Who is Boost Mobile?
Boost Mobile is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) Founded in 2000 by Peter Adderton, Boost Mobile is a telecommunications brand owned by two independent companies in the United States and Australia. In the US, Boost is an MVNO on the Sprint Inc. network whereas in Australia, it utilizes the Telstra network.
Boost offers its subscribers a series of benefits including 4G network capabilities, no ‘lock-in’ contracts and its newest addition to its service line up; a second hand phone scheme for refurbished phones.
A Close Look at Boost’s Second Hand Phone Scheme
Boost Mobile has partnered with Alegre, a leading brand in refurbished phones, to create phone packages which cater to a larger demographic of income earners.
Launched in July 2019, Boost now gives its subscribers the opportunity to purchase refurbished phones at discounts of up to 50% off the price of a new phone. Refurbished phones are mobile phones which have been repaired after customers have returned them, often for factory errors. These phones are sold to companies that repair them back to factory standards, but they can no longer be sold as new (although they do generally come with warranties). With Boost’s new phone scheme, subscribers can purchase iPhones from as little as $249 and Samsung Galaxies from $399.
Refurbished phones are an excellent avenue for minimizing cost when purchasing a smartphone. The telco’s target audience is teenagers and youths; individuals belonging to age groups who typically do not earn a lot of money. With Boost’s scheme, customers in this demographic given access to premium smart devices at a much lower cost.
Research by the telco shows the market for refurbished devices is on the rise. According to the brand, 74% of young Australians would consider purchasing a refurbished phone. In a similar manner, 75% of Australian youths would only be willing to spend $1,100 or less on a mobile device, while premium smart devices cost hundreds of dollars more. By creating a service which allows buyers to purchase coveted smart devices at a significant discount, Boost Mobile is able to meet the need for smartphones for a younger, non-earning, audience.
Whatphone results show that only approximately 35% of the population would utilize used smartphones.
Source: Whatphone
What Mobile Devices Are Offered in the Phone Scheme?
Both Apple and Android devices are available on Boost’s Refurbished Phone Scheme.
Apple Device Models
The following Apple device models are available on the Boost Refurbishing Scheme;
- Apple iPhone SE (16, 32, 64 and 128 GB);
- Apple iPhone 7 (32, 128 and 256 GB);
- Apple iPhone 7 Plus (32, 128 and 256 GB);
- Apple iPhone 8 (64 and 256 GB);
- Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64 and 256 GB) and;
- Apple iPhone X (64 and 256 GB).
Samsung Device Models
The following Samsung device models are available on the Boost Refurbishing Scheme;
- Samsung Galaxy S7 (32 GB);
- Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (32 GB);
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (64 GB);
- Samsung Galaxy S8 (64 GB);
- Samsung Galaxy S8+ 64 GB);
- Samsung Galaxy S9 (64 GB)
- Samsung Galaxy S9 (256 GB);
- Samsung Galaxy S9+ (64 GB) and;
- Samsung Galaxy S9+ (256 GB).
Google Pixel Device Models
The following Google Pixel device models are available on the Boost Refurbishing Scheme;
- Google Pixel 2 (64 GB)
- Google Pixel 2 (128 GB)
- Google Pixel 2 XL (64 GB)
- Google Pixel 2 XL (128 GB)
Why Get A Refurbished Phone?
There are numerous advantages to acquiring a refurbished phone.
- Reduced Cost — Perhaps the biggest advantage of refurbished phones. These phones aid in saving hundreds of dollars.
- Professionally Checked and Repaired — Unlike other kinds of second hand phones, the issues on refurbished phones are thoroughly checked by the manufacturer so as not to have repeat incidences
- Warranty Periods — Many refurbished phones come with warranty periods, however, it is important to check how long they last.
- Easier for SIM only Plans — Refurbished phones are usually not locked to a network so in many cases, they are usually more convenient for individuals looking for SIM-only plans
The smartphone market is changing. Customers are becoming more reluctant to upgrade their devices if not absolutely necessary, and are less likely to consider top of the range devices when it does come time to upgrade.
While there is some resistance among Australian customers to the idea of second-hand devices, Boost’s reputation could go a long way towards reassuring buyers. However, many customers prefer to source their own phones on sites like eBay. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will help Boost Mobile stand out from the crowd, or if the Australian reluctance to buy second-hand phones will mean Boost needs to look elsewhere for a strategy to entice buyers.