SpaceX reportedly wants to buy Boost Mobile to compete with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon
SpaceX is reportedly in talks to acquire Boost Mobile from EchoStar to expand its terrestrial cellular network capabilities. This move aims to integrate satellite and mobile services, potentially positioning SpaceX as a significant competitor to major U.S. wireless providers.
Why it matters
The acquisition could disrupt the U.S. telecommunications market by creating a hybrid satellite-cellular network, challenging the dominance of established carriers like AT&T and Verizon.
SpaceX is looking to buy Boost Mobile from EchoStar, according to a report from The Washington Post. If the deal goes through, it would help the Elon Musk-owned company build a hybrid cellular-satellite network that could help catapult it into fourth place among the top U.S. wireless providers.
The space-launch company has been dabbling in cellular connectivity, rolling out satellite access to T-Mobile’s subscribers in 2024. Last year, SpaceX bought $17 billion worth of wireless spectrum from EchoStar for cellular services, which could help the company’s Starlink service reach inside buildings, for example, something it currently struggles with.
“This is the last critical piece of the spectrum puzzle needed for SpaceX to provide complete phone coverage in America,” Musk said on X at the time of the spectrum acquisition. Yet, if Musk is still looking to buy access to terrestrial networks, it apparently wasn’t the last piece.
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