Theres often questions asked in the community around Boost and Telstra including what the difference is, are they the same, does Telstra own Boost and so on. This should clarify it for everyone.
Firstly, Telstra does not own Boost. Boost owns Boost. Telstra and Boost have an agreement wherein Boost re-sell their NextG (3G network) *see note whilst utilising some of Telstras back end systems. This in no way means Telstra owns Boost.
Telstra as a company offer a suite of products and services across multiple platforms where as Boost focuses on bring value to its customers in the pre-paid mobile market. Whilst Telstra offers mobile services on both its Next G and 4G networks, Boost only provides services on Telstra Next G (3G) network.
As the Boost uses Telstra Next G network, in some circumstances a Boost SIM will work in a handset locked to the Telstra network however if youre ever unsure its best to check by calling Boost on 1258881. This doesnt mean you can use a Telstra SIM to activate a Boost service or use a Telstra recharge voucher on a Boost service.
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There is nothing new about this of course. Some 20 years ago when I worked for Telstra I was involved in negotiating & delivering on contracts that we had in place with many non Telstra organisations (Service Providers) who resold Telstra services. Those services including such things as "Call Centres, Service connection and alterations and sometimes billing & billing enquiries' were delivered by my staff who did not purport to be other than Telstra staff.
We had negotiated with the non Telstra organisations to provide these services at a bulk price that included our costs plus a profit margin.
Had we not done this, leaving aside the views of the ACCC, those organisations would have just gone to our competitors like Optus.
Remember of course that Telstra is the market leader in these areas and has in place all of the infrastructure, systems, processes & knowledge base to deliver such services for their direct customers - the majority of the market.
This wholesale part of Telstra's business was conducted by a separate Business Unit 'Industry Services' and I understand that it still exists, perhaps by another name though.
* Note BTW there are some 'errors' in the Boost Community post in that at the time of its posting, Boost may have been reselling only 3G but as we all know they now resell access to Telstra 4G as well.
Just google 'Is Boost owned by Telstra' and you will get lots of information that will discuss the question.
Just another confusing aspect of our convoluted Aussie Communications environment. All in the name of the Free Market Competitive model. LOL
Edit .. BTW, My previous SIM was purchased from Kogan who owned part of the old Dick Smith (online ?) organisation who had a mobile phone reseller arrangement with Vodafone. I don't recall ever getting anything but the Kogan Branded SIM (just like my Boost SIM) that indicated that I was a Kogan Customer. The Mobile told me that I was connected to the Vodafone Mobile Network. Pretty much the same I think.
