquired by Dish Network for $1.4 billion as part of the Sprint-T-Mobile merger conditions; began transition to Dish’s management. |
| 2021 | ~$1.4 billion | ~$1.3 billion | Dish acquired Ting Mobile and Republic Wireless, integrating them with Boost; focused on building out 5G infrastructure. |
| 2022 | ~$1.2 billion | ~$1.1 billion | Launched Boost Infinite, a postpaid brand; faced challenges with network integration and competition. |
| 2023 | ~$1.1 billion | ~$1.0 billion | Merged with EchoStar Corporation; rebranded wireless services under the Boost Mobile name; focused on expanding 5G coverage. |
| 2024 | ~$1.1 billion | ~$1.0 billion | Continued investment in 5G network; faced increased competition in the prepaid market; maintained a subscriber base of approximately 7 million as of December 31, 2024. |
Brands Owned by Boost Mobile
As of 2025, Boost Mobile operates as a unified brand under EchoStar Corporation, encompassing both prepaid and postpaid wireless services. Over the years, Boost Mobile has expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions and brand integrations.
Below is an overview of the brands that have been part of Boost Mobile’s evolution:
| Brand | Launch Year | Acquired By Boost | Type | Primary Focus | Network Used | Status (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boost Mobile | 2001 (US) | Original brand | Prepaid & Postpaid | Affordable wireless plans with nationwide 5G and digital-first approach | Boost 5G, AT&T, T-Mobile (MVNO) | Unified core brand under EchoStar |
| Boost Infinite | 2022 | Created by Dish | Postpaid | Subscription-based postpaid plans with network switching (AT&T, T-Mobile, Dish) | Boost, AT&T, T-Mobile | Merged into Boost Mobile (2024) |
| Ting Mobile | 2012 | 2020 | MVNO | Customizable, usage-based plans with focus on tech-savvy customers | Verizon | Operates under Boost Mobile umbrella |
| Gen Mobile | 2018 | 2021 | MVNO | Budget-friendly plans with international calling options | T-Mobile | Active sub-brand focused on low-income users |
Boost Mobile
Originally launched in 2001 as a joint venture with Nextel Communications, Boost Mobile was designed to offer affordable prepaid wireless services. The brand gained popularity for its straightforward pricing and appeal to younger demographics. After several ownership changes, including acquisitions by Sprint and later Dish Network, Boost Mobile became a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation following the merger of Dish Network and EchoStar in December 2023. In July 2024, Boost Mobile underwent a significant rebranding, unifying its prepaid and postpaid services under a single brand name, offering simplified 5G plans starting at $25 per month.
Boost Infinite
Launched in December 2022, Boost Infinite was introduced as a postpaid wireless service by Dish Wireless. It aimed to provide flexible and affordable postpaid plans, leveraging networks from Boost, AT&T, and T-Mobile. In July 2024, Boost Infinite was merged into Boost Mobile, consolidating the prepaid and postpaid offerings under one brand to streamline services and enhance customer experience.
Ting Mobile
Ting Mobile, established in 2012 by Tucows, is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that offers flexible, usage-based billing plans. In August 2020, Dish Network acquired key assets of Ting Mobile, integrating it into its wireless portfolio. Ting Mobile continues to operate under the Boost Mobile umbrella, providing customers with customizable plans and leveraging Verizon’s network for coverage.
Gen Mobile
Gen Mobile is a wireless service provider that focuses on affordable plans and international calling options. In September 2021, Dish Network acquired Gen Mobile, incorporating it into its suite of wireless brands. Gen Mobile operates as a part of Boost Mobile, offering budget-friendly options for consumers seeking basic wireless services with international connectivity.
Final Words
Boost Mobile has undergone several ownership changes since its founding in 2000. Today, the brand is owned by Dish Wireless, a division of Dish Network. The acquisition in 2020 positioned Dish as a new player in the U.S. wireless industry. Under Dish’s ownership, Boost Mobile continues to evolve with new services, a digital-first approach, and plans to integrate more closely with Dish’s 5G network.
Understanding who owns Boost Mobile gives insight into the company’s direction, leadership, and competitive strategy in a rapidly changing telecom landscape.
FAQs
Who is Boost Mobile owned by?
As of 2025, Boost Mobile in the United States is a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation. EchoStar acquired Boost Mobile through its merger with Dish Network in December 2023. Previously, Dish Network had purchased Boost Mobile from Sprint in 2020 as part of the conditions set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for the T-Mobile and Sprint merger.
Who is Boost Mobile Australia owned by?
Boost Mobile Australia, operating under Boost Tel Pty Ltd, was founded by Peter Adderton in 2000. In December 2024, Telstra Corporation Limited announced its acquisition of Boost Mobile Australia. Prior to the acquisition, Boost Mobile Australia operated as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) using Telstra’s network infrastructure.
Is Boost Mobile part of T-Mobile now?
No, Boost Mobile is not part of T-Mobile. However, after the merger between Sprint and T-Mobile in 2020, Boost Mobile customers were transitioned to use T-Mobile’s network infrastructure. Despite this network usage, Boost Mobile operates independently under EchoStar Corporation.
Who owns Boost Mobile company?
As previously mentioned, Boost Mobile in the United States is owned by EchoStar Corporation. In Australia, Boost Mobile is owned by Telstra Corporation Limited following its acquisition in December 2024.
Is Boost owned by Telstra?
Yes, in Australia, Telstra Corporation Limited acquired Boost Mobile in December 2024. Prior to the acquisition, Boost Mobile operated as an MVNO on Telstra’s network.
Who owns Boost Mobile wireless?
In the United States, Boost Mobile Wireless is owned by EchoStar Corporation. In Australia, Boost Mobile is owned by Telstra Corporation Limited.
What network does Boost Mobile use?
Boost Mobile uses a combination of Dish Wireless’s 5G network and agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile to offer nationwide coverage.
Is Boost Mobile part of Sprint or T-Mobile now?
No. Boost Mobile was previously owned by Sprint, then sold to Dish Network in 2020 after the Sprint-T-Mobile merger.
Who founded Boost Mobile?
Peter Adderton founded Boost Mobile in 2000 in Australia. He later launched the brand in the U.S.
Does Boost Mobile have its own network?
Dish, its parent company, is building a standalone 5G network. Until that is complete, Boost Mobile relies on roaming agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile.
Is Boost Mobile a good carrier?
Boost Mobile is popular for affordable prepaid plans. Its value depends on the user’s location and data needs.