Boost Ready To Build On Big Quarter

Sprint noted that the "churn" of Boost customers dropping service declined to 6.86 percent in the first quarter from 9.93 percent a year ago and 8.2 percent in the previous quarter. Also, the $50 per month that unlimited customers spend is well above the $31 monthly average for all prepaid customers.

Carter said the company will work to stay competitive with prepaid market leaders MetroPCS Communications Inc. and Leap Wireless International Inc., which offer service plans for about the same amount as Boost but on more limited networks.

He also said Boost will continue offering updated handsets, such as its first featuring a QWERTY keyboard later this month, and keeping costs low.

It also will continue trying to attract customers through its series of edgy television ads — including one where two pigs are seen dining on ham — and opening its own series of branded retail outlets. Boost plans to open 50 of the stores this year.

"I tell my team that we just completed the first inning of a nine-inning game," Carter said. "We've got to broaden the appeal of the brand, continue to expand our distribution and really continue to execute on a day-to-day basis."