# SpaceX eyes Boost Mobile to build wireless rival

> Elon Musk's SpaceX is reportedly seeking to acquire Boost Mobile from EchoStar to create a hybrid cellular-satellite network and compete with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
- Title: SpaceX eyes Boost Mobile to build wireless rival · TechCrunch
- Summary: Elon Musk's SpaceX is reportedly seeking to acquire Boost Mobile from EchoStar to create a hybrid cellular-satellite network and compete with AT&T, T-Mobile…
- Keywords: spacex, elon musk, boost mobile, echostar, starlink, wireless networks, at&t, t-mobile, verizon, technology, startups, eyes
- Source: TechCrunch — https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/02/spacex-reportedly-wants-to-buy-boost-mobile-to-compete-with-att-t-mobile-and-verizon
- Author: Tim De Chant
- Published: 2026-11-02T16:44:48+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: spacex, elon musk, boost mobile, echostar, starlink, wireless networks, at&t, t-mobile, verizon, technology, startups
## SpaceX seeks Boost Mobile deal
SpaceX is looking to buy Boost Mobile from EchoStar, according to The Washington Post. The deal would help the company build a hybrid cellular-satellite network.
## Musk's satellite-cell strategy
SpaceX rolled out satellite access to T-Mobile subscribers in two thousand twenty-four. Last year it bought seventeen billion dollars worth of wireless spectrum from EchoStar for cellular services.
## Musk's spectrum claim
Elon Musk said the spectrum acquisition was the last critical piece needed for SpaceX to provide complete phone coverage in America. Yet he apparently still wants terrestrial network access.

> This is the last critical piece of the spectrum puzzle needed for SpaceX to provide complete phone coverage in America.
## Musk approached the big three
Elon Musk spoke directly with EchoStar chairman Charlie Ergen in October about acquiring Boost Mobile. Musk also approached AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon about buying capacity on their networks. All three rejected him.
## Boost's network dependency
Boost Mobile does not operate its own towers. It leases capacity from AT&T and T-Mobile, which might need to approve a SpaceX acquisition. Network leases are usually nontransferable.
## EchoStar's subscriber base
EchoStar has about seven point five million customers between Boost Mobile and Gen Mobile, its other mobile service offering. The big three providers each have over one hundred million subscribers.
## Boost's coverage advantage
Boost Mobile covers most of the forty-eight contiguous states in the U.S. Gaining access to its towers would let Starlink cover devices outdoors while cell towers handle indoor coverage where satellite signals cannot reach.
## Key takeaway

SpaceX is reportedly trying to buy Boost Mobile from EchoStar to build a hybrid cellular-satellite network and compete with America's three largest wireless providers.