SpaceX discussed deal to launch mobile service through Boost Mobile

SpaceX has discussed a deal with Boost Mobile to launch its own mobile service through the budget-friendly carrier, according to a report by The Washington Post.

The reported deal could involve SpaceX acquiring Boost Mobile or accessing its network. Elon Musk discussed a potential agreement last month with Charlie Ergen, chairman of EchoStar, Boost Mobile’s parent company, the report said.

Boost Mobile’s network currently uses T-Mobile and AT&T. SpaceX may need permission from both carriers to launch its service. Neither SpaceX nor Boost Mobile immediately responded to The Verge’s request for comment.

SpaceX has stepped up efforts in recent months to build a mobile service combining its satellite-to-mobile constellation with a terrestrial network. It 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 was in talks to gain access to at least 80,000 cell sites in the US.