Boost Mobile's Quantum Leap

On the cusp of a daring advancement in connectivity, Boost Mobile is amping up their vendor landscape to embrace a promising technological jump.

The $26 billion acquisition of DISH Network by satellite pioneer EchoStar (NASDAQ: SATS) this year marked a significant change in the telecom landscape. The merger of DISH Network's satellite technology, streaming services, and nationwide 5G Boost Mobile Network with EchoStar's satellite communications solutions didn't just take a giant step towards forming the nation's fourth-largest wireless provider; it gave a substantial boost to an ongoing multiple-year plan to change the world.

And it's putting the Boost Mobile Network at the tip of their technological spear.

Relaunched and rebranded to align with the development of their advanced 5G network, Boost operates under the EchoStar umbrella, which is also home to the EchoStar®, Sling TV, DISH TV, Hughes®, HughesNet®, HughesON™, and JUPITERT brands.

Boost Mobile created the very first cloud-native Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) in the world. O-RAN's open interfaces make it possible for cellular equipment and systems from different vendors to work together. Now, operators, like Boost, have the freedom to choose the best components from different suppliers to build networks that meet their specific needs.

"Operating an O-RAN network means we're a multi-vendor ecosystem, which helps us to drive cost efficiencies and high quality in the network through sourcing a multitude of new vendors,' said Barbara Mendez, Boost's Head of 5G Sourcing and Vendor Management. "We can onboard or off-board suppliers as needed to tailor to our specific network requirements and desired network quality.

Prior to joining Boost Mobile, Mendez directed sourcing and procurement for AT&T, DIRECTV, and SKY Brazil. These days, Mendez and her team negotiate and purchase everything required to develop and operate the Boost Mobile 5G network, including all hardware for site development, contingent labor, software, and services.