SpaceX in talks to acquire Boost Mobile for satellite-cellular network

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 17:04 · Archive

SpaceX has discussed acquiring Boost Mobile to build a hybrid satellite-cellular network and compete with major US carriers.

SpaceX has discussed acquiring Boost Mobile from parent company EchoStar as part of its push to become a major mobile carrier, according to The Washington Post. Elon Musk discussed the potential agreement with EchoStar chairman Charlie Ergen last month. The deal would help SpaceX build a hybrid satellite-cellular network to compete with established US carriers.

Boost Mobile currently operates as a mobile virtual network operator with about 7.5 million customers, leasing capacity from AT&T and T-Mobile rather than operating its own infrastructure. The Washington Post reports that such network leases are typically nontransferable, meaning AT&T and T-Mobile may need to approve any acquisition. SpaceX has also approached all three major carriers about buying network capacity, but they rejected the company's proposals.

SpaceX acquired $17 billion worth of wireless spectrum from EchoStar last year and recently purchased additional low-band spectrum licenses to help Starlink's signal penetrate buildings. Musk said at the time of the spectrum purchase that it was 'the last critical piece of the spectrum puzzle needed for SpaceX to provide complete phone coverage in America'. Neither SpaceX nor Boost Mobile responded to requests for comment about the reported discussions.

How it is being reported

• SpaceX is reportedly looking at buying Boost Mobile or using its cell networkA potential deal with Boost Mobile could serve as a shortcut to establishing SpaceX as a mobile carrier.Engadget · 2 Nov, 18:05
• SpaceX reportedly wants to buy Boost Mobile to compete with AT&T, T-Mobile, and VerizonSpaceX has been looking for new ways to use its Starlink network, and a tie-up with cellular operator Boost Mobile could give it the terrestrial access it needs.TechCrunch · 2 Nov, 16:44
• SpaceX could buy Boost Mobile as part of its big mobile carrier plansSpaceX has discussed a deal with Boost Mobile to launch its own service through the budget-friendly carrier, according to a report from the Washington Post. The deal, which comes as SpaceX aims to make Starlink a "major" mobile carrier, reportedly involves the Elon Musk-owned company acquiring Boost Mobile or accessing its network. Musk discussed the […]The Verge · 2 Nov, 14:05

In this story: SpaceX · Boost Mobile · EchoStar · Elon Musk · Charlie Ergen · AT&T · T-Mobile · Verizon

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log