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Dish Network has successfully built a state-of-the-art 5G cellular network in the US, reaching over 240 million residents in just three years. This achievement was made at a fraction of the cost compared to other wireless carriers in the market. However, the challenge now lies in attracting customers to the new network.

Dish Wireless, the subsidiary responsible for the network, recently launched its Boost Infinite monthly cellular service to 150 million members of Amazon Prime in the US. At , Prime members can order a discounted SIM card kit without a soft credit check. The Boost Infinite plan offers unlimited talk, text, and data for per month, with data throttling after 30 gigabytes.

With the technological foundation in place, Dish Wireless is shifting focus towards optimizing and running the network. Boost Mobile, which Dish acquired as part of a regulatory condition, currently serves around 8 million customers. Dish Wireless aims to grow its postpaid offering through Boost Infinite.

To maximize the potential of its new technology, Dish Wireless needs to switch subscribers over to its network from existing partners such as T-Mobile and AT&T. The company first tested its 5G network, Project Genesis, in Las Vegas and expanded to Grand Junction and Pueblo in Colorado. Metro Denver is planned to gain access by the end of the year.

While Dish Network initially offered competitive pricing with Boost Infinite at per month for unlimited data, the market has since seen lower pricing from rivals like Visible and Metro. Convincing consumers to switch to an untested network may not be easy. Dish Network would need to establish a stronger identity, which could require a costly marketing campaign.

Another challenge is compatibility with mobile devices. Most phones made in the past five years work on Dish’s network, but to fully utilize the wireless spectrum acquired by Dish Network, consumers will eventually need to upgrade their phones. Dish Wireless plans to introduce more device offerings in the coming months.

Dish Wireless has partnered with companies like Cisco, Oracle, VMware, and Intel to accelerate the build-out of its network. The network utilizes an architecture called Open RAN, which emphasizes software over hardware, making it more adaptable and flexible. Amazon Web Services serves as the host for the cloud-based network.

Dish Wireless aims to set itself apart by offering unique services and features on its network through 5G. With the network being open to outside developers, applications and innovative uses can be brought forward, potentially giving Boost an edge in the market.

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