SpaceX could buy Boost Mobile as part of its big mobile carrier plans

SpaceX has discussed a deal with Boost Mobile to launch its own service through the budget-friendly carrier, according to a report from The Washington Post. The deal, which comes as SpaceX aims to make Starlink a “major” mobile carrier, reportedly involves the Elon Musk-owned company acquiring Boost Mobile or accessing its network. Musk discussed the potential agreement with Charlie Ergen, chairman of Boost Mobile parent company EchoStar, last month, as reported by The Washington Post. Boost Mobile’s network is currently powered by T-Mobile and AT&T, meaning SpaceX may need permission from the two carriers to launch its service. Neither SpaceX nor Boost Mobile immediately responded to The Verge’s request for comment. In recent months, SpaceX has ramped up efforts to build out its mobile service, which will combine its satellite-to-mobile constellation with a terrestrial network. The company acquired wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar last year and recently purchased a portfolio of low-band spectrum licenses that could allow Starlink Mobile’s signal to penetrate buildings. Last month, Bloomberg reported that SpaceX is in talks to gain access to at least 80,000 cell sites in the US.