SpaceX reportedly in talks to buy Boost Mobile or use its network

SpaceX is in talks with EchoStar to buy Boost Mobile or gain access to its network, The Washington Post reports. Reuters, citing the Post, says the companies have discussed a SpaceX wireless service in recent months.

The Post’s Faiz Siddiqui and Patience Haggin write that Elon Musk approached the heads of major telecom companies seeking network access so SpaceX could launch its own mobile phone service. Reuters describes the planned Starlink Mobile network as a combination of satellites and ground infrastructure. A Boost purchase or network-access agreement could give SpaceX an existing subscriber base and distribution platform, Reuters says. It puts EchoStar’s wireless subscriber count at 7.38 million at the end of the second quarter, primarily Boost Mobile and Gen Mobile customers.

Boost leases network access from AT&T and T-Mobile. Citing the Post, Reuters reports that Boost’s existing agreements may not transfer to a new owner without the carriers’ approval, so the proposed service may need their consent. SpaceX and EchoStar did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.