Q: How is Boost Mobile utilizing AI to enhance network performance? What tangible benefits have been achieved thus far, and how do you envision maximizing AI’s potential in the future?

A: At Boost Mobile, we’ve built the world’s first cloud-native Open RAN pure 5G network, infused with the latest technology using a true vendor agnostic Open RAN architecture that runs on a stand-alone core. We built our network with key principles in mind – cloud-native scalability, latest SW adaptation and network operation efficiency. All of these principles are supported by AI/ML, which is at the core of each network element.

Q: What AI-powered solutions has Boost Mobile implemented to improve customer support experiences? Can you share any measurable outcomes to date? Additionally, are there plans to incorporate conversational AI or predictive analytics into these efforts?

A: From billing systems and SIM provisioning platforms to Open RAN elements and network data for performance and customer experience insights, we’re operating with automation and will continue to enhance our network’s use of automation. We’ve also partnered with critical players in the AI/ML space to build upon our automation journey. Additionally, our in-house teams use AI/ML across all aspects of the network – from process to execution.

Our Boost Mobile Network is complex and we are actively migrating subscribers from our MVNO platform to our own network platform. All of the subscriber migrations and customer experience is tracked using AI generated metrics, and we’ve seen significant improvements in our customer porting process as well as SIM activations.

In parallel to our work migrating customers to our own network, we’ve also continued to focus on improving the overall network experience for our customers. We use AI generated analysis for actionable inferences to help mitigate performance issues with devices connecting to our network. One clear example is the excellent work we did in the NYC market where Boost Mobile is now the overall best network compared to the other nationwide operators.

Q: What is Boost Mobile’s strategy for targeting the enterprise market? How does leveraging an Open RAN network benefit businesses?

A: Open RAN allows us to work with a system that is vendor agnostic where we can deploy countless solutions that best suit the needs of our customers. It’s not a one size fits all. It’s truly Open and flexible, as well as scalable, both in terms of scale up and scale down that makes our solutions cost efficient for our customers, while uncompromising on the security and quality of the latest technology.

We already have a presence in the enterprise segment through EchoStar’s Hughes brand. However, under the Boost Mobile brand, we are determined to help Hughes increase their footprint within enterprise via our cloud-native Open RAN 5G network.. Our network was designed to offer choice and flexibility that other networks cannot. And enterprise is an area in which network flexibility is critically needed. From network slicing and SW-driven solutions to on-prem solutions, Boost offers a wide variety of products and solutions wanted and needed by the enterprise customer base.

Recently, we’ve announced some wins within the government sector, including supplying the first commercial RIC solution over our Open RAN network at Ft. Bliss. We have additional examples of tapping into a variety of government, DoD and private network solutions.

Q: In light of the merger with EchoStar, what role do you foresee non-terrestrial networks (NTN) playing in the evolution of Boost’s mobile network? Can you outline the anticipated timeline for these developments?

A: It’s simply about seamless connectivity. EchoStar has its own satellites and spectrum. Leveraging NTN with the latest terrestrial Open RAN network we’ve built, uniquely positions us to offer seamless connectivity across the globe.

There will be a lot of progress throughout 2025 within the NTN and terrestrial network aggregation space. The full solution is expected in the near future.

Q: Could you elaborate on ORCID, the results achieved so far, and the broader vision for the lab?

A: ORCID or the Open RAN Center for Integration & Deployment serves as a “living laboratory” that combines both lab and field testing and evaluation activities. At the lab, qualified vendors are able to test their elements against a complete commercial-grade Open RAN “stack” as well as evaluate Open RAN elements by mixing and matching them with those of other vendors, instead of simply validating a single vendor’s stack.

ORCID was a major win for both EchoStar, Boost Mobile’s parent company, as well as Open RAN and the connectivity industry in general. We’re proud of leading and helping shepherd this initiative into fruition.

ORCID lab is located in Cheyenne, WY. We have multiple test lines supported by lab and field sites. All sites are up and running, including nearly 500 test cases focused on interoperable Open RAN and multi-vendor systems.