Submitted by Frank Macey on
Reports first cropped up last summer that pre-paid iPhones were coming to several carriers in the US, starting with Cricket and Boost Mobile. Boost was expected to start sales of the iPhone 4 and 4S models starting in September 2012, however the rumor never came true. Now instead of being the second carrier to offer a pre-paid iPhone, a new report from AppleInsider says Boost may be the fourth in line with sales starting during the third quarter of this year.
One reason why iPhone fans are watching Boost closely is the carrier currently offers an unlimited talk, text and data plan for only $50 per month. If Boost, which utilizes the Sprint network, offers this plan for iPhone owners it would be highly competitive and could save subscribers significant amounts of money over the life of their iPhone.
Pre-paid iPhones are already available via Cricket Wireless, Virgin Mobile and Straight Talk (Walmart's wireless service). T-Mobile recently began offering the iPhone with no contract, but in exchange customers simply pay the full unsubsidized price for the iPhone in installments.
The news about Boost surfaced at the Twitter account of @evleaks, who is credited with accurately leaking other tech news. The timing of a Boost mobile pre-paid iPhone could coincide with the launch of an all-plastic budget iPhone in the fall. The reduced pricing and inexpensive data plan could help Apple expand market share and compete against less expensive Android smartphones in the segment.