SpaceX is considering a deal with Boost Mobile that could help it launch its own mobile service, according to a report from The Washington Post. The possible agreement could involve acquiring the budget-focused carrier or gaining access to its network.
Elon Musk reportedly discussed the potential deal last month with Charlie Ergen, chairman of EchoStar, Boost Mobile’s parent company. Boost currently relies on T-Mobile and AT&T for network coverage, so SpaceX could require approval from both carriers to offer service through the company.
Neither SpaceX nor Boost Mobile immediately responded to a request for comment from The Verge.
The discussions form part of SpaceX’s broader effort to develop a mobile business under the Starlink brand. Its planned service would combine a satellite-to-mobile constellation with terrestrial network infrastructure.
SpaceX acquired wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar last year and recently bought a portfolio of low-band spectrum licenses that could improve Starlink Mobile’s ability to reach devices inside buildings. Bloomberg also reported last month that SpaceX was seeking access to at least 80,000 cell sites in the United States.
Sources: The Verge.