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SpaceX has outlined plans to make Starlink Mobile a major US mobile carrier, partnering with Qualcomm to deploy cellular technology across tens of thousands of 5G sites starting in 2027. Reports indicate SpaceX is also in talks to acquire Boost Mobile and could tap roughly 80,000 existing cell sites nationwide to expand its network.
SpaceX has reportedly discussed with EchoStar either buying Boost Mobile outright or gaining access to its cellular network, which is leased from AT&T and T-Mobile, according to the Washington Post. The deal would require approval from those carriers, which have previously declined to grant SpaceX network access for a separate service. SpaceX also held talks last month with Crown Castle about using roughly 80,000 cell tower sites as it develops Starlink Mobile.
The Washington Post reports that SpaceX has held discussions with EchoStar, parent company of Boost Mobile, about either buying Boost Mobile or gaining access to its wireless network. Boost's network capacity is leased from AT&T and T-Mobile, meaning any deal would require approval from those carriers, which have previously declined to grant SpaceX similar network access. No agreement has been finalized.
According to a Washington Post report, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk spoke directly with EchoStar chairman Charlie Ergen in October about buying Boost Mobile, which along with GenMobile serves roughly 7.5 million customers. The move follows SpaceX's $17 billion purchase of wireless spectrum from EchoStar last year and would add to its 2024 rollout of satellite connectivity for T-Mobile subscribers.
SpaceX is reportedly negotiating with EchoStar, either to acquire its Boost Mobile prepaid carrier outright or to secure a separate deal for network access, according to The Washington Post. Boost Mobile currently leases network capacity from AT&T and T-Mobile. The talks follow SpaceX's recent $8 billion deal to acquire 800MHz spectrum aimed at improving Starlink Mobile's indoor coverage.
SpaceX has reportedly discussed a potential deal with Boost Mobile parent EchoStar that could involve acquiring the carrier or gaining access to its network, according to The Washington Post. Elon Musk reportedly discussed the arrangement with EchoStar chairman Charlie Ergen last month. Boost Mobile currently relies on T-Mobile and AT&T for network access, which may require their approval for any SpaceX deal to proceed.
Tracking sites Starlink Flights and Stardrift report that several airlines are well into equipping their fleets with Starlink Wi-Fi. WestJet has outfitted 76-83% of its planes (at least 100 confirmed), Qatar Airways roughly 60% (over 150 planes, all 787-8s done, targeting full 787 completion by end of 2026), Air France around 65% (at least 150 planes, unconfirmed by the airline), and SAS has confirmed 70% completion including all A320neo jets. Emirates has installed Starlink on over 50 planes at a pace of about 14 per month, while Alaska Airlines is now installing it on mainline and widebody jets.
Vladimir Putin called Elon Musk 'a genius' at the Russia-Africa Summit and said the two are in 'close contact' regarding Rassvet, Russia's planned rival to Starlink. Putin noted Musk already has over 5,000 satellites in orbit while Russia is just beginning its own effort.
The Pentagon inspector general's office rejected a bipartisan group of nine senators' request to investigate reported restrictions on SpaceX's Starlink and Starshield services used by Ukraine's military. Ukraine had reported that drones lost satellite connectivity above 161 km/h (100 mph) for about 10 days earlier this month before the limit was lifted. Inspector General Platte Moring told senators the Air Force and Space Force were better positioned to address the questions raised.
Vladimir Putin told the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow that he regularly communicates with Elon Musk to coordinate so Russia's Rassvet satellite internet project and SpaceX's Starlink do not interfere with each other in orbit. Putin called Musk a 'real genius,' while Russia's embassy in South Africa described Rassvet, which has only a few dozen satellites compared with Starlink's roughly 13,000, as Russia's early-stage alternative to Starlink.
The FCC has approved Amazon Leo's $11.5 billion acquisition of satellite operator Globalstar, which currently provides Apple's emergency satellite connectivity for iPhones and Apple Watches. Apple previously held a 20 percent stake in Globalstar before the takeover, and under the new deal Leo will take over powering those satellite services for supported Apple devices.
Security researchers say they have detected signs of a large-scale surveillance operation directed at users of SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service. The findings point to monitoring activity concentrated in countries where Starlink access is officially banned or restricted.