Dish Network has long been a provider of satellite service, and in 2020 started its foray into the cellular world as Dish Wireless.
Overview
Dish Wireless is stepping in to replace Sprint as the fourth big cellular provider, after Sprint's merger with T-Mobile in 2020.
As part of that merger, Dish purchased Boost Mobile, Sprint's prepaid subsidiary, and two Sprint MVNOs - Ting Mobile in 2020 and Republic Wireless in 2021.
Dish Wireless first rolled out its own cellular service under the name Project Genesis in 2022. They then launched postpaid brand Boost Infinite in late 2022, but in 2024 rebranded Boost Infinite back to Boost Mobile.
Dish/Boost is in the process of building out its own 5G network, but in the meantime, they also have roaming agreements with T-Mobile and AT&T. (Note: In July 2024 there have been some reports that they may only be utilizing AT&T in the future.)
In August 2023, Dish announced that Republic Wireless would be shut down.
Project Genesis
Project Genesis
Dish's first foray into selling plans launched in May 2022 under the name Project Genesis, offering service in Las Vegas, NV.
As of mid 2023, they have coverage of approximately 70% of the US population.
Dish is bragging that it is launching the "First True 5G" native network in the nation, and headed out the gate with some extremely aggressive pricing on unlimited data plans.
Initially Project Genesis offered a phone and mobile hotpsot plan. As of early 2024, both plans are no longer available for new customers, but existing customers are grandfathered.
Because of the technology being employed, customers must use Project Genesis devices. There is currently no BYOD option, you must purchase a device from them.
Plan Specifications
- Plan Name: Smartphone Plan **TOP PICK**
- Carrier Networks Used: Dish Wireless, T-Mobile, AT&T
- Carrier Relationship: Direct, Partnerships with T-Mobile and AT&T
- Plan Types Available: Smartphone
- Device Types Permitted: Smartphone
- Unlimited: Yes
- High-Speed Mobile Hotspot Use: Unlimited
- Throttling: No
- Network Management: Not specified
- Video Streaming Resolution: Not specified
- 5G Access: Yes
- eSIM: Yes
- 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: Up to 5
- Extra: Project Genesis app
- Price: $25/month
We only track smartphone plans that meet our criteria for mobile internet, which is having at least 50GB of mobile hotspot data. Other smartphone plans may be available from the carrier other than those listed here.
If you want information on other available smartphone plans, our friend Stetson Doggett manages the website Best Phone Plans, which provides comprehensive information on all plans provided by each carrier.
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile originally was a prepaid subsidiary of Sprint, but they were sold to Dish in July 2020 as part of the T-Mobile/Sprint merger.
As part of the agreement of Dish's purchase of Boost Mobile, they were given the right to use T-Mobile's 5G network for seven years. Dish also entered into a roaming agreement with AT&T in 2021. (Note: In July 2024 there have been some reports that they may only be utilizing AT&T in the future.)
In August 2022, Dish introduced postpaid brand "Boost Infinite" with plans to make it their primary postpaid brand. But in July 2024, Dish repositioned the Boost brands - Boost Mobile will be the name going forward and will include both postpaid and prepaid plans.
As Dish/Boost is still building out its 5G network, they are utilizing roaming agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile, so Dish plans currently primarily operate on those two networks.
Some customers are provided a "Rainbow SIM" which can access all three networks - Dish, AT&T, and T-Mobile. In order to be eligible to receive a Rainbow SIM, customers must have a device that is optimized for the Dish Network and be in a location where it is available. As of summer 2023, Dish Network is proactively contacting customers who meet this criteria to provide them with a Rainbow SIM, it is not something you can request.
Plan Specifications
- Plan Name: Unlimited Premium
- Carrier Networks Used: Dish Wireless, T-Mobile, AT&T
- Carrier Relationship: Direct, Partnerships with T-Mobile and AT&T
- Plan Types Available: Smartphone
- Device Types Permitted: Smartphone
- Unlimited: No
- High-Speed Mobile Hotspot Use: Included, up to plan limit
- Throttling: After 50GB, 512 Kbps speed
- Network Management: Not specified
- Video Streaming Resolution: Not specified
- 5G Access: Yes
- eSIM: Yes
- Device Purchase Required: No
- Plan Period: 30 days
- International Roaming: 5GB/month in Canada and Mexico
- 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: Up to 5
- Extra:
- Price: $60/month
We only track smartphone plans that meet our criteria for mobile internet, which is having at least 50GB of mobile hotspot data. Other smartphone plans may be available from the carrier other than those listed here.
If you want information on other available smartphone plans, our friend Stetson Doggett manages the website Best Phone Plans, which provides comprehensive information on all plans provided by each carrier.
News, Videos, & Status
Initially Project Genesis offered both smartphone and mobile hotspot plans. Mobile hotspots are no longer available for new customers.
We purchased the Project Genesis Nighthawk MR6400 M6 Pro hotspot device with an unlimited data plan and tested it nationwide.
Our MIAs can view our testing notes:
- Testing: Project Genesis by Dish Wireless Unlimited Hotspot / M6 Pro MR6400 (Carrier / Mobile Hotspot)
Related News Stories
Alternatives to Consider
Also consider some of our other top pick data plans:
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Shopping for Cellular Data Plans
Finding the right plans for your needs is no easy task - quite simply mobile travelers using cellular data as their primary way online is not how most carriers have designed their plans. Many of us want plans that provide copious amounts of data.
Here's our video going over ways to get LOTS of data for use in your travels:
But a data plan alone will not keep you online. You also need the right gear, signal enhancing strategy and planning your travels around the options you carry with you. Head on over to our collection of guides:
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Top Data Plan Picks
Our constantly updated list of the BEST data plans.
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Which Carrier is Best?
Is Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile or Dish best for your travels?
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Selecting Data Plans
Our deep dive into understanding data plans and shopping for them.
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Data Plan Pricing Grid
Our always updated spreadsheet comparing all data plans suitable for mobile internet.
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Getting LOTS of the Data
Learn how to get lots of cellular data in your mobile internet arsenal.
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of