Boost Mobile and Verizon Wireless are two very different types of mobile phone companies. While both offer wireless phone service to customers in the United States, Verizon is a much larger network with international coverage and contract-based plans. Boost Mobile is a non-contract based system with a smaller network. Comparing what the two companies have to offer may help you decide which is the best fit for your mobile phone needs. Verizon Wireless offers wireless phone, data and video service through its massive wireless network. The company also owns broadband networks that allow it to offer wired cable and internet service to customers. As of the end of March 2011, Verizon had 104 million customers. Verizon boasts of having America’s largest 3G (third generation) network. Coverage is extensive, with no state that Verizon does not offer service in. However, pockets of rural areas in the upper northwest, Utah and Nevada are without coverage. The company is in the process of upgrading its network to 4G coverage which is faster than 3G. Verizon offers a range of individual, Family Share and prepaid talk plans. Plans are based on a defined number of minutes ranging from 450 to unlimited. All plan types (except for pre paid) require a two-year contract and can be purchased as voice-only, voice and text or voice, text and data plans. Data plans allow customers to surf the internet and access email. Smartphones, basic cell phones, tablet devices and netbooks are all sold and supported through Verizon. Many brands are available including models from Samsung, Motorola, LG, BlackBerry and Apple.
