SpaceX seeks Boost Mobile acquisition to build hybrid network

SpaceX is reportedly seeking to acquire Boost Mobile from EchoStar, according to a Washington Post report. The acquisition would allow the Elon Musk-owned company to build a hybrid cellular satellite network, potentially placing it in fourth place among top U.S. wireless providers. The primary value of the deal lies in gaining access to Boost Mobile’s terrestrial cellular towers, which currently cover most of the 48 contiguous states. This infrastructure would allow Starlink to handle outdoor devices while cell towers manage indoor or obstructed signals.

SpaceX has previously invested heavily in wireless capabilities, rolling out satellite access to T-Mobile subscribers in 2024 and acquiring $17 billion worth of wireless spectrum from EchoStar last year. Musk described that spectrum purchase as the last critical piece for complete phone coverage in America, but the pursuit of Boost Mobile suggests terrestrial access remains necessary. The company has also approached AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon to buy network capacity, but all three rejected the proposals. These major carriers each have over 100 million subscribers, dwarfing Boost Mobile, and may hold regulatory influence over the potential deal.