What Network Does Boost Mobile Use in 2026?

Updated October 2026

EchoStar says Boost Mobile operates as a hybrid MNO. EchoStar also says AT&T provides primary connectivity while Boost Mobile subscribers continue to have access to the T-Mobile network.

Verified by the US Mobile team Last updated October 2, 2026 Primary sources re-checked October 2, 2026 5-min read

What does EchoStar say about Boost Mobile’s network?

In its August 26, 2025 announcement, EchoStar described Boost Mobile as a hybrid MNO and said:

“While primary connectivity will be provided by AT&T’s towers, Boost Mobile subscribers will continue to have access to the T-Mobile network.” EchoStar, August 26, 2025, paragraph beginning “Through Boost Mobile’s hybrid MNO infrastructure”

The same paragraph says Boost subscribers will continue to receive service through Boost Mobile’s cloud-native 5G core connected to AT&T’s network. It also says elements of Boost Mobile’s radio access network will be decommissioned over time.

Source: EchoStar announcement, August 26, 2025, paragraph beginning “Through Boost Mobile’s hybrid MNO infrastructure” .

What does EchoStar call a hybrid MNO?

EchoStar described the arrangement in its August 25, 2025 Form 8-K.

The filing says:

“A hybrid MNO is where DISH operates those portions of the network infrastructure such as the network core and billing and provisioning software, while DISH’s network partner, AT&T, provides elements including base stations, radios, radio access network (RAN) software and spectrum frequencies.” EchoStar Form 8-K, August 25, 2025, Item 8.01, “Amendments to the Network Services Agreement,” paragraph at lines 225-228

That filing is the basis for referring to Boost’s model as a hybrid MNO and for describing the division of responsibilities between DISH and AT&T.

What does EchoStar say about customer traffic?

EchoStar’s 2025 Form 10-K says:

“We migrated all customer traffic from our 5G Network to AT&T’s network as we transitioned to a Hybrid MNO, which we completed as of November 15, 2025.” EchoStar 2025 Form 10-K, Part I, Item 1, Wireless, paragraph beginning “Prior to November 15, 2025”

The same Form 10-K separately says:

“As of November 15, 2025, we have no customer traffic on our 5G Network.” EchoStar 2025 Form 10-K, Part I, Item 1, paragraph beginning “As a result of the unforeseeable actions by the FCC”

The same paragraph says EchoStar began the abandonment and decommissioning process for certain portions of its 5G Network that would not be used in the Wireless segment’s hybrid MNO business.

How long does the AT&T agreement run?

EchoStar’s August 25, 2025 Form 8-K says AT&T agreed to provide the hybrid MNO services through December 31, 2031.

The same filing says DISH has the option to extend the agreement up to two times for additional two-year terms, through either December 31, 2033 or December 31, 2035.

Source: EchoStar Form 8-K, August 25, 2025, Item 8.01, lines 225-228 .

What does Boost say about its current network partners?

Boost Mobile’s current Open Internet Transparency disclosure says:

“our partnerships with AT&T and T-Mobile mean that a user’s experience could be powered by AT&T or T-Mobile instead.” Boost Mobile, Open Internet Transparency, “5G Networks” section

The same disclosure also says:

“Boost Mobile leverages the RAN functions of our network partners – AT&T and T-Mobile” Boost Mobile, Open Internet Transparency, “Techniques to Direct Traffic to the Best Available Spectrum Resources and Cell Sites” section

For coverage at a specific location, Boost’s own disclosure says the service experience can differ depending on the network and other conditions.

Primary sources

  • EchoStar: Spectrum Sale and Hybrid Mobile Network Operator Agreement, August 26, 2025 Paragraph beginning “Through Boost Mobile’s hybrid MNO infrastructure.” This paragraph contains the statements about AT&T providing primary connectivity and Boost subscribers continuing to have access to T-Mobile.
  • EchoStar Form 8-K, August 25, 2025 Item 8.01, “Amendments to the Network Services Agreement,” lines 222-228. Defines the hybrid MNO arrangement, identifies the network elements provided by AT&T, and states the agreement term.
  • EchoStar 2025 Form 10-K Part I, Item 1, Wireless, paragraph beginning “Prior to November 15, 2025”: customer-traffic migration statement. See also the paragraph beginning “As a result of the unforeseeable actions by the FCC” for the “no customer traffic” and decommissioning statements.
  • Boost Mobile Open Internet Transparency “5G Networks” section and “Techniques to Direct Traffic to the Best Available Spectrum Resources and Cell Sites” section. Identifies AT&T and T-Mobile as Boost’s network partners.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What network does Boost Mobile use?

EchoStar’s August 26, 2025 announcement says AT&T provides Boost Mobile’s primary connectivity and that Boost Mobile subscribers continue to have access to the T-Mobile network. Source: EchoStar, August 26, 2025, paragraph beginning “Through Boost Mobile’s hybrid MNO infrastructure.”

Does Boost Mobile use AT&T and T-Mobile?

Boost Mobile’s Open Internet Transparency disclosure identifies AT&T and T-Mobile as network partners and says a user’s experience could be powered by AT&T or T-Mobile. Source: Boost Mobile Open Internet Transparency, “5G Networks” section.

What is Boost Mobile’s hybrid MNO model?

EchoStar’s August 25, 2025 Form 8-K says DISH operates portions of the network infrastructure including the network core and billing and provisioning software, while AT&T provides elements including base stations, radios, radio access network software and spectrum frequencies. Source: EchoStar Form 8-K, August 25, 2025, Item 8.01, “Amendments to the Network Services Agreement.”

What happened to traffic on EchoStar’s 5G Network?

EchoStar’s 2025 Form 10-K says, “We migrated all customer traffic from our 5G Network to AT&T’s network as we transitioned to a Hybrid MNO, which we completed as of November 15, 2025.” The filing separately says that as of November 15, 2025, EchoStar had no customer traffic on its 5G Network. Source: EchoStar 2025 Form 10-K, Part I, Item 1, Wireless, paragraph beginning “Prior to November 15, 2025”; see also the paragraph beginning “As a result of the unforeseeable actions by the FCC.”

How long does Boost’s agreement with AT&T run?

EchoStar’s August 25, 2025 Form 8-K says AT&T agreed to provide the hybrid MNO services through December 31, 2031. The filing says DISH may extend the arrangement twice for additional two-year terms, potentially through December 31, 2035. Source: EchoStar Form 8-K, August 25, 2025, Item 8.01, “Amendments to the Network Services Agreement.”