SpaceX is negotiating to buy Boost Mobile, the wireless network owned by EchoStar, according to reporting. If finalized, this would be SpaceX’s first major step toward launching a U.S. mobile carrier after its failed attempts to partner with AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
Led by Elon Musk and EchoStar CEO Charlie Ergen, the discussions aim to use Boost’s existing network, including access to 80,000 cell sites across the country, to deploy Starlink Mobile. The service would compete with traditional carriers, building on SpaceX’s prior purchase of $17 billion in spectrum from EchoStar in 2023.
Boost Mobile currently serves around 7 million subscribers, relying on AT&T’s network while also leasing portions of its infrastructure from T-Mobile. An acquisition would remove the need for third-party dependencies, granting SpaceX full control over its wireless operations. This aligns with Musk’s vision of a unified “broad-based connectivity” system, merging satellite and terrestrial networks.
The move comes as SpaceX expands its Starlink broadband service. During a recent earnings call, Musk highlighted that securing spectrum and tower access was essential for scaling Starlink Mobile. The company has also pursued deals with tower operators like Crown Castle to support its expansion plans.
Boost Mobile’s sale would provide SpaceX with immediate access to a subscriber base and network infrastructure. The carrier has been under EchoStar’s ownership since 2023, after the company acquired it from Nextel in 2003. A completed deal would accelerate SpaceX’s goal of challenging established carriers by integrating satellite and ground-based connectivity.
For customers, the acquisition could introduce a new low-cost option, particularly in rural areas where Starlink’s satellite service already delivers broadband. It would also increase competition, potentially driving down prices or improving service in regions where traditional carriers have limited coverage. However, regulatory approvals and spectrum licensing negotiations could still impact the timeline or structure of the deal.
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