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SpaceX reportedly wants to buy Boost Mobile to compete with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon
TechCrunch • • business
Key Points:
- SpaceX is reportedly seeking to acquire Boost Mobile from EchoStar to build a hybrid cellular-satellite network, potentially positioning itself as the fourth-largest U.S. wireless provider.
- The company has been expanding its cellular connectivity, including rolling out satellite access to T-Mobile subscribers in 2024 and purchasing $17 billion in wireless spectrum from EchoStar last year.
- Boost Mobile, with about 7.5 million customers combined with GenMobile, leases network capacity from AT&T and T-Mobile, meaning those providers' approval may be required for any acquisition by SpaceX.
- Elon Musk has also approached major carriers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon to buy network capacity, but all have reportedly rejected his offers, complicating SpaceX's efforts to access terrestrial networks.
- While Boost Mobile's subscriber base is small compared to the big three carriers, the acquisition's strategic value lies in gaining access to their terrestrial cellular infrastructure to enhance SpaceX’s Starlink service.
