Boost Bolsters Sprint, But At a Price

Boost Mobile Service Problems Due to Surprising Growth – Verizon can talk about the strength of its network, and AT&T can peddle its rollover minutes, but in the end, customers are looking for a bargain. That’s why Boost, the prepaid service that’s part of Sprint, is growing on the might of its $50 unlimited phone, text and data plan, even as Sprint itself sheds subscribers.

The average estimate from seven analysts, according to Reuters, puts 180,000 more subscribers over to Boost in the first quarter. Meanwhile, Sprint is expected to lose 1.1 million postpaid subscribers. Overall, Boost is giving hope to the company, with Sprint shares doubling in the first quarter. Boost may not be enough to save the ailing Sprint, but one analyst said it’s at least doing well enough to sell out phones in some areas.

Still, with growth comes the stress of a larger subscriber base, and Boost is feeling it. Users are reporting delays in the delivery of text messages, which can arrive hours late. In denying that the problems point to an underlying issue with the network, a spokesman told the Associated Press that this is, in fact, a matter of growing pains.

“The popularity of Boost Mobile caught us off guard. It overwhelmed our system,” John Votava said, adding that the problems would likely be “much improved” by next week. Hopefully your friends won’t have any troubling finding out Where You At by then. [via AP and Reuters]