22:42Machine-translated from Azerbaijani by AIRead in Azerbaijani
SpaceX in Talks to Acquire Boost Mobile to Become a Mobile Carrier
SpaceX is discussing acquiring Boost Mobile or connecting to its network to create its own mobile service in the US. If the deal goes through, Starlink satellites could be integrated with a terrestrial mobile network. The company aims to become the fourth-largest mobile carrier in the US. However, the parties have not yet reached an agreement.
The talks primarily took place in October 2026. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk discussed the matter directly with EchoStar Chairman Charlie Ergen. EchoStar has approximately 7.5 million customers across its Boost Mobile and GenMobile services. If the acquisition goes through, SpaceX will gain an existing subscriber base and a channel for selling its mobile services.
The main challenge is that Boost Mobile does not operate its own cell towers. The service leases the AT&T and T-Mobile networks. Because such agreements usually cannot be transferred to another company, SpaceX may need to obtain permission from both carriers. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have previously refused to open a separate network for SpaceX.
Boost Mobile operates across much of the 48 contiguous US states. This broad coverage could help devices connect to cell towers in places where the satellite signal is weak. Satellites could provide connectivity to devices outdoors, while the terrestrial network could connect phones inside buildings. Each of the 3 largest US carriers has more than 100 million subscribers. Boost Mobile’s main advantage, however, is its access to terrestrial networks.
SpaceX began preparing to enter the mobile communications market earlier. In 2024, the company began launching satellite connectivity for T-Mobile subscribers. Last year, it also acquired from EchoStar the wireless spectrum licenses needed for 5G mobile communications. Estimates of the acquisition’s value vary. One estimate puts it at $2.6 billion (approximately 4.42 billion manats), while another puts it at $17 billion (approximately 28.9 billion manats).
SpaceX later also acquired a package of low-frequency communications licenses. Because these frequencies penetrate walls more effectively, they could help the Starlink Mobile signal reach inside buildings. The company is also in talks to gain access to at least 80,000 cell towers in the US. Acquiring Boost Mobile could accelerate this plan, but the parties have not yet announced a final decision.