SpaceX Eyes Boost Mobile Acquisition to Enter Wireless Market

As first reported by The Washington Post, SpaceX is exploring a move into the mobile carrier industry, with reports indicating the company is looking to acquire Boost Mobile or utilize its cellular network. According to the report, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk spoke with EchoStar chairman Charlie Ergen in October regarding the potential acquisition of the mobile virtual network operator.

EchoStar currently serves approximately 7.5 million customers through GenMobile and Boost Mobile. A deal would provide SpaceX with immediate access to terrestrial cellular networks, as Boost leases capacity from T-Mobile and AT&T to cover most of the 48 contiguous U.S. states. TechCrunch reports that this would allow SpaceX to create a hybrid cellular-satellite network, relying on cell towers to handle devices when Starlink signals cannot reach them, such as inside buildings, while using Starlink for outdoor access.

However, the move faces significant hurdles. The Washington Post reports that AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have already rejected Musk's requests for network access. Because Boost does not own its own towers, any acquisition or network use would likely require approval from the major carriers, as network leases are typically nontransferable.

This effort follows previous investments in connectivity. Engadget notes that SpaceX previously acquired $2.6 billion in spectrum licenses from EchoStar to improve Starlink's 5G connections, though TechCrunch cites the figure for wireless spectrum at $17 billion. Musk previously stated on X that such spectrum was the final piece needed for full American phone coverage.