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SpaceX in talks to acquire Boost Mobile or access its network

A media report says a deal with EchoStar could support SpaceX's planned wireless service, though network access may require other carriers' approval.

Illustration of a communications satellite and ground-based cellular towers
Photo: CNA

SpaceX is discussing a possible purchase of EchoStar's Boost Mobile or an arrangement to access its network, according to a November 2 media report citing people familiar with the negotiations. The companies have been discussing a deal for several months that would help SpaceX launch its own wireless service.

Boost Mobile leases network capacity from AT&T and T-Mobile. Their approval may be necessary because those agreements may not transfer to another owner, the report said.

The talks fit SpaceX's plans for Starlink Mobile, which would combine satellites and ground infrastructure to compete with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Buying Boost Mobile or obtaining network access could provide an existing customer base and distribution channels.

EchoStar ended the second quarter with 7.38 million wireless subscribers, mainly customers of Boost Mobile and Gen Mobile. Elon Musk has personally discussed the proposed deal with EchoStar chairman Charlie Ergen, according to the media report.

In premarket trading on November 2, EchoStar shares gained about 3.4%, while T-Mobile fell 2%. AT&T and Verizon also traded lower. Neither SpaceX nor EchoStar immediately provided a response to requests for comment.

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Lucas Almeida

Companies and Deals Editor

Edits and reviews corporate news (earnings, leadership changes, layoffs, product launches) and deal news (IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, buyouts and funding rounds).