SpaceX reportedly wants to buy Boost Mobile to compete with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon

According to TechCrunch, SpaceX is reportedly seeking to acquire Boost Mobile from EchoStar to build a hybrid cellular-satellite network that could position it as a fourth major U.S. wireless provider. The Washington Post reports that Elon Musk spoke with EchoStar chairman Charlie Ergen in October about the deal, which would give SpaceX access to Boost's roughly 7.5 million customers and its leased tower coverage across most of the contiguous United States.

SpaceX previously purchased $17 billion in wireless spectrum from EchoStar, which Musk called the final piece needed for complete phone coverage. However, the company still lacks terrestrial network access after AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon rejected capacity purchase requests. Boost Mobile leases capacity from AT&T and T-Mobile, and those leases are typically nontransferable, meaning the major carriers would likely need to approve any acquisition. The deal would allow Starlink to serve devices outdoors while relying on cell towers for indoor coverage.

Source

SpaceX reportedly wants to buy Boost Mobile to compete with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon — TechCrunch