SpaceX negotiates the purchase of Boost Mobile to convert Starlink into a mobile operator

Elon Musk’s service to connect to the internet via satellite, starlinkwants to become a mobile phone operator, Starlink Mobile. Access to satellite communications is already available and it has also purchased more spectrum to expand its possibilities. But it’s missing one terrestrial communications network to be able to carry out this transition, and it seems that Elon Musk has the solution to this peculiar problem, of course, in his style.

SpaceX negotiates the purchase of Boost Mobile to boost Starlink Mobile

The director of T-Mobile has already ruled out that Starlink Mobile operates on its terrestrial networksso you must rule out one of the greats in the United States. But Elon Musk already has the checkbook prepared to do things his way, he wants buy Boost Mobile. The person in charge of this purchase will be your space company, SpaceXwho has held talks with EchoStar, the parent company of Boost Mobile. Elon Musk met personally with the president of EchoStar last October to reach a possible agreement.

When Elon lacks something, he buys it. This is why SpaceX wants to get Boost Mobile, or at least access to its entire network. Besides, Boost Mobile leases access to AT&T and T-Mobilewhich would allow SpaceX to offer the terrestrial telephone service that it lacks for better indoor coverage, something that satellite connectivity does not achieve.

Boost Mobile does not guarantee access to AT&T and T-Mobile networks

Before reaching talks with Boost Mobile, Elon Musk already requested SpaceX access to the three main operators in the United States, the aforementioned T-Mobile and AT&T and Verizon. All three offered the same answer, no. But the purchase of Boost Mobile would not solve all of Starlink Mobile’s problems at once, since networks cannot be subleasedand T-Mobile and/or AT&T would have to give the go-ahead for Elon Musk’s telephone company to operate under their network. Based on responses that SpaceX operates under the networks of the three major US operators, it does not appear that this permission will be granted.

Starlink Mobile seeks a new source of income beyond satellite internet

SpaceX wants to enter the telecommunications market in the United Statessomething that its main competitors do not seem to like. Starlink Mobile could get an extra benefit from 12,000 satellites that is available, generating a new source of income beyond what is currently offered with the internet connection. Elon Musk wants to offer a new service, but it seems that it will not be so easy, although if the executive insists he could build his own infrastructure in a few years.