AT&T owns them, and it's through their network. Not 100% sure, but I think Boost is through Sprint.
Cricket costs me $100 for a family plan, 5 lines, unlimited talk & text, 1 gig 4G LTE data, then downgraded to 3G after the gig is used. I had Sprint, got fed up with the service in my area and got my entire family new phones for Xmas. Couldn't be happier.
I have had Boost for 4 yrs now and haven't had a problem. It's the Sprint network, and my other carrier was brought out by Sprint. They are cheap and reliable. I hate going to the Boost store, but maybe that's just in my local area. Was in the military and traveled a lot and never had a problem except in a few remote area's. Again, check the area you will be using the service in( as far as 4G and reliability) to make sure you can take full advantage of any perks in your contract or area. My family has Cricket and they don't have any complaints with their service either. And my brother is a truck driver who travels all over the east coast and midwest.
Cricket costs me $100 for a family plan, 5 lines, unlimited talk & text, 1 gig 4G LTE data, then downgraded to 3G after the gig is used. I had Sprint, got fed up with the service in my area and got my entire family new phones for Xmas. Couldn't be happier.