Do I need a special handset in order to connect to the Boost network ?
Yes. You need a handset which will work on the 850 MHz network. Not all of them do. If you need to check, we would suggest that you go to www.telstra.com/device and double check yours does.
What network does Boost use?
Boost Mobile Australia teamed up with Telstra in March 2013, after 13 years with the Optus network. I was part of the team in Optus which shut down the Boost agreement. I must admit, I was impressed when they found a way to make it work with Telstra.
The Boost network service offers full 2G and 3G network plans on Telstra. Boost customers have unrestricted, full access to the Telstra 3G network for speeds and coverage for their mobile devices. Remember, the 3G network is not as broad as Telstra’s whole network but it’s strong, even in rural areas which makes Boost a serious consideration for anyone outside the main cities who is looking for better pricing than Telstra’s SIM Only pricing.
What you’re missing out on is 4G. 4G is the latest network coverage. If you have a 4G phone, Boost might not be right for you.
How much is shipping if I buy the Boost SIM online ?
You will be pleased to know that Boost will ship you your SIM free, if you buy it online. The SIMs usually arrive next day in our experience.
Does recharging early extend your existing credit with Boost ?
Your plan does not reset if you recharge early, but it does reset your plan date. Unlike some, Boost do not offer a rollover for the credit you have installed on your account if you recharge before it expires.
Does an Australian Boost SIM work in New Zealand?
In order to access prepaid international roaming in New Zealand, a customer needs to purchase a Boost “ADD ON@. Each New Zealand call costs $1.50 whether you’re the one sending or receiving them.
If a you don’t want to accept incoming calls ( to save money, ) you can contact Boost and have the calls sent to voicemail instead for the period you’re overseas.
It is free to receive SMS messages, but it costs $.65 to send them. Data Roaming and Mobile Data need to be turned off. All data charges will cost $3/MB while you’re overseas.
I’m sure you can see that while it’s possible to use Boost in NZ, there are better ways to spend your money and more efficient methods of achieving that goal.
What call types are included in the Boost Unlimited plan ?
You know you’re getting unlimited calls and SMS to Australian numbers. You’ll also get free voicemail retrieval, free calls to 1300 numbers and free calls to 1800 numbers.
What’s not included in Boost’s plans ?
International texts will cost you more. You should expect 19 and 12 numbers to be additional. Check out the Boost add on section on their website if you want to use these.
How can I check my usage ?
The simplest way to check your usage is to dial #111#
Boost will send you text messages at 50%, 85% and 100% of your usage. It’s the law in Australia. They have to. Careful though, there is a delay between your usage and your receipt of the text message. Make sure you don’t run out of credit !
How do you add Boost credit to your phone?
It’s dead simple.
Make sure that your phone is set on 3G, not Wi-Fi. Open the internet browser and find care.boost.com.au. The site offers a user friendly menu that will take you through the step by step process of adding credit to your account.
How do you set up outgoing service settings for international roaming in order to send email?
The Wi-Fi for the phone needs to be turned off. The Mobile data & colon and data roaming both must be turned on. To send email, it will cost $3/MB.
What does it mean when the mobile phone will not send messages or make outgoing calls, yet it receives calls?
The first thing you should do is check to see what plan you purchased. The $10, $20, and $40 plans all have unlimited talk and text for standard national calls, but not for other types of calls, such as international.
The $5, $15, and $25 plans give the option to add on credit for options such as international calls and text, operator calls, satellite numbers, and SMS. These plans have limited data and you will not be able to call or text Australian mobiles, landlines, 13, 1300, or 1800 numbers.