SpaceX reportedly weighs Boost Mobile deal to build Starlink’s US carrier business

SpaceX is reportedly discussing either buying EchoStar’s Boost Mobile or using its network as it tries to combine Starlink satellite coverage with a conventional U.S. wireless footprint. Neither company has announced a deal, and existing network agreements could require AT&T and T-Mobile approval.

jajoy39

Nov 4, 2026 - 17:48

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SpaceX logo displayed on a smartphone in a July 2026 photo illustration; this is not an image of a Boost Mobile agreement. Photo: Avishek Das / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images.

SpaceX reportedly weighs Boost Mobile deal to build Starlink’s US carrier business

SpaceX has held discussions with EchoStar about buying Boost Mobile or gaining access to the prepaid carrier’s network, according to reporting by The Washington Post cited by Reuters. Elon Musk reportedly met EchoStar chairman Charlie Ergen in October. Neither SpaceX nor EchoStar has announced an agreement, so the possible transaction remains unconfirmed.

A deal would give Starlink Mobile a terrestrial component alongside its satellites. Boost does not operate a nationwide tower network of its own; it leases capacity from AT&T and T-Mobile. Reuters reported that EchoStar had 7.38 million wireless subscribers at the end of the second quarter, primarily across Boost Mobile and Gen Mobile.

Existing agreements could limit the plan

Buying the brand would not necessarily transfer its network access. Reuters and The Verge reported that the leases may require the host carriers’ consent before a change of ownership or control. That could make a Boost transaction less direct than simply acquiring customers and retail distribution.

The companies already have a separate, confirmed relationship. EchoStar announced in September 2025 that it would sell AWS-4 and H-block spectrum licenses to SpaceX and enter a commercial agreement allowing Boost subscribers to access next-generation Starlink Direct to Cell service. A November 2025 SEC-filed amendment added EchoStar’s unpaired AWS-3 licenses and said Boost’s current operations would not be impacted. Those agreements do not confirm a sale of Boost Mobile.