Sprint Nextel’s youth-oriented Boost Mobile brand is looking to extend its reach beyond its core market of urban youth by rolling out offerings in rural markets.

As part of its expansion efforts, Boost Mobile has set its sights on markets in 31 states previously served by Nextel Partners. The markets, which span from Hawaii to Vermont, are considered mid-size and rural areas, according to Boost.

Sprint Nextel recently announced that its Boost Mobile unit added 216,000 new subscribers during the third quarter. We’ve already added more than a million customers this year, starting 2006 with 2.6 million customers and ending the third quarter with more than 3.8 million customers,??? said Don Girskis, general manager, Boost Mobile. The youth market is grossly underpenetrated compared to the national average and will drive future growth for years to come.”

Increased competition, however, caused Boost’s churn to increase to 6.8 percent from 6 percent in the prior quarter.

The pay-as-you-go service, as well as phones and accessories, can be found at Wal-Mart Stores, Meijer, Best Buy and Sprint retail stores.

Source-  wirelessweek Wireless Mobile Telecom