Ting Mobile
| File:Tucows-logo primary-web.svg | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Wireless communications |
| Founded | February 2, 2012 |
| Headquarters | Englewood, Colorado, U.S. |
| Parent | Boost Mobile |
| Website | tingmobile |
Ting Mobile is an American mobile virtual network operator under the ownership of Boost Mobile. Established by Tucows in February 2012, Ting provides cellular services primarily on the Verizon network, having previously operated on T-Mobile as well. The company is known for its no-contract, usage-based billing approach.
In August 2020, Dish Network purchased significant assets of Ting Mobile; however, Tucows continues to manage backend operations for Dish’s wireless business.
History
Ting initially supported devices on Sprint’s network, launching a public beta in December 2011 and officially commencing service in February 2012. By late 2014, the company extended its offerings to include gigabit broadband services.
In December 2014, Ting introduced GSM service via the T-Mobile network, enabling users to operate phones across both Sprint and T-Mobile networks under a unified account. By March 2017, Ting had grown its subscriber base to approximately 250,000 users and gained an additional 19,000 customers early that year after competitor RingPlus ceased operations.
In July 2019, Ting announced its intention to transition from T-Mobile to Verizon amid uncertainties surrounding a merger but maintained agreements with Sprint and T-Mobile through early 2020.
Dish Network acquired key Ting assets in August 2020 as part of its strategy to launch a wireless carrier, including prepaid brands such as Boost Mobile. Backend services were subcontracted back to Tucows. The deal excluded the Ting brand and internet services; however, Dish obtained a transitional license for the Ting name with an option for future purchase. Robert Currie was named head of Ting in November 2020, shifting the company’s focus away from its pay-as-you-go model.
By June 2022, Dish provided wireless services through Ting Mobile alongside other brands like Boost Mobile and Republic Wireless. As of September 2022, Ting operates using Verizon’s network infrastructure.
On June 6, 2025, EchoStar Corporation, Ting’s parent company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection amid Federal Communications Commission restrictions limiting strategic decisions related to Boost Mobile and facing financial difficulties including missed interest payments and the termination of the Dish-DirecTV merger.
Business model
Ting’s approach to cellular service excludes subsidized handset sales and long-term contracts, instead offering flexible month-to-month plans with tiered pricing based on usage of data, voice minutes, and text messaging.
The company supports devices compatible with both T-Mobile’s GSM network and Verizon’s CDMA network depending on device frequency bands. Customers may purchase devices directly through Ting’s website or other retailers and activate them by submitting the device’s electronic serial number. Additionally, Ting offers a compatibility checker tool to verify whether devices will function on their supported networks.
Services
By 2019, Ting provided service across GSM, CDMA, and High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) networks catering to users employing various cellular technologies.