3g Coverage: Sprint vs Boost vs Virgin

[jrmckins]

I'm currently on Sprint and fairly happy with the 3g coverage. I'm thinking of moving to Virgin or Boost. I hear (through this forum) that I will see a decrease in coverage if I switch to Virgin. Is this the same with Boost?

And while I'm here ... which is better in general ... Boost of Virgin? I'm going to have unlimited data and minutes so the cost is the same.

 

[DarkJedi]

I'm not an expert, so this may be wrong, but I believe it is correct...

Sprint users get 2 things Virgin Mobile USA and Boost Mobile do not.

1) Roaming on other networks (typically MetroPCS/Verizon)
2) Priority on Sprint contracted towers

Of course if you don't leave your phone stock, you may be able to overcome one or both of these issues.

So in short, you get a smaller coverage area than Sprint users.

 

[TampaShooters]

I'm not an expert, so this may be wrong, but I believe it is correct...

Sprint users get 2 things Virgin Mobile USA and Boost Mobile do not.

1) Roaming on other networks (typically MetroPCS/Verizon)
2) Priority on Sprint contracted towers

Of course if you don't leave your phone stock, you may be able to overcome one or both of these issues.

So in short, you get a smaller coverage area than Sprint users.

#2 has never been confirmed to be true. I love my Boost coverage, but I never roam and I drive from NY to FL alot. Out west you may need to roam.

 

[craZDude]

I'm currently on Sprint and fairly happy with the 3g coverage. I'm thinking of moving to Virgin or Boost. I hear (through this forum) that I will see a decrease in coverage if I switch to Virgin. Is this the same with Boost?

And while I'm here ... which is better in general ... Boost of Virgin? I'm going to have unlimited data and minutes so the cost is the same.

I've been looking for a similar answer, but have yet to find one about whether or not Boost has better coverage than Virgin. The Virgin users seem to be much more active than the Boost users.

Personally, I will probably be switching to Boost or Virgin this Summer, and while at first I was leaning Virgin, I like the Shrinkage with Boost plans, so I would (after 18 months) be paying only $5 more for unlimited voice instead of 350 minutes. It seems sort of future proof to me.

 

[Hooligan77]

I had virgin mobile, and recently switched to boost. I find no difference in coverage. I live in a somewhat rural area and find I am getting the same signal as with VM. My friend has sprint, and it seems on average he may have 1 or 2 more bars than me in area's where I am not getting the best coverage. He has the first gen Evo, and I have the Evo 3D, so I am thinking we have similar antenna set ups.

And as stated before, with virgin mobile or boost, you will not have roaming coverage, with sprint you will. Not a big deal for me, but for some, that may be a selling point. I rather pay less a month, and just not have access to a phone if I am that far off the coverage map so to speak.

Hope that helps!

 

[craZDude]

Excellent to hear, thanks!

 

[double b26]

I used to have virgin mobile a few years ago, and the service wasnt that great.... patchy. Could be better now though.

the boost unlimited plan is hard to beat too.

 

[cportillo09]

Sprint owns Boost and Virgin Mobile.

The two prepaid companies use Sprints network and do not roam.

Before you make the jump, ask yourself if you have been in a place where your device roamed to get signal. Also every device has its special design. Having a Boost Store really shows you which devices have the best signal and I must say some phone do get better reception.


If you do not roam in any areas, you should not have any issues with Boost or Virgin Mobile. If you have any other questions call us @ our store 702.778.9420

Ask for Chris =]