Elon Musk’s SpaceX is reportedly considering buying Boost Mobile as part of its plan to turn Starlink into a full mobile network in the United States.
According to a report by The Washington Post, SpaceX has held talks with EchoStar, the parent company of Boost Mobile, about a possible deal.
The discussions could result in SpaceX buying Boost Mobile or gaining access to the mobile networks it currently uses.
Such an agreement could help Starlink compete directly with major US mobile operators, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
However, no deal has been confirmed.
When Could Starlink Become a Full Mobile Carrier?
SpaceX has not announced when it expects to offer a complete nationwide mobile service.
Verizon’s leadership previously estimated that building the required infrastructure could take four to six years.
Musk has suggested that SpaceX might complete the process in roughly half that time.
However, these estimates remain uncertain.
Buying Boost Mobile could help SpaceX expand more quickly, but the company would still need to resolve technical, financial, and contractual challenges.
For now, the reported discussions show that SpaceX is actively exploring ways to become a direct competitor to America’s biggest mobile operators.
Whether that happens through a Boost Mobile acquisition, a network-sharing agreement, or its own infrastructure remains unclear.
SpaceX Investing Billions in Mobile Networks
SpaceX has already been buying wireless spectrum to support its mobile network plans.
The company recently agreed to acquire approximately $8 billion worth of additional wireless spectrum licenses.
Wireless spectrum allows mobile phones and network equipment to communicate over specific radio frequencies.
Owning more spectrum could help SpaceX improve Starlink Mobile’s coverage and build a stronger connection between its satellite network and traditional cellular services.
The company is also reportedly negotiating access to thousands of cellular tower sites across the United States.
SpaceX wants to use its large satellite network alongside ground-based infrastructure to provide mobile connectivity across the country
Why SpaceX Wants Boost Mobile
SpaceX currently provides satellite internet through Starlink and is expanding its satellite-to-phone services.
However, satellite connections have limitations, particularly inside buildings and in densely populated cities.
To provide a complete mobile service, SpaceX needs access to traditional cellular towers.
Boost Mobile could offer a faster way to obtain that coverage.
Unlike major mobile carriers that operate their own nationwide networks, Boost Mobile primarily uses network capacity rented from AT&T and T-Mobile.
If SpaceX could use those arrangements, Starlink Mobile customers might be able to connect through regular cell towers when satellite signals are unavailable.
This would allow SpaceX to combine satellite and traditional mobile coverage in a single service.
Elon Musk Reportedly Met With EchoStar
According to the report, SpaceX has been discussing a possible agreement with EchoStar for several months.
Musk also reportedly met EchoStar chairman Charlie Ergen in October to discuss a potential deal.
One option involves SpaceX buying Boost Mobile outright.
Another possibility is an agreement that gives SpaceX access to Boost Mobile’s existing network arrangements without purchasing the company.
Boost Mobile could also provide SpaceX with an established customer base.
EchoStar reported approximately 7.38 million wireless subscribers at the end of the second quarter of 2026, mainly through Boost Mobile and Gen Mobile.
However, neither company has confirmed that an acquisition or partnership will take place.
AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile Rejected SpaceX
SpaceX reportedly approached the three largest US mobile operators before exploring the Boost Mobile deal.
According to The Washington Post, Musk asked AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile to allow SpaceX to use their networks.
All three companies reportedly rejected the requests.
This could create difficulties even if SpaceX successfully buys Boost Mobile.
Boost’s existing network agreements may require approval from AT&T and T-Mobile before they can be transferred to a new owner.
Without that approval, SpaceX might not be able to use the same cellular networks automatically.
Therefore, purchasing Boost Mobile would not necessarily solve all of Starlink’s coverage problems.
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