Boost Mobile to pair new smartphones and unlimited plans for data

30th September, 2010 by adina
Tags: BlackBerry, Boost Mobile, Mobiles, Motorola, News, Phones, Smartphones

Until recently, many prepaid carriers did not have either smartphone options or appropriate plans intended for massive data usage. One of the first carriers to accommodate prepaid customers willing to upgrade their phones and take advantage of a similar level of service usually connected to yearly contracts is Boost Mobile. When looking more attentively at their latest smartphones, which include the Motorola i1 and BlackBerry Curve, it becomes clear that both devices can be attached to impressive smartphone plans, which benefit from lower monthly fees than most leading carriers offer for similar monthly services tied to two-year contracts.

For example, activating the Curve or i1 is a convenient process, easy to complete even outside of the normal business hours, which does not require talking with an automated phone system or a Boost Mobile representative. This happens thanks to each phone coming with an activation kit, accompanied by simple instructions to follow, which can be completed by simply using either a phone or the web-based portal of Boost Mobile.

The activation process for each phone can be completed in a few minutes. The BlackBerry Curve easily connects to BlackBerry’s services, together with the 3G CDMA network for fast speeds of Sprint. Users are invited to choose the appropriate area code for each phone. The next three digits are determined by filling in a zip code. The i1 of Motorola uses Sprint’s iDEN network that needs a SIM card included and permits nationwide Walkie-Talkie functionality.

Another convenient process is adding money to an account. The Re-Boost system enables users to go on with their subscription by simply buying Re-Boost cards at any retail location, using a debit/credit card or Re-Boost number to pay online, or even adding money over the phone. While plans are contract-free, configuring automatic payments is a simple task for any user.

There are several options offered by Boost Mobile for smartphone owners and each of them comes with unlimited voice minutes, data, web use, SMS/MMS messages, and 411 services. Not to mention that users have unlimited access to various social networks like Twitter or Facebook. They also benefit from various instant messaging services. Besides the basic services, the i1 gives access to Android applications and services, while the Curve allows the configuration of BlackBerry e-mail and Research in Motion’s range of mobile applications.

Prices are very competitive, compared to Verizon’s $90 per month for a smartphone contract and 450 voice minutes, or $120 per month for unlimited minutes. Boost Mobile only charges $50 for the Motorola i1 with unlimited voice and data access. The Monthly Unlimited plan for the Curve is also available and costs only $60. There are other daily plans offered, at prices of $3 for the Curve and $2 for the i1.

Social networking is certainly one of the most significant factors that make customers upgrade their phones to smartphones accompanied by data plans. If a handset is not able to post updates on networks like Facebook, Twitter or others of the kind, users have nothing to do but wait to get access to a computer in order to upload content. Boost Mobile’s Unlimited plans allow users to post updates as well as check in with social networks all day long and they do not need to be concerned about accidentally exceeding a data limit and be forced to pay huge fees.

The Twitter and Facebook applications on the i1 and Curve are fine. Cameras are integrated on both devices and allow fast uploading of pictures taken while attending events or simply visiting friends. As far as contacts post updates to their pages, the content automatically appears on the phones. Even when not posting any content at all, one can enjoy looking at updated content of his/her friends or colleagues.

The i1 of Motorola provides a full series of smartphone features accompanied by rugged hardware. The phone is the only Android that exceeds MIL-STD 810F standards related to resistance to shock, water and dust. An electronic compass and integrated GPS make available the usage of Google Maps for navigation instructions and directions. A Swype keyboard is meant to increase input speed thanks to the virtual keyboard. The five-megapixel camera with auto-focus and flash, which makes possible recording videos, and the Wi-Fi connectivity are important features, as well as the 2GB MicroSD card for videos, music and other content.

BlackBerry’s Curve has a similar set of features and sports a QWERTY keyboard which is designed for fast messaging and e-mail composition. It is possible for the users to access their BlackBerry e-mail, as well as adding up to ten accounts from providers like Gmail and others. The device integrates a two-megapixel camera, a CDMA radio for 3G data, and a MicroSD slot with a 1GB card included.

The Monthly Unlimited plans represent attractive options for any customer wanting to set up a smartphone without needing to spend huge amounts of money. They are also affordable and serve as an alternative for subscribers who are frustrated with their two-year contracts that cost over $100 with limited voice and data capabilities. Even if the i1 is priced higher than a similar device subsidized with a contract, the user ends by having significant savings over an entire year thanks to the cheaper monthly plan.

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