Dish Network has long been a provider of satellite service, and in 2020 started their foray into the cellular world, with Dish Wireless.
Overview
Dish Wireless is stepping in to replace Sprint as the fourth big cellular provider, after Sprint merged with T-Mobile in 2020.
As part of that merger, Dish purchased Boost Mobile, Sprint's prepaid subsidiary, as well as two Sprint MVNOs - Ting Mobile in 2020 and Republic Wireless in 2021.
These acquisitions, and the rules laid out during T-Mobile / Sprint merger, birthed Dish Wireless' new 5G cellular service Project Genesis in 2022.
Dish is also aiming to launch Boost Infinite in late 2022, which will offer postpaid plans.
Project Genesis
Their first foray into selling plans launched in May 2022 under the name Project Genesis, offering service in Las Vegas, NV. As of June 2022, they have coverage in 120 cities (20% of the US market). Its next milestone - 80% of the US market - is required to be in place in 2023.
Dish is bragging that it is launching the "First True 5G" native network in the nation, and it is heading out the gate with some extremely aggressive pricing on two unlimited data plans - one for phones and one for mobile hotspots.
Because of the technology being employed, customers must use Project Genesis devices. Currently there are only two choices- the Samsung Galaxy S22 and the Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro (6400). There is currently no BYOD option, you must purchase a device from them.
Dish's launch was driven by a deadline - and it shows signs of being rushed. Customers interested in Project Genesis are advised to wait and let the dust settle to see how well it actually performs, and if this new network turns out to be truly worth adding to a mobile connectivity arsenal.
Boost Infinite
In August 2022, Dish announced the upcoming launch of Boost Infinite, which is expected to be their primary postpaid brand going forward.
Plans and details should be announced in Q4 2022.
Currently Available Plans
- Smartphone Plan - $30/month
- Data Only Plan - $20/month
Plan Specifications
- Carrier Networks Used: Dish Wireless
- Carrier Relationship: Direct
- Plan Types Available: Smartphone, Data
- Device Types Permitted: Smartphone, Hotspot
- Unlimited: Yes
- High-Speed Mobile Hotspot Use: Not specified
- Throttling: No
- Network Management: Not specified
- Video Streaming Resolution:Not specified
- 5G Access: Yes
- eSIM: Not specified
- Device Purchase Required: Yes
- Plan Period: 30 days
- International Roaming: Not specified
- Domestic Roaming: Yes. Undisclosed, but likely on the AT&T and T-Mobile networks (until 2027).
- Data Rollover: No
- Overage Charges: No
- Lines permitted per account: Not specified
- Extra: Project Genesis app, for the Smartphone plan only
News, Videos, & Status
We have purchased the Project Genesis Nighthawk MR6400 M6 Pro hotspot device with unlimited data plan, and will be testing it around the country.
Our MIAs can follow along with our testing notes, which will be compiled as a review below when complete:
- Testing in Progress: Project Genesis by Dish Wireless Unlimited Hotspot / M6 Pro MR6400 (Carrier / Mobile Hotspot)
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