14 DAY TRIAL // One new mobile phone is reportedly heading out to Boost Mobile's airwaves, namely the Motorola i1, the first handset in the world to include both Google's Android operating system, and support for the iDEN networks. There are no specific details yet on when exactly the carrier will add the new phone to its offering, but things seem to have been already nailed down, and an official announcement should emerge shortly.
The Motorola i1 has been brought to the table during CTIA 2010 as the first device in the world to sport a rugged design, iDEN push-to-talk functionality and the Android operating system. The company was expected at that time to release the phone on Sprint's network, and it seems that things might be finally lining up, as Boost Mobile should make the device available for its users on a pre-paid basis.
Unfortunately, specific details on the price tag of the new device lack at the moment, though it is known that the Motorola i1 will be made available on the $50 Monthly Unlimited price plan, which does not require the signing of a contract. One other thing that should be mentioned here is that, according to Mobile Crunch, the Motorola i1 will be put on sale nationwide exclusively via Best Buy Mobile, and that the image it provided seems to confirm that.
At the same time, we should mention that the device has recently landed at another carrier in the US, SouthernLINC Wireless, which has it available without a contract for $399 ($199.99 with a two-year contract). However, there are chances that Boost Mobile won't ask as much for the first Android-based iDEN phone, considering the fact that the most expensive phone in its lineup is the BlackBerry 8330, which sports a price tag of $249.99. There is little doubt that the device won't be released on Boost Mobile’s airwaves, yet the official announcement will make things much clearer, that's for sure.